Helena VonVille, who served as a Reference and Instruction Librarian and liaison to the School of Public Health since 2019, has retired from the University of Pittsburgh. Helena brought a wealth of experience and some practical tools to HSLS, including an Excel workbook series for study selection in systematic reviews and a website focusing on health/determinants of health data. She also played a role in the structural changes to the HSLS systematic review (SR) program, resulting in an exemplary and unique SR program. Since coming to HSLS, she has had 11 reviews published and two more are in the manuscript stage.
We asked Helena to reflect on her career and time at HSLS:
Why did you become a librarian?
I was an avid reader as a kid (thanks, Mom) so working 4 ½ years at the circulation desk at The Ohio State University Education/Psychology Library was a great fit for me. I applied to the library program at Rutgers University (NJ) but worked in a few libraries before becoming an MLS student. At Rutgers, I worked as a graduate assistant, first at Douglass Library and then at Alexander Library (Alex), teaching library instruction and staffing the reference desk. I enjoyed the work (and my classes) much more than I thought I would and finally decided being an academic reference librarian was the career for me! One of the librarians at OSU often told me that I would become a librarian – and Mary was right!
What were your positions before coming to Pitt?
Unlike many of my colleagues, I tended to move around a bit! So here goes:
- Pre-MLS government documents librarian at Alex (Rutgers);
- Reference librarian at Princeton University in the Social Sciences Reference Center in Firestone Library;
- Reference/instruction librarian at the OSU Ed/Psyc Library;
- Internet trainer for Amigo, a library-related non-profit organization, covering Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and a little bit of Kansas;
- Reference/instruction librarian at Montgomery College, part of Lone Star College;
- Assistant director, then director at the University of Texas Health Science Center- Houston (UTHSC-H) School of Public Health Library (UTSPH).
What are some professional highlights and achievements you’re proud of?
For over five years, I was an internet expert for librarians, students, and community members. In this role, I co-authored a book chapter and developed workshops, college classes, and conference presentations from 1992 through 1996.
I received a Master of Public Health (UTHSC-H) in 2008.
At UTSPH, I was asked to teach a database search session for an SR class, leading to a 14-year collaboration with the faculty member in which I attended all classes and taught other aspects of SR methodology.
I served on the Medical Library Association, Sewell Travel Award for Public Health (STAPH) committee for 15+ years. The STAPH Award is given each year to 12-14 librarians to attend the APHA Annual Meeting.
What’s your favorite part of working at HSLS?
First, I am grateful that I was able to continue being affiliated with public health and being able to continue conducting systematic reviews.
Secondly, the people at HSLS are an incredible group. I’ve been a librarian a long time, but I have learned a great deal from my colleagues – and not just those in RICIS! [HSLS’s Research, Instruction, and Clinical Information Services team]
The support of the administration (yes, Renae Barger, that would be you!).
What are your plans for retirement?
Probably something with animals. I lost my Pittie, Amy, in June last year and have decided on no more pets (for now). I thought I would volunteer with HARP [Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh] or maybe foster with a rescue group. I also plan on getting back to yoga and strength training. And, of course, travel!
Congratulations, Helena, on your retirement and many thanks for your years of service to HSLS!