School of Nursing Liaison Librarian Amanda Datesman (photo credit: Kimberley Barker)

What originally drew you to your field?

I was originally drawn to the healthcare field by a desire to help others and my enthusiasm for continuous learning. While working as an RN in UVA's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I became interested in evidence-based practice and the critical role of information in the clinical setting, which led me to pursue my MLIS. Even though I’m no longer working directly with patients, I love that my librarian role still focuses on learning and helping others.  

How does your work relate to the Library’s mission/guiding principles? 

One of our guiding principles at the Library is to value, discover, acknowledge, and develop individuals’ strengths. When working with students, my goal is to assess their information needs, meet them where they’re at, and then work with them to develop skills and learn resources to meet their own information needs. Ultimately, I’m successful when students feel confident to tackle an evidence-based practice project or to answer whatever questions may arise in their clinical practice.

What most excites you about your work here?

UVA Health is a leader in innovative research and excellent patient care and it’s exciting to know that the library plays a role in those successes. I love helping prepare nursing students to become curious RNs who will provide evidence-based care and seek to continually improve the quality of healthcare delivery.

What is something you have on your bucket list?

I love to travel but don’t think very far into the future about it. I went to Iceland this summer and I’m not sure what’s next. Japan, maybe?

 What is the best thing you've read/watched/listened to recently?

 I recently read Marjane Satrapi’s autobiographical graphic novel “Persepolis” for the first time and thought it was really powerful.

If you'd like to contact Amanda, you may either email her, or complete the Ask Us form.