UCF librarian retires after 23-year career

From card catalogs to CD-ROMs to Internet databases, university libraries have come a long way over the past 20 years.

Retiring UCF librarian Carole Hinshaw has experienced firsthand the introduction of new technologies to the library, as the rapid growth of resources has changed the way students seek out information, and the role played by librarians in the latter part of the 20th century into the 21st century.

"Librarians have all evolved along with technology and resources," she said. "I see myself and other librarians as guides and teachers in this day and age, separating the chaff from the wheat, the human interface is the best way to do that."

Hinshaw, 70, says she had no trouble adjusting to the dramatic developments in library science in the past two decades.

"It all just gradually came about," she said. "I believe all change is good as long as it doesn't happen all at once."

Although she claims the new developments to be good, she said they've made the librarian's job a little more complicated.

"Now, a librarian's job also entails sifting through information in order to gather the correct information and weed out the bad," Hinshaw said.

While she has enjoyed helping students and colleagues and developing equally innovative exhibits displayed in the main library, where she has been an integral part of the faculty, Hinshaw is now stepping down to spend more time with her family.

"I really enjoyed working here," she said. "It's been very, very stimulating. It keeps your mind active."

Hinshaw has impacted many people she worked with over the years at the library.

"People enjoyed working with her and for her," said longtime colleague Frank Allen, associate director for administrative services at the UCF Library. "Working with Carole was an absolute delight. She was always looking for solutions, very creative, lots of energy; she was universally admired and respected."

In her role as marketing and program officer, Hinshaw brought many fascinating exhibits to the UCF Library.

"I've met so many people and learned so many new things," she said.

Hinshaw took part in exhibits such as: the 50th anniversary of Jack Kerouac's On the Road; Frankenstein: Penetrating the Myths of Nature; Pride and the Passion, a presentation of the history of baseball's Negro Leagues — Hinshaw's favorite; A Fine Romance: Jewish-American Songwriters, American Songs 1910-1965; and Florida Fallen Heroes Quilt Project, which is currently on display. Now that Hinshaw has retired, the library's Exhibits Committee will carry on the responsibility of displaying such exhibits.

Friend and colleague, Meg Scharf, associate director for public services at the UCF Library, has worked alongside Hinshaw since she began working in the library.

"Carole has a great sense of humor and fun," Scharf said. "The exhibits and programming she helped bring to the library brought exciting ideas and beautiful images to many."

Hinshaw will also be remembered for her charisma and contributions to UCF and the library over the years.

"I'm delighted for Carole," Scharf said. "I will miss Carole's enthusiasm. She never holds back on her opinion or on pitching in to help others."

Allen said that Hinshaw will be missed.

"We wish her the very best in her retirement years – she deserves it," Allen said.

Hinshaw arrived at UCF in 1988 as an adjunct, part-time reference librarian working at the reference desk and teaching library instruction classes to students.

"We were just starting to develop our resources," Hinshaw said. "When I started in reference, I was using some of the same materials I had used in other libraries I've worked at."

When Hinshaw began working at the library students used a text-based catalogue, CD-ROM databases and had no Internet access.

"I started at the right time," she said. "I was able to develop my skills."

In the spring of 1989, Hinshaw became a full-time faculty member at the UCF main library. In that capacity, she began working on the library's collection development, overseeing growth of collections and phasing out CD-ROM's as the Internet took hold. She also assumed the role of coordinator of library instruction, scheduling classes for students to learn how to do research in their fields of study.

After several years as coordinator of library instruction, Hinshaw was promoted to Head of the Reference Department in 1999. In 2009, Hinshaw considered retiring from her position but received an offer she "couldn't refuse." Barry Baker, director of libraries at UCF, offered Hinshaw the opportunity to work part-time as the library's marketing and program officer, generally managing exhibits and events in the library.

Hinshaw said she'll miss her friends and the interaction with faculty and students.

During her retirement, Hinshaw plans to continue her volunteer service in Central Florida. Hinshaw also plans to travel during her retirement, with trips to Saudi Arabia, France and Guatemala already set in place for spring 2012.

Hinshaw said students with a variety of interests would do well in careers in librarianship.

"I think if you're curious and want to continue to learn and want to be challenged in a variety of ways, it is a field for a lot of different people and for people who have a lot of different interests."