Library IRL: Meet Jordan Stackhouse, Wanek Center and Health Sciences Librarian

Library IRL is a monthly series that highlights the people behind the books, spaces, and services at HPU Libraries. Each feature offers a closer look at one member of our team, sharing insight into their work, interests, and the many ways they support students, faculty, and campus life. It is a chance to show the real people behind the library and tell the stories that do not always fit neatly into job titles or service descriptions.

This month, we are featuring Jordan Stackhouse!

About Jordan

What is your title and how long have you been at HPU Libraries?

I am the Wanek Center and Health Sciences Librarian, and I’ve been with HPU Libraries for two years.

The Work

What does a typical day look like for you, or what do people think you do vs. what you actually do?

I usually start the day by opening Wanek, turning on the lights, opening the doors, and making sure the print room is stocked. From there, I spend time at the reference desk, answer emails, and work on a variety of projects. That might mean preparing for a one-shot instruction session, helping with a research project, tracking down articles and refining search strategies for graduate-level health sciences research, curating displays for Wanek, or ordering materials for faculty.

What part of your work feels the most meaningful to you?

For me, it’s probably a tie between working with patrons and doing research. I love getting to explore all kinds of topics and learning something new along the way, but it’s also really fulfilling to help colleagues and patrons with the things they’re working on.

What is something about your role that most people might not realize?

I don’t think most people realize how intensive the research process can be. A really good search strategy can take weeks to finalize. You have to find and refine the right search terms, then figure out how to put everything together in a way the database actually likes.

What is one project or accomplishment you are particularly proud of?

I’m especially proud of completing the MLA Systematic Review course because it gave me the skills and knowledge to provide more support for research projects. I was also really proud to have my work highlighted by the accreditors during the Optometry accreditation process.

The Human Side

What is your favorite spot in any HPU Libraries space and why?

My favorite spot is the balcony at Wanek. It has a great view, and, maybe more importantly, it gives me somewhere to warm up because it is always so cold inside.

Coffee, tea, or something else?

Coffee. Iced and black.

What is something on your desk or in your workspace that says a lot about you?

Probably my pen carousel because I am a stationery and office-supplies fiend. I also have a Hot Wheels “Loco Motorin’” train that a manager at my last job gave me during a shift. I tend to keep every gift people give me because I love sentimental things and knickknacks.

What is a skill you have that is not in your job description?

I can roller-skate, and I play the saxophone.

Library Culture

What is a library resource or service you love that more people should know about?

My favorite thing that more people should know about is our library events. We offer so many great workshops and activities that are open to anyone, sewing workshops, game nights, bookbinding, painting, and all kinds of other things. There is always something good happening.

If you could magically add one thing to the library, what would it be?

I would magically give the library access to every journal collection in the world, so everyone could find and access whatever they need directly through the catalog.

Just for Fun

Favorite book, movie, or album right now?

Right now, I’m really into Isaiah Rashad’s The House Is Burning. I’m also watching the anime Re:Zero, Starting Life in Another World.

A book you love but rarely get to recommend?

The Cider House Rules. I love it, but I don’t get many chances to recommend it.

If your job had a theme song, what would it be?

I’d go with “A Night in Tunisia.” It’s chaotic, but somehow it all comes together. There are time-signature changes, it’s fast-paced, and that feels pretty appropriate for the job.

One fun fact about you that surprises people?

I can whistle really, really well.

By Gerald Ward, Assistant Director, Head of Archives & Special Collections