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At µŰÍő»áËů Libraries, there are many people helping to make the user experience the best it can be. Whether it be assisting with finding research materials or learning more about a certain topic, staff members are here to be of service. Specifically, the Libraries’ subject librarians are research experts who support information access, research and student learning — whether for papers, classroom projects, or presentations.

Heaven Herrold, educational technology and arts librarian, is the subject librarian for Art + Design, Art History, Interdisciplinary Arts, Interior Architecture and Visual Communications. Herrold began her current role in December 2024, but her journey with University Libraries started in 2016 when she started a Federal Work Study job at Alden Library as an undergraduate, where she studied graphic design and art history.

“I chose OHIO mainly because it was close to home, just a 35-minute drive, but it ended up being so much more,” Herrold said. “I didn’t grow up feeling connected to libraries, but that changed once I started working at Alden. I began at the front desk, eventually moved into a student team lead role, and later joined the multimedia center with Nedra Plant, who became a mentor to me.”

Herrold has been surrounded by creativity for as long as she can remember. Although her mother was a nurse by profession, at home, she made expressive abstract paintings and artwork that filled the space with emotion. Her father was a freelance graphic designer, so Herrold became exposed early on to digital art tools before it became something she naturally gravitated toward.

“It started with Adobe Creative Suite,” Herrold said. “I’ve always found tools like Illustrator, Premiere Pro and After Effects less intimidating and more like puzzles — something to figure out and play with. Working in those spaces gives me a sense of calm and focus. There’s something really rewarding about seeing an idea come to life visually.”

Before becoming a subject librarian, Herrold earned master’s degrees in user experience design and library and information science from Kent State University. Eventually, she began to work at the Libraries’ User Services department, where she supervised peer-tutors for media arts, took care of the media lab and worked at the service desk. When she learned about the full-time job as a subject librarian, she knew she had to go for it. Not only did it combine her love for visual tools and learning support, but Herrold felt drawn to helping to make information accessible and engaging.

“My goal has always been to use those personal experiences and my creative skills to help others feel more confident when navigating complex tools, information or research,” Herrold said.

Herrold mentioned that shifting into her new position has been challenging in the best ways, as she grows professionally and with an incredible team of people supporting her.

“The chance to work closely with faculty and students has really deepened my appreciation for this community and reminded me why this work matters,” Herrold said. “I love that this role lets me do the work I care most about [which is] connecting with faculty, supporting students and shaping our fine arts collection in meaningful ways. I also see this role as an opportunity to advocate for access and representation in the materials we collect. It’s incredibly inspiring to work with such creative, thoughtful students at OHIO. I feel lucky to be even a small part of their academic and creative journeys.”

A lot of what subject librarians do is collaboration, whether it’s supporting research, offering design feedback, or just being a soundboard. Herrold mentioned that she thinks people sometimes hesitate to reach out because they aren’t sure what a librarian can help with, but she emphasized that they’re there to make things easier, clearer and more approachable.

“If you’re a student, faculty member, or part of the Athens community and want to collaborate, whether it’s a creative idea, a class project, or something else entirely, I’d love to hear from you,” Herrold said.

Andrew Stuart, assistant head of User Services and the subject librarian for Life and Physical Sciences, focuses on the subject areas of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Environmental & Plant Biology, Environmental Studies, Earth & Environmental Geosciences, Physics and Astronomy. While Herrold is a newly appointed librarian specializing in the arts sector of the Libraries, Stuart has been a librarian for many years specializing in the sciences.

Originally from Michigan, Stuart completed his undergraduate degree in plant science and master’s in library information studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1997. He then followed his husband, a professor in plant biology, to OHIO.

“I was happy that I was able to secure a position in my field when I originally came to Athens,” Stuart said. “I worked for United Campus Ministry for a year and then in 1998, I was hired as a library assistant in the periodical department here at Alden [Library] part-time for a year.”

In 1999, Stuart was promoted by the Libraries and began as a reference and instruction librarian. At the time, each librarian in Collections & Digital Access and Research & Education Services had a specific subject assignment, and Stuart originally started off specializing in chemistry and biochemistry, before eventually gaining additional subject areas as roles shifted over time and librarians retired.

During his undergraduate studies, Stuart began to develop an interest in STEM subjects. He also had experience in his previous position at the Library of Michigan working as a library technician and paraprofessional, learning about various areas, including circulation, cataloging and interlibrary loan.

Despite his position changing over the years, Stuart still enjoys helping the Libraries’ users get the information they need for their work and research. A notable person in Stuart’s career was Robert Houdek, former engineering subject librarian.

“My real mentor was Robert Houdek when I started,” Stuart said. “He helped me get oriented to how things were done here and provided guidance. My supervisor, Wanda Weinberg, who was head of Reference for a long time, was influential in guiding me as a reference librarian and a subject specialist.”

During his time as a subject librarian, Stuart has enjoyed learning about faculty and student research, as he helps with assistance in any way that he can, such as locating materials for their research. Stuart mentioned that he and his other fellow subject librarians aren’t just here to assist with acquiring materials but rather they are always able to offer support and help provide innovative solutions to meet individual needs.

“I’ve been fortunate to work in an environment where we are allowed to experiment and not worry about failure,” Stuart said. “I have been fortunate to work with a group of collegial and supportive colleagues. I’ve also watched and adapted to the challenges of a changing environment and had supportive supervisors along the way.”

µŰÍő»áËů Libraries is proud to offer knowledgeable, approachable subject librarians who are ready to assist with a wide range of academic and research needs.

For more information, please contact Heaven Herrold herrold@ohio.edu or Andrew Stuart stuarta@ohio.edu.