In many ways, librarians are the unsung heroes of any college campus -- their knowledge of resources across all avenues of formats makes them a crucial part of any student’s educational journey, and COC’s own librarian, Jennifer Thompson, is perhaps the best example of that.

From a young age, Thompson was a helper and was eager to lend her knowledge to others, most significantly as a tutor. From the very beginning, she wanted to reach out and share in the active pursuit of knowledge and take part in some learning of her own, too. 

“The best part of my profession is that I learn something new every day, and when students discover information about their topics, I’m learning right alongside them,” she says.

Thompson holds a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, which makes her highly qualified for the role she plays here on COC’s campus. She started out working at her own college library while she was still in school, and after realizing the impact she could have on students, it finally clicked that the library was the place she was meant to be.

Of course, it's no secret that Thompson herself is an avid reader and is continually searching for ways to keep herself well-informed in just the same as the library's patrons do (though she has a particular love for Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre). Outside of the bibliophile world, though, she's also has a few interests she credits with allowing her to maintain a balance between work and play.

On the weekends, Thompson enjoys taking walks and both playing and watching basketball recreationally. Surprisingly, though she's a considerably active participant in sports, she doesn't know how to ride a bike -- but what she lacks in this area, she makes up for with her expertise in rollerblading. Her wanderlust is also what sets her apart from many -- while Greece is at the top of her traveling bucket list, she finds it difficult to ever really pick just one place.

All in all, for Thompson, the pursuit of knowledge never really ends, and for that reason, it’s clear to everyone that she’s landed herself in the perfect career for herself.

“There’s a ton of information out there -- we are all constant consumers and creators, and I want students to be thinking critically about the information they consume daily," Thompson shares.