Library Staff News

Paul Barfoot is celebrating twenty-six years of service to Syracuse University Library this year. For most of his tenure, he has worked in the Special Collections Research Center as a Library Technician. A job, he says, that gives him the "keys to the candy store." He relishes the fact that he has immediate access to rare material and is able to help researchers from around the world navigate these valuable resources. Paul enjoys working in SCRC, and is thankful to have a great group of colleagues to work with on a daily basis.

His professional life blends nicely with his personal interests. Outside of work, Paul uses his research skills to help Open Hand Theater, a non-profit theater company, produce theatrical pieces. As the theater's primary researcher, he gathers background information and folklore for productions. He is also a volunteer puppeteer.

Paul also volunteers his time to help international students improve their English language skills. He works as a group leader for an English Conversation Group, a program run by the Slutzker Center for International Services. These small groups of international students meet once a week for an informal conversation led by a native English speaker. The intention is to provide a supportive environment for international students to both improve their language skills and learn more about American culture.

Paul enjoys his role as a group leader and encourages other Library staff to volunteer, if so inclined. He believes that library staff are perfectly suited for this kind of interaction with students, since it is inherent to their work. As a group leader, he encourages students to ask questions about the meaning of words, phrases, or about American culture in general. For example, a Korean student asked Paul about the appropriate way to interact with his professor, who asked his students to call him by his first name. In Korea, it is disrespectful to look a professor directly in the eye. Paul was able to help this student understand that it is acceptable to interact with his professor in that way.

Paul looks forward to continuing his work with international students and encourages others to volunteer by emailing Riet Dekleermaeker, the founder and coordinator of the program.

Want to learn more about your colleagues? Nominate one of them for our new Staff Profile column. Each issue will feature an up close and personal view of one of our most interesting staff members. To nominate someone, send an email to libcom@syr.edu.