North Texas Daily

John Hoang | Staff Writer

UNT librarian Doug Campbell’s original plan was to be a minister. But a passion for helping students and a knack for navigating through networks of information would bring him to UNT libraries in 2010 as a part-time employee.

Now a full-time staff member, Campbell received the American Library Association’s “I Love my Librarian” award on Dec. 3. Of more than 1,300 nominees nationwide, 10 awards were granted. Winners received $5,000 and a plaque recognizing their achievements in serving their communities.

“It’s encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing, primarily helping students get the information they need,” Campbell said. “Our whole mission is to help people, and one way is to help people find it in an information society.”

UNT librarian Doug Campbell teaches biology freshman Gudelia Gutierrez how to use the databases on the computers at Willis Library. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer

Campbell has worked with several students during his time at UNT and has maintained relationships with several who have graduated. Advertising junior Juree Goode continues to see Campbell as a supporter and mentor.

“Doug’s work ethic is above and beyond,” Goode said. “He doesn’t treat his job like work. He takes pride in it and values the students at Mayborn. He even gives his cell number out to help when he’s off the clock.”

Though Campbell had no prior experience in journalism, he eventually became embedded into the program. He said the university has gone through many changes since he began working at UNT.

“In Willis Library we were able to create more study spaces,” Campbell said. “We made more space for students to work both individually and in groups.”

Campbell said he has seen growth both in the community and in the resources available to students during his time at UNT. He said the move toward creating a larger space for students will benefit the campus in the long run. He views his job as having a strong influence on every discipline at campus.

UNT librarian Doug Campbell looks through books in the third floor of Willis Library. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer

“[The hardest part of the job is] encouraging students to ask for help,” Campbell said. “There are so many resources at UNT, and many people don’t want to look ignorant. But they should always ask for help.”

Campbell enjoys being a mentor to students, learning about their studies and encourages them to come to him at any time when they need help. He said he sees Denton as a progressive town—a place that provides an encouraging environment for students to thrive in.

“To be a successful [librarian] you need to have a strong service and be insatiably curious,” Campbell said. “I get to learn about what they are learning about, and I love that.”

Featured Image: Doug Campbell, UNT librarian, is the subject librarian to the Mayborn School of Journalism in liason with the Housing Department. He teaches students how to effectively do research and save time finding information. Paulina De Alva | Staff Photographer