New Coordinator of Online Resources and Collections at UH Libraries
Lindsay Cronk is the new coordinator of online resources and collections at UH Libraries.
The University of Houston Libraries welcomes Lindsay Cronk, who recently began her new role as coordinator of online resources and collections.
Please describe your role at UH Libraries and talk about some of your professional goals and/or research areas.
As coordinator of online resources and collections (CORC) I work as both an investigator and a facilitator, both roles I relish. I collaborate with Liaison Services, Resource Discovery Systems, and Acquisitions to ensure we make informed collection development decisions that are measured, humane, responsible, and supportive of scholarly processes. I collect, analyze, and present data to support the interdepartmental effort of electronic resources management.
Please share a bit about your background and interests. How do these inspire and shape your approach as a librarian?
For years I had a beat-up old scooter. I recently upgraded to a new one for the purposes of my newly acquired commute, but tinkering with that simple machine was my favorite thing to do. I think that tinkering is essentially the work of collection management, which requires a commitment to looking, looking again, and making necessary adjustments. I am necessarily patient and investigative, and because I am invigorated by the process I tend to be upbeat as I conduct the work.
I’ve been a waitress, a shampoo girl, a grant writer, and a database administrator. I’ve worked in library consortia and historic preservation. I consider myself a consummate generalist, and that perspective definitely colors my approach to management and the library.
Please describe your first impressions of the University of Houston.
The day of my interview is mostly a blur. My first day of work was the first day of school, and I do think there was a special energy around it because of that. There’s an unspoken camaraderie at the start of a semester, and the sense of a fresh start. University of Houston is such a beautiful campus, but because I was bustling for orientation I didn’t get to see it really until a couple weeks after I started. My first impressions were all of a busy, friendly, and purposeful campus community and library team.
What is your favorite book/movie/cuisine/hobby?
My favorite book is definitely The Secret History by Donna Tart – so gloomy and collegiate and atmospheric. My favorite movie is a harder pick, though I’d probably say it’s currently Mad Max: Fury Road. I love all foods, and I refuse to play favorites. Hobby-wise, I like to throw pots and crochet.