Introducing Marcie Walsh-O'Connor

The MacPhaidin Library staff is excited to have Marcie Walsh-O’Connor as the newest member of our team. Marcie, who has years of experience in academic, school, and public libraries, serves as our Access Services Librarian. In that role, Marcie oversees our full and part-time access services staff, manages more than 30 student workers, and makes sure everything at The Desk runs smoothly. Read on to learn what Marcie had to say about her new position at MacPhaidin Library, her vision of the library as a welcoming space, and her return to academic librarianship.

What did you do prior to coming to Stonehill?

I have been working in libraries since I was 16. One of the librarians came up to me and said, “since you are here so often would you like to get paid?”  For the past seven years, I have been working in public libraries, and while I learned a lot from the experience, my favorite library jobs have been at college and school libraries.  I was so excited when this opportunity came up.  I love working with the Stonehill community and the students are the best.

What attracted you to the job at Stonehill?

I worked at Mass College of Pharmacy for eight years at the circulation desk. When I left to work in public libraries, I knew I wanted to be back at a college soon and work with students. When I saw this job, I said, “This is my dream job,” and I applied right away.

You're in charge of "The Desk". What do you want people's experience to be when they walk in the library?

I want the library and in particular “The Desk” to be a welcoming and helping place. Great libraries foster a sense of community.  I want the Stonehill community to come into the library and find a sense of belonging and that the library staff helped them even if it just gave them a place to study or print a paper. I really want “The Desk” to be approachable.  

What do you like to do when you're not at work?

Spend time with my family.  I have a 12-year-old daughter, a wife, 4 cats and a French Bulldog. I love going to the movies or watching movies at home - I make great popcorn (it is all about layering the butter). I adore going to bookstores and, of course, reading. I love to travel. I am a secret (not so secret) Lego builder, and I spent the pandemic playing Dungeons and Dragons.  

What is your favorite book (and why)?

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith.  I read it as a teenager, and I was completely hooked.  I stayed up until 2 am to finish it and then when I was done, I started reading it all over again.  I have lost count of the number of times I have read this book and I always find something new to love. 

Anything else you'd like us to know about you?

I love showing students how to use databases and figuring out citation questions. I have a huge, sweet tooth and can be bought with baked goods and candy.