About

A photograph of Kristen Seikaly. She is a white woman with light brown hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a blue sweater, a silver leaf necklace, and is smiling in the photograph.

Welcome! I am a librarian, writer, and researcher based in the Philadelphia area. As a skilled researcher with an artistic background, I aim to make electronic resources clear and easy to use for patrons and staff alike. I believe that collaboration and following current technology trends is the best way to ensure that libraries meet their patrons’ research needs. I have a strong interest in copyright and the future of academic technology including artificial intelligence.

Born and raised in Michigan, I earned a Bachelor of Music with a minor in French from the University of Michigan. Afterward, I moved to New Jersey to earn a Master of Music in Voice Performance and Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. I now reside in the Philadelphia area and earned my Master of Library and Information Sciences online from Wayne State University at the end of 2023.

I have worked in academic libraries since 2019. My work has focused on connecting patrons with the resources they need through thoughtful and collaborative reference work, unique collection development, and a hands on approach to the technical aspects of information. I have a particular interest in systems and discovery work. I believe that the future of information heavily involves the public accessing information freely and on their own terms through the use of technology. The best way librarianship can help, then, is by ensuring that the systems that provide information are as accessible, accurate, and functional as possible.

As an information professional, my core values consist of preparedness, curiosity, and understanding context. My curiosity about current and future trends in information allows me to implement new solutions that benefit patrons. I also use curiosity to fully understand a patron’s information needs and the various contexts they bring with them to the reference interaction to ensure that new solutions meet patrons where they are at. Understanding the emotional context through which patrons enter reference transactions is vital to good service and good librarianship, and it is something I will focus on throughout my career.

Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or interest in working together. You may also view samples of my writing work or my resume.