Hello, I’m Monica Benavides, I live in Orem, Utah, and I graduated from Brigham Young University (BYU) in History with an emphasis in Colonial Latin America. I love Latin dancing, especially bachata. Of course, I like to read, play the piano (when I get around to it), and hang out with my family. I’m also a practicing member of Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) and True Edge Academy of Swordsmanship. #longswords
When I was young, I used to daydream about having a library of my own where I could create cards to attach to my books to “checkout.” I was seriously interested in becoming a librarian a few years ago. I participated in undergraduate internships with the LDS Church History Library and Brigham Young University Library and enjoyed my time there. I believe it is an excellent career choice that promotes lifelong learning. I am a currently obtaining my Master of Science in Library Science at the University of North Texas. My goal is to graduate with academic certificates in Archival Management and Youth Literature. These various program studies are broadening my eyes regarding the library world.
My journey as a medical librarian is actually quite new. Before joining the Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions (RMUoHP) family in May, I worked at Ancestry. My decision to apply for the library assistant/testing center coordinator position was partially due to my coworkers coaxing me. Needless to say, I was excited when I was offered the position. These five months have been a time of rapid learning and growth for me. I have been fortunate to learn from the other medical librarians – Karen Newmeyer and Ashley Bassett. As a university librarian I disseminate information to faculty and students, so they can focus on their studies and research. Although I am no stranger to the library, I have had to learn the different resources available for those in the health professions. We offer library reference databases to alumni, the capstones and dissertations of former alumni are located in the library, and a plethora of anatomical models and puzzles wait to be used. I also work behind the scenes so our print and online holdings are up-to-date and more accessible to find in our library catalog. The LRC newsletter highlights a book of the month and new books additions. A loaned collection of anatomy reference books from Dr. Gilmer also live on our shelves. The LRC incorporates new technology, like a collaboration table for study groups, a book scanner that outputs the images in several formats, and QR codes that take you right to the LRC webpage and library catalog.
Although I am not a medical student, I consider myself an RMUoHP student as I learn more about the health science world from a medical librarian’s perspective.
