Last summer I conducted a
series of interviews
with all the student workers around the Leatherby Libraries. These interviews helped inform the community about all the different areas of the library and all the services we have! Now, we’re doing the same with all our hard-working
librarians. Kristin Laughtin-Dunker, our Coordinator of Scholarly Communications & Electronic Resources, was kindly able to answer ten questions for us.
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  1. What is your name and title?


My name is Kristin Laughtin-Dunker, and I am the Coordinator of Scholarly Communications & Electronic Resources.

  1. In what department of the Leatherby Libraries do you work?


I’m in the Systems & Technology Division.

  1. How long have you been at Chapman University?


Since April 2013, so about 2.5 years now.

  1. What is your job in a nutshell?


My job has two main parts. The Scholarly Communications side means I am available to assist faculty with any questions they have related to how they evaluate, disseminate, and preserve their research and creative work. So if they have questions about the reputation of a journal, howmuch their work is being used, or how they should create a data management plan, I’m a resource for them to tap. It also means I manage
Chapman University Digital Commons
, which is a public database and archive for the scholarly and creative output of Chapman University faculty, staff, and students.

The Electronic Resources side is more straightforward. I track requests for new resources, negotiate with vendors, and implement any new resources we acquire. I also handle any reports of service disruptions for our existing resources to ensure that Chapman and Brandman patrons are able to access everything in our digital library collections.

  1. Have you held any jobs at other universities or libraries?


I worked in the Collection Development department at Langson Library at UC Irvine for 6.5 years before coming to Chapman.

  1. What are your passions/interests outside of work?


I’m very interested in science fiction and fantasy literature, and I dress up in Star Wars costumes for charity and educational events.

  1. Where did you get your degree?


I got my BA (in Religious Studies and Linguistics) from UC Santa Barbara, and my MLIS from San Jose State University.

  1. Where is your hometown?


Sacramento, CA

  1. What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved?


The last book I read was The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin. I’ve read and enjoyed quite a few of her books over the past year.

  1. Any fun facts about yourself?


I actually met my husband while we were dressed up in Star Wars costumes at a charity event. (No, we didn’t have a Star Wars wedding, but there were a lot of geeky touches to the décor.) I feel like a pretty stereotypical librarian some days because I love reading and writing and I have two cats. Really, though, I love animals in general. I spend a lot of time at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and I hope to get a dog in another year or so.