In July, the University Libraries hired Jennifer Thompson as associate university librarian for Acquisitions, Collections and Technical Services. Jennifer has a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia, where she studied religious studies and architectural history. She was inspired to become a librarian while studying the design of the Boston Public Library. The architects intended the design to reflect the importance of public spaces in a democratic society and the ability of learning to improve lives – two concepts with which Jennifer wholeheartedly aligns. Previously Jennifer served as electronic resources librarian for the University of Missouri System, technology and resource sharing consultant for the Missouri State Library, and library director at the American College of the Building Arts in Charleston, SC.