Abby Veiman, a junior from Papillion, NE, who is majoring in actuarial science and data science in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), wrote the winning essay, “Searching Smarter, Connecting Better,” in a contest sponsored by the University Libraries, which asked students to imagine the academic library of tomorrow. Veiman wins a $350 gift card plus library swag.
She was searching for scholarship applications on the CAS website when Veiman found the notice about the Libraries contest and decided to apply.
The contest prompt asked students to “explore their hopes, dreams and sense of possibilities for how research libraries will evolve to support discovery, knowledge and human connection in the years to come.”
Veiman started her essay with an explanation of “what research looks like” in her own academic life as an actuarial science major as opposed to that of students in other sciences.
“My field of research is entirely digital and unconventional compared to bioscience majors, who do their research in laboratories,” explained Veiman. “Actuarial science is a small field, and I’m really proud of the type of research I do for its impact.”
Veiman works as a research assistant for Dr. Yijia Lin, the V. J. Skutt Distinguished Professor of Finance, College of Business, on the UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management & Insurance™, for which she locates highly specific articles and information. Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important tool in her workflow.
“Reading dozens of long, technical articles in search of a single supporting line can consume hours,” explained Veiman. “AI tools have helped streamline this process, but they introduce new concerns.”
Veiman sees the library’s role as much more active in guiding responsible AI use and helping researchers understand the limitations. Her vision of the future sees the Libraries building on existing strengths while adapting to how the conduct of research continues to evolve.
“We are pleased to award the contest prize to Ms. Veiman for her stellar essay. She addresses many things we in the Libraries are already thinking about, discussing, and working toward,” said Harriet Wintermute, associate professor and chair of Acquisitions, Cataloging, Metadata, E-resources (ACME). Wintermute led the team of Libraries faculty and staff who created and ran the student contest.
Liz Lorang, dean of Libraries, quoted from Veiman’s essay at UNL’s Charter Day celebration on February 13 as part of sharing the Libraries’ why in the present era. The ideas Veiman explored in her essay underscore, according to Lorang, that academic libraries will be where “a world of sense-making remains possible” as well as where “honest engagement with ideas remains possible.”
The full text copy of Veiman’s essay can be found in the Libraries Digital Commons.
The “Imagining the Research Library of Tomorrow” contest served as one of many activities to celebrate the University Libraries’ five anniversaries and the Pages to Paths awareness campaign.