Laura Bashus
Business Operations Administrator
Library Administration

Tell us about your job in the library.

I’m the Business Operations Administrator in McGoogan Library. I prepare financial and other business reports, tackle space-related issues, participate in library workflow reviews, and serve on various library committees.

When would you most likely meet or talk with me?

A person would most likely meet or talk with me when they have questions on the library’s business operations or workflows. For example, when the library and another NU unit collaborate on a project, I provide consultation on how to accomplish the business aspect of the project.

What do you like about working in the library?

Working in the library has reminded me of the unique and critical role the library fills by making high-quality information resources accessible to faculty, staff, students, clinicians, patients, and other library patrons. The library makes it possible to sort through the vast amount of available information with confidence that we are working with the most appropriate, relevant and valuable material.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of my work, I enjoy spending time with family, which includes two especially busy toddler grandchildren and one equally demanding grandpup.

My favorite relaxation endeavor is playing the piano. Interestingly, the piano seems to have quite the opposite effect when the toddlers are playing (banging) on it (haha), but it’s still music to my ears.

Larissa Krayer
Digital Archivist
Special Collections

Tell us about your job in the library.

I am the Digital Archivist for the Special Collections.  I collect, manage and care for both digitized and born-digital materials relating to the history of UNMC and the health sciences in Nebraska.  A big part of my job is preserving these files so that they can be accessed today as well as for years to come.  One of the ways I help to make these items accessible is by creating digital interactive exhibits which will be launching early next year.

When would you most likely meet or talk with me?

If you are interested in accessing our digital materials or interested in donating materials to the collections would be the time you’d most likely to talk to me.

What do you like about working in the library?

I love being able to work with history and especially being able to make it accessible and relevant to the public.  I enjoy being able to present artifacts and documents in new and interactive ways through exhibits.  But my favorite part is the challenge in working with digital materials as technology is constantly changing and evolving, so there’s always something new to learn and adapt to.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I volunteer and foster for Basset and Beagle Rescue of the Heartland.  I love to travel and enjoy exploring Nebraska and Iowa by visiting the many wonderful wineries and breweries.

Karen Foster
Library Acquisitions Technician
Collection Development and Metadata

Tell us about your job in the library.

I order books, journals, equipment and office supplies for the McGoogan Library.  I process the invoices for payment for these items and maintain records of the payments.  I also register and process the payments for Library staff members attending meetings, conferences, classes and webinars.

When would you most likely meet or talk with me?

I would most likely meet or talk with you when I am contacted about possible donations of book and journals to the Library.

What do you like about working in the library?

I like doing my part to make materials available to our patrons that will help them in their work and studies.  I like working with other Library staff so resources can be accessed both electronic and print.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy reading and traveling outside of work.  I like to spend time with my family, especially my nieces and nephews.

John Schleicher
Special Collections Librarian
Special Collections

Tell us about your job in the library.

I work in Special Collections, which is part of Collections Services.  I organize and take care of the library’s historical collections, including archives, rare books, artifacts and art work.  I make these collections available to researchers and also provide reference services.

When would you most likely meet or talk with me?

If you are interested in researching topics related to the history of the health sciences, accessing a book from the rare book rooms, or if you need information on the history of UNMC or any of the various colleges, you would most likely meet or talk with me.

What do you like about working in the library?

I enjoy making the campus community and outside researchers more aware of the wonderful historical collections which we have—especially the rare books.  I also enjoy giving presentations on the history of the medical center.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to read history and biography.  I really enjoy watching vintage movies on Turner Classic Movies.  I am part of a local wine-tasting group and enjoy experiencing new varieties I have never tried.  I help one of my siblings provide care for an elderly parent.

Heather L. Brown
Head of Collection Services
Collection Services

Tell us about your job in the library.

I am the Head of Collection Services, which means I oversee Collection Development, Special Collections, and Interlibrary Loan. I’m also the lead administrator for Digital Commons, the campus institutional repository. It’s a full-text, open access database that can archive works created by the UNMC community.

When would you most likely meet or talk with me?

I’m the contact for the Digital Commons, but also copyright and publishing issues.

What do you like about working in the library?

I like how nothing stays the same. Information and its access continues to change, along with the ways we provide services. It’s exciting to work in a dynamic environment and to keep up with the needs of people that use the library.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy travel, particularly in Europe, photography, and beer brewing!