If you run into Tommy Buttaccio at Lockwood Library, you’ll probably notice two things right away: he’s always ready to help, and he’s always got a smile on his face. As the user services and information desk supervisor for the evenings, he works closely with student employees, helping them develop strong customer service skills while ensuring that UB patrons have access to the materials they need.
A native of West Seneca, Tommy’s career path has been anything but ordinary. He initially pursued a culinary arts degree at Erie Community College before transferring to UB to study history. His academic interests led him to earn a master’s in history, focusing on imperialism, food history, and 18th- and 19th-century Britain and India, along with public history. Later, he obtained a master’s degree in library and information science from UB, specializing in digital librarianship and archives.
His connection to UB Libraries started early. As a student, he worked in the UB Institutional Repository, assisting with DSpace helping to upload scholarly works. He also spent time troubleshooting tech issues for students and faculty at UBIT. These experiences helped to set the stage for his career in library services.
Here’s Tommy strumming away at Uke Jam in St. James Park—part of a Bronx Library Center outreach event in early 2020.
That career has taken him to many places, including nearly a decade in New York City. He worked as a supervising librarian at the New York Public Library, overseeing several branches, including Riverside and 53rd Street. At Riverside, he collaborated with elected officials to promote voter engagement, partnered with the community board to expand outreach, and mentored up-and-coming library professionals. He also spent time at the iconic Schwarzman Library—yes, the one with the famous lions—assisting researchers and authors working on their next big projects.
His next move took him to Westchester, where he became the head of access services for the Westchester Library System. There, he managed a team of 25 to 40 staff members, oversaw collection development, and ensured the library’s technical services ran smoothly.
Despite his time away, UB has always felt like home to Tommy. “UB has always been a special place for me—it represents many of my personal and professional milestones. If you’ll forgive the cliché, it’s where I ‘found myself,’” he says. Now, after returning last December, he’s excited to be part of the university’s library community once again.
Beyond the library, Tommy has worked on fascinating projects, including collaborating with the Buffalo History Department to create historical signage and maps for downtown Buffalo. He’s also a self-described nerd who enjoys 3D printing, playing bass and piano, and learning DIY home improvement skills.
And if you need a good laugh? Ask him about the time he literally ran into actor Zach Woods outside a Manhattan library. His response? “I’m walkin’ here!”
UB Libraries is lucky to have Tommy back, bringing his enthusiasm, expertise, and warm personality to the campus community.