We are thrilled to introduce Lauren Lundy, our new Instruction & Research Librarian at Furman University Libraries. Lauren brings a passion for teaching, research, and advocacy, and she is eager to support students on their academic journeys.

Lauren describes her role simply: “My job is to get my students to pass. I’m a resource for research, citation help, and just about anything else a student would need to get an assignment done. If I don’t know an answer, it’s my goal to make sure I can connect my students with someone who does.” Her commitment to student success is at the core of her work.

Her journey into librarianship began with a love for music and a desire to challenge systemic injustice. “I studied opera in undergrad. As I learned more about the industry and the history of music, I was unable to ignore the systems of oppression baked into every element of music-making. I wanted to be a part of the change, rather than a perpetuator of the system, and so I found librarianship as a way of documenting and sharing the erased and oppressed history of music.”

For students considering a career in librarianship, Lauren offers valuable advice: “Join a library academic association. Student membership fees are often inexpensive, and they allow the formation of connections that will help students determine if this profession is for them. Networking is essential for success, and academic associations are the easiest way to do that.”

Lauren is an avid reader of political non-fiction and finds PASCAL especially useful for accessing current literature beyond Furman’s collection. “It’s great to get not just Furman resources, but easy access to all of these resources from around the state and beyond.”

Lauren’s favorite season is fall, “especially if I have a chai latte in my hand and leaves crunching underneath.” She also has a deep interest in historical figures, sharing: “I’d choose to have dinner with Hildegard of Bingen. I think she would enjoy the messiness of the 21st century, and beyond that, I spent most of my master’s degree working with her oeuvre, so I just have a lot of questions.”

We are delighted to welcome Lauren to the Furman community. Be sure to say hello when you see her in the library or at the Research Assistance desk!