Wallace Library Welcomes Our Newest Staff Member

Meet our new Sciences Liaison & Technologist: Jillian Amaral

Where are you from? I am from Attleboro, although I have lived in Western Massachusetts, Burlington, Vermont, and Boston, before returning to this area.

What do you do at the library? I am the new Sciences Liaison and Technologist here at Wallace Library. I am the contact between faculty, students, and staff in the Math and Sciences, and the library. I am available to assist in literature and database searching, information literacy instruction, technology instruction, and help supporting departmental informational and technological needs.

Why did you become a librarian? I am a life long library patron, and really discovered the true value and power of library skills as an science undergraduate at Mount Holyoke College. After many years as a bench scientist, I decided to combine my passion for science with my interest in information literacy and searching, and obtained a masters degree in Library and Information Sciences at Simmons College.

Why do you like the sciences so much? From a young age, I have been captivated by the natural world and the mechanisms by which things work. I gravitated towards the life sciences, technology, and math in high school and college. I love learning about new discoveries and enhancing my existing knowledge base across math and the sciences.

What is your favorite thing about Wheaton so far? I have to say the people! I know a lot of alums, and my daughter attended Wheaton’s Nursery School, so I already knew that Wheaton attracted great people. However, I have been overwhelmed at how helpful, kind, and welcoming the Wheaton Community has been since my arrival!

What else should we know about you?I am married and have a 9 year old daughter. I love to travel, read, quilt, craft with my daughter, and I am active community volunteer.

You can find Jillian’s office in the library atrium, or you can contact her at [email protected] or x3767.