By Garrett Nichol, Staff Writer

Erin Pappas is the newest addition to the Robert Morris University Bensenville campus library. You can find her working hard to ensure all students have access to materials and computers at Bensenville.

Ms. Pappas, hired in May 2011, took on her role as Library Branch Coordinator for the Bensenville Campus. Originally from Lexington, KY, Ms. Pappas currently lives in Chicago and is thoroughly enjoying her new job at Robert Morris. As the new librarian on campus, she has many responsibilities. From administrative work to assisting students, Erin does a lot for the students and faculty at the Bensenville Campus. When asked what her duties at Robert Morris are, she said, “I do a lot of miscellaneous things, but most of my time is spent helping students locate books and references as well as giving library instruction and teaching students how to use the resources that are available, such as Blackboard and research catalogs.”

Though Erin has only been working at Robert Morris since May, she has a lot of experience working in libraries. At age fifteen, she got her first job shelving books at the local library in her hometown of Lexington. While in college, she worked as a graduate assistant as well as an office manager for a student/faculty library. Her educational background is equally impressive with a Bachelor’s Degree in Russian Literature from Reed College in Oregon, as well as a Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Kentucky.

As most would expect, Erin is an avid reader. “I enjoy reading all types of books, but my favorite kinds of books would have to be Scandinavian mysteries, young adult literature and comedy memoirs and biographies,” she says.  Her favorite books are First Love by­­ Ivan Turgenev, the author whom she wrote her thesis on. Her other favorite is Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris, one of her favorite authors.

Outside of working at the Bensenville Campus library and reading, Erin has many other interests. She also enjoys writing, “I really enjoy writing comedy, but I also write some nonfiction as well,” she said.  Her favorite movie is The Social Network, which she has seen over 20 times. Erin enjoys watching television more than movies. “My favorite TV show is Parks and Recreation…I think it’s really funny and I enjoy the whole cast. I also enjoy watching Misfits, Madmen, Weeds and 30 Rock. I pretty much like any show that is well-written.”

Erin also enjoys cooking, yoga and traveling. Erin has been to all of the lower 48 states, and hopes to someday travel to Japan. Erin takes classes at Second City in Chicago, which is a theatre that has performances, but also offers various classes. Erin took a course in sketch comedy writing, and is currently taking an improvisation course. As you can see, Erin is much more than your average bookworm librarian.

Now that you know all about Erin Pappas, from her duties as Library Branch Coordinator, to her favorite TV shows, feel free to come into the Bensenville library. Whether you need help on a project, finding a good book to read, or a new TV series to watch, come talk to Erin. She is friendly, funny and is always willing to help. Erin offers one piece of advice for Robert Morris students, “Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Come in and talk to me or the academic advisors. Take initiative and don’t be intimidated!”