Helen Cawley, reference services coordinator at the Hesburgh Libraries, has been elected member-at-large of the Reference Services Section (RSS) of the American Library Association’s (ALA) Reference and User Services Association (RUSA).
“Helen’s election to this section indicates her growing reputation and expertise in the library profession,” said Margaret Meserve, Edward H. Arnold Dean of the Hesburgh Libraries. “Reference services are a cornerstone of student and researcher success, and I know our patrons will benefit from Helen’s position with this group.”
According to its website, RUSA’s mission is to “educate, empower and inspire its members to advance the evolution of the profession and better serve users in a continuously changing information society.” RSS, a section of RUSA, supports library staff engaged in reference services by creating professional development opportunities, fostering collaboration among peers and representing user needs.
“I am eager to represent and serve as an active voice for my fellow library professionals,” Cawley said. “The Reference Services Section is a source of practical support for its members, serving as a bridge that connects national leadership to our daily work with patrons here at the Hesburgh Libraries. I look forward to contributing to the success of the section and helping reference services grow and gain awareness among other library professionals.”
Cawley said she is looking forward to focusing on practical initiatives during her tenure, including standards development, resource connection, outreach, and examining AI developments that could serve as practical training and toolkits for the profession.
“I look forward to participating in conversations that will ensure academic libraries nationwide maintain quality and consistent service delivery,” she said. “By proactively discussing evolving service models and major trends, I can help my own institution and others stay ahead of the curve, particularly in understanding and exploring how AI can be used as a tool in the research process rather than as a challenge to our core mission of providing patrons with accurate and exemplary research assistance.”
While working with the RSS, Cawley expects to draw on her experience as a supervisor at the Hesburgh Libraries’ Ask Us desk. She said the role has given her insight into the challenges librarians face, including finding and assessing new tools to support frontline reference librarians.
“Finding creative solutions and seeking out cost-effective professional development opportunities has made me more nimble in my work,” Cawley said. “This has led me to a deeper appreciation for our patrons and the resources available through the Hesburgh Libraries and the University of Notre Dame. I look forward to bringing this resource-conscious perspective to the RSS Executive Committee to advocate for the practical success of all our members.”