Keith Nichols has been a part of the University at Buffalo’s story for nearly two decades, bringing his passion for learning and teaching to every role he’s taken on. Keith’s connection to UB began in 2006 when he started as an undergraduate, eager to experience life at a large university. He first worked at the Abbott Library as a graduate student in 2011, and by 2017, he was back at UB full-time. With just a six-year gap, Keith’s nearly continuous presence at UB has made him a familiar and valued figure in the campus community. “Since 2006, I’ve spent all but six years at UB. It’s been a big part of my life,” he says.
Keith earned a degree in history with a minor in archaeology, drawn to the subject by his love of stories and curiosity about how and why things happen. He later added a master’s in library science and another in public health to his achievements. The latter came about during his time at the University of Georgia’s College of Public Health, where the faculty and subject material left a lasting impression.
Now, Keith serves as the Health Professions Liaison Librarian, working with the School of Public Health and Health Professions. His job involves supporting departments like Rehabilitation Science, Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, and collaborating with colleague Michelle Zafron to provide top-notch research and systematic review services. He also teaches information literacy concepts, helping students and faculty navigate the ever-evolving world of academic research. “I’m excited to bring excellent research services to our faculty and students,” Keith notes.
Before this role, Keith was part of the Education Services Team from 2017 to 2023, where he taught around 100 sessions per semester, focusing on Communication Literacy 1. In May 2023, he joined the Science and Engineering Team as the liaison for Math, Physics, and Psychology. One of Keith’s favorite accomplishments was leading the assessment team for Education Services. Alongside colleagues Nicole Thomas and Bryan Sajecki, he built a summative assessment tool from scratch to show the impact of their teaching efforts—a project he’s especially proud of. During that time, Keith and his colleagues observed an average increase of 20% in students’ information literacy skills from pre to posttest scoring. “Assessment is such a vital way to inform teaching and review outcomes,” he says. “It’s something I’ve always been passionate about.”
Keith’s favorite part of his work is connecting with UB’s diverse student body. He loves helping students overcome challenges and watching them bring exciting projects to life. “It’s incredibly rewarding to eliminate roadblocks for students and see them complete fun and interesting projects,” he says. His passion for teaching is matched by his dedication to assessment, always striving to measure and improve the impact of his work.
Outside UB, Keith stays busy in the academic library world. He’s currently chairing the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Value of Academic Libraries Committee, where he’s been helping to update the ACRL Standards for Libraries in Higher Education. This two-year project has been a big undertaking, but Keith is proud of the progress they’ve made, especially in creating more inclusive and updated standards. “It’s been a long process, but I’m really proud of the work we’ve done to make the standards better and more inclusive,” he says.
Keith with his wife Kim and their son.
Growing up near Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes, Keith spent his summers swimming at Keuka Lake State Park, and winters sledding near his grandparents’ home. When he’s not working, Keith’s hobbies include video games, anime, and all things Star Wars and Marvel. He and his friends meet weekly on Zoom to discuss shows—they just finished “Agatha All Along” and are diving into season two of the anime “Solo Leveling.” He’s also a big Buffalo Sabres and Bills fan, though the Bills have been stealing the spotlight lately.
Keith also shares the wonderful news that he and his wife are preparing to welcome their second child, a baby girl, this spring. She’ll join their young son and their five-year-old pit/shepherd/chow mix, making their family even more lively.
Whether he’s teaching, supporting students, or contributing to the broader academic community, Keith is always striving to make a positive impact.