Elizabeth McMahan, IUS Library catalog specialist, assists students in the IUS Library and on the basketball court.
McMahan, known as “Libby” to some, has been at IU Southeast for more than 30 years.
McMahan said she’s impressed with the evolution of the IUS Library.
“We do so much of our own processing today,” she said. “Technology has the biggest impact in the library.”
A student can order a book and receive it much quicker than in the past.
“Using our ‘just in time’ catalog,” she said, “we can get a book within 24 hours.”
Melanie Hughes, associate librarian and coordinator of Automation and Technological Services, has worked with McMahan for more than eight years.
Hughes said McMahan is committed to the IUS Library and to IUS students.
“Libby maintains the integrity of our catalog,” Hughes said.
McMahan grew up in Corydon and began attending IU Southeast in 1973 directly after graduating high school.
As the catalog specialist, McMahan’s work is always changing. She classifies all incoming materials, logs materials into the online database and also manages the library’s physical collection.
Several students work alongside McMahan in the library.
Hughes also said McMahan is a wonderful mentor to the students who work in the library.
“They learn the behind the scenes work is just as important as what goes on at the front line,” Hughes said.
As the official women’s basketball scorekeeper, McMahan tracks all subs, points, turnover and fouls.
Joe Glover, assistant athletic director, who said he immediately hit it off with McMahan when they first met, said McMahan is a vital asset to the IUS athletic department.
Glover said the press section of basketball games could get somewhat hectic.
“It can get pretty tense,” Glover said. “She always lightens the mood at the score table. She is always there for a good laugh and we are certainly thankful. I know I can count on her to be there.”
Glover said McMahan keeps a close eye on the players.
“If she didn’t have that connection, she wouldn’t volunteer for 20-plus years,” Glover said.
When it comes to her position in the IUS Library, McMahan said it’s rewarding.
“I’m a hands-on person,” McMahan said. “I get to see what the end results of my job provide the students.”
McMahan said there are so many countless recourses available to students in the IUS Library that she has trouble identifying the most important one.
“Many students use our online services,” she said.
McMahan said she enjoys her fellow faculty members at IU Southeast, and said their support makes her job more gratifying.
“I’m always impressed with the assistance I’ve received from other departments,” McMahan said. “I’ve always believed in supporting staff. I think it’s a great place to work.”
By MATTHEW CHINN
Staff Writer
mchinn@ius.edu