Broghan White joined the University Libraries as the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian and Assistant Professor in September of 2024. Before relocating to Nebraska, White was a Data Services Assistant for the Ontario Council of University Libraries. White's academic background includes two graduate degrees from the University of Toronto: a Master of Arts in Medieval Studies (2021) and a Master of Information (2023).
After discovering the diverse and specialized roles in the library profession, White decided to pursue a career in cataloging and metadata. When the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian position opened up at the University Libraries, White left Toronto’s big city lifestyle to join us in Nebraska. “This position was in line with my professional goals,” White explains. White enjoys the charm of Lincoln’s downtown, the role that UNL plays in the city, and the beauty of campus.
In addition, living in the heart of the country also presents opportunities for White to fulfill a dream to travel across the United States. “Living in the middle of the country makes that much easier to do,” White said.
White’s work with the University Libraries as a Cataloging and Metadata Librarian means helping people find library materials for their research. “The impact of good cataloging with accurate metadata is that library users can easily find materials they need, which can then lead them to other useful resources that they otherwise wouldn’t know about,” White explains.
As an early-career librarian, the University Libraries presents opportunities for White to learn from colleagues and refine cataloging skills. “I have already learned so much in my short time here, and I am excited for more opportunities to learn and work collaboratively,” White said.
“Getting to work with such a wide variety of materials is very exciting for me,’ White says. Currently, White is cataloging a collection of Taiwanese children’s books that present interesting and fun challenges as a cataloger. White also expresses interest in working with special collections materials. “I am fascinated with book history and always enjoy handling and learning about rare materials,” White explains.
White is currently researching and testing Artificial Intelligence tools to understand how AI can help catalogers streamline their processes. White also acknowledges the need to understand the risks and ethical concerns that surround AI. “Making sure we stay current and act responsibly with these tools is very important to me,” White explained.
Contact Broghan White at bwhite38@unl.edu.
-- Contributed by Melissa Sinner