Get to Know HFC: Library Associate Brendon Vincent
HFC Library Associate II Brendon Vincent always loved reading, so working in a library seemed a natural extension of that.
“When I was in high school, I always spent my lunch periods with our librarian, Deborah Morse, and we’d speak extensively about life and books. She's the main reason I’m now working in a library. She sparked that interest,” explained Vincent, of Westland, whose favorite authors include J.R.R. Tolkien, Jujji Ito, Takiji Kobayashi, Isaac Asimov, and Neil Gaiman.
The eldest of three, Vincent is an alumnus of Woodhaven High School in Brownstown. In 2018, he earned his associate degree in liberal arts from HFC. He is now studying art history at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, as well as taking additional classes at HFC, including ceramics. Once he completes his undergraduate education, Vincent plans to pursue graduate work in library science and become a full-fledged librarian.
“After I graduated from high school, I was doing carpentry work. It had some nice aspects, but it wasn’t for me. I knew I needed to do something different with my life. Going to a university was too intimidating for me and I didn’t think of myself as academically exceptional. I enrolled at HFC and had a great experience,” he recalled.
“I’ve always loved libraries”
During his time at HFC, Vincent was a charter member of the Sexuality and Gender Acceptance (SAGA) Club. He also was a student worker in the HFC Eshleman Library, where he has worked in some capacity ever since. First he was a student, then a co-op, then full-time temporary, then a full-time staff member.
“I’ve always loved libraries,” he said.
As a student worker, Vincent reported to HFC User Experience Librarian Tessa Betts. When he became a full-time employee at HFC, he reported to HFC Director of Library and Academic Support Services Dr. Kate Harger. Today, he reports to HFC Library Circulation Manager Korinna Kasara.
“Brendon is the best,” said Betts. “He used to be my student worker and has really worked hard to understand the ins and outs of the library. I cannot imagine a better person to work here.”
Making a meaningful contribution
Vincent’s duties include:
- Supervising student employees
- Managing the stacks
- Managing inter-library loans across the state of Michigan via MeLCat, Michigan’s eLibrary Catalog and Resource
“In addition to being a truly kind and incredibly patient individual, Brendon is also an invaluable resource at the library,” said Kasara. “His time spent as a student, former student worker, and now a Library Associate means that he has had a full spectrum of HFC experiences, and he brings knowledge from each step to his daily role.”
For Vincent, helping people is the best part of his job.
“I really enjoy this job,” he said. “I really enjoy helping people in this way, where I’m somehow making a meaningful contribution. I make people’s experiences when they come to the library as positive as I can, so they keep coming back. Some HFC students work at several coffee shops that I frequent and have recognized me – ‘Hey, don’t you work at HFC’s library?’ When I tell them I do, they usually tell me, ‘You really helped me on that one project I had to do.’ It’s nice to hear that; it’s very validating.”