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For Jessica Hollister, it’s always been about UB—and, more specifically, UB Libraries. The university has been an integral part of her life, whether as a student, student worker, visiting librarian, or librarian for more than 15 years.

Growing up in the area, Jessica always knew about UB. When it came time to decide where to attend college, UB was her choice. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in anthropology with minors in history and geography. After working for a few years post-graduation, she returned to UB to earn a master’s in library and information science (MLIS).

“During my undergrad years, I worked as a student supervisor at the Lockwood and Silverman circulation desks, and also in the stacks,” says Jessica. “As a graduate student, I worked in the University Archives conducting reference and processing collections, and also completed project archival processing work for a practicum in the Law Library.”

After completing her master’s degree, Jessica worked part-time in the University Archives before transitioning into a full-time visiting assistant librarian position there. She takes pride in her achievements during that time.

“From my student position to my time as a visiting assistant librarian in the University Archives, I partially or fully processed—by my count—over 50 analog collections, many of which I processed alongside Grace Trimper,” she explains. “I helped to digitize 50 years of Buffalonian yearbooks, which are available through Digital Collections. I’m also grateful to have worked with Bill Offhaus, providing archival access to countless patrons through reference services.”

Now serving as the dental liaison librarian in Abbott Library, Jessica provides library and research services to constituents of Abbott Library and the School of Dental Medicine. Her responsibilities include instruction, research consultations, designing and implementing library programming, and collaborating on evidence synthesis projects. She also engages in professional service and research opportunities to contribute to the broader field of health sciences librarianship.

Jessica is an active member of the Medical Library Association (MLA), its regional section, the Upstate New York and Ontario Chapter (UNYOC), the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

As a newer member of the Health Sciences Library Services (HSLS) Team, Jessica appreciates the warm welcome she’s received from the School of Dental Medicine community and is thankful to have been immediately embedded into many courses. She’s also excited to be the principal investigator on a research project with Molly Maloney, Jocelyn-Swick Jemison, and Nicole Thomas. The project, which examines librarians transitioning from non-tenure to tenure-track roles, has been accepted as a contributed paper for the 2025 ACRL conference. “We hope this research can make a positive impact on the field and with librarians in their appointment, promotion, and tenure processes,” she says.

Reflecting on her time at UB, Jessica shares her gratitude. “I have been fortunate to work on multiple wonderful teams here at UB, including the Health Sciences Library Services team. The collaborative nature of HSLS fosters a creative and productive environment and inspires me to be a better teacher, researcher, and librarian,” she remarks.

But life for Jessica isn’t all about UB and Western New York. Did you know she studied abroad in Seoul, South Korea, and taught English in Tokyo, Japan? Jessica is also a lifelong dancer who continues to take jazz and tap classes at a local studio and performs with a community theatre group.

Jessica Hollister’s journey reflects her commitment to UB and her profession, showcasing the impact of passion and determination in building a fulfilling career. She exemplifies the dynamic connections that make UB Libraries such an extraordinary community.