If it wasn't for my Librarian:
Real stories of library impact
Whether stewarding physical collections or navigating the digital learning landscape, librarians continue to support students, faculty and researchers with trusted guidance and expertise. They provide the resources, information and data that fuel academic excellence across the institution and beyond.
The stories below offer a glimpse into the difference a librarian can make. Share your own story to help amplify their impact.
Elīna Veļa
Elīna Veļa is a dedicated Chief Librarian at the Library of Riga Stradiņš University, actively engaging with the research community and colleagues across the Baltic region to support the development of systematic reviews. Recognizing the importance of this skill for high-quality research, she has taken a proactive approach to professional development and community collaboration.
Her efforts led to the organization of "The Baltic-German Summer School on Systematic Reviews", which was attended by 25 librarians from all Baltic states. Elīna played a key role in planning and coordinating this educational event, aimed at enhancing the capacity of librarians to support researchers effectively and confidently.
Elina is pictured second to the left in the green shirt
Elina is pictured second to the left in the green shirt
Through her leadership, she has improved the quality of research support within her own library and contributed to strengthening the regional network of librarians, who will now be better equipped to serve their communities using expertise in systematic reviews. Her work has positively impacted both library staff and the research community, enabling more reliable and comprehensive support for researchers across the Baltic region and building new bridges toward wider cooperation.
Elīna reflects:
"Organizing this Summer School has given me a lot of new knowledge and skills. I have been in the library field for more than 13 years, I am active member at the Library Association of Latvia and thus I have organized a lot of events, but I still get excited about organizing this kind of events for librarians because I love libraries and I see the opportunities for creating library a better place not only for students, but also for researchers. It is very important to gain their trust and to be appreciated by the researchers. The main highlight of the Summer School for me was when one of the participants came and said, 'The lecturer team is the best; how did you manage to get these lecturers?' Then I knew that I had done well."
Dr. Prakash
Dr. Prakash
Dr. Prakash
Submitted by a research scholar at Alliance University in Bengaluru: Dr. Prakash, our university librarian, is truly an approachable and inspiring figure. Whether it’s a student, a research scholar, or a faculty member, he treats everyone with the same warmth and respect. I have personally experienced his openness and willingness to help—no matter how small or complex the doubt might be. What makes him stand out even more is his dedication beyond regular working hours; unlike many who disengage after office time, Dr. Prakash has consistently responded to messages and emails late in the evening. This is a clear reflection of his passion for supporting the academic community and his commitment to the dissemination of knowledge.
He also maintains a strong network of reputed researchers and academicians, many of whom are invited regularly to conduct insightful sessions on research methodologies, publication strategies, and skill enhancement. These interactions have not only enriched the research culture on campus but have also helped many budding scholars gain clarity and direction in their academic journeys.
Furthermore, Dr. Prakash’s leadership within the library system is equally commendable. He ensures that the library staff work in a cooperative and inclusive environment, fostering a culture of efficiency and accessibility. Thanks to his efforts, resources are well-organized, up-to-date, and readily available to everyone without bureaucratic hurdles. His ability to manage both people and processes with empathy and precision has significantly elevated the quality of service the library offers.
In essence, Dr. Prakash’s presence and efforts have made a lasting impact on our university’s academic environment. His proactive attitude, inclusive approach, and relentless commitment to service have transformed the library into not just a place of books, but a dynamic center for learning and growth.
Ezra Kapachika
Ezra Kapachika
Ezra Kapachika
As a college librarian at Lake Malawi Anglican University, I’ve witnessed firsthand how librarianship extends far beyond shelving books. In my role, I have become a research partner, an academic coach, and a digital literacy advocate.
One of my most impactful experiences has been supporting students and faculty with research skills—from structuring their proposals to navigating databases and citation tools. Recently, I helped final-year students improve their referencing and literature review strategies using Mendeley and Research4Life, tools they had never used before. Their confidence grew, and so did the quality of their academic work.
I’ve also supported faculty in integrating digital resources into their teaching. When our university moved toward blended learning, I helped curate e-resources and train staff on platforms like Google Workspace. These small contributions made the transition smoother and more engaging for students.
Currently, I’m playing a key role in developing an Online Theology Program—mobilizing resources, designing digital access strategies, and ensuring that students in remote areas can engage meaningfully through satellite learning centers.
To me, the library is not just a service point—it is a catalyst for transformation. Every day, I strive to ensure that the library remains a cornerstone of academic growth and innovation.
Silvia Sheffield
Silvia Sheffield
Silvia Sheffield
Every day, Librarians support early career researchers in navigating the publishing process. This commitment shines at NC State University, where Librarian Silvia Sheffield is a main coordinator for a Publishing Workshop Series exploring topics relevant to those still new to getting published.
Due to the collaborative energy between Silvia and current colleagues Bertha Chang and Anna Cohen, a team approach has made this series a local success. The workshops they have coordinated and/or developed demystifies the scholarly communications landscape, directly impacting the next generation of scholars—which is currently more important than ever.
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