TEL Trainer of the Month

October 2009 TEL Trainer of the Month: Sammy Chapman
by Jennifer Wooters

Congratulations to Sammy Chapman, TEL’s trainer of the month for October!  Sammy is an Associate Professor of Library Science at Lambuth University.  Sammy became a TEL trainer for a variety of reasons.  First, he has always been interested in teaching and training.  Many librarians will agree with Sammy’s assertion that “Working as a librarian, I realize that a lot of what I do is training.”  Sammy is so focused on training that in addition to Information Science, he also has a degree in Human Resource Development with a focus on workplace education and training.  So his interest in training naturally led him to working with TEL.  Sammy’s teaching style allows students to explore and learn with support and guidance. He says, “If I could envision my favorite way to work with students and patrons, it would be as a ‘guide on the side’ facilitating their access to information.”  In addition, Lambuth University encourages employees to engage in community service and professional development.  And finally, Sammy says, “I think that TEL is a wonderful resource and I want to spread the word.”

Sammy’s TEL trainings emphasize subject headings.  He says, “Subject headings are a great tool, but with the explosion of search engines such as Google they may not get used as much anymore. I love to show people how to use subject headings to find a ‘few good sources.’”  He is careful not to overwhelm learners with too much information, saying that “Most of the students I work with don’t want everything, just what they need for the assignment.  So I will always explain the difference between keywords and subject headings and how subject heading and related terms can help refine and improve your search.” 

Sammy’s experience training Library Systems & Services (LSSI), the company that manages Sammy’s local Jackson Madison County library, was particularly memorable.  Sammy says, “I visit the public library two to three times a week and enjoy looking at the new books and tracking down whatever I am interested in that week. Visiting the library has always been an important part of my life since the first time I can remember asking for a book on chess at the age of seven.”  So training the personnel at the local public library was nerve-wracking. Sammy says, “If I didn’t do a very good job I would be ashamed to visit.”  Sammy, we’re sure you did a wonderful job. Thank you for being so willing to step up to the plate the help TEL. We appreciate your contribution!

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