Visiting assistant librarians (VALs) play a vital role in UB Libraries, bringing fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and essential support for dynamic, project-based initiatives. Their contributions are crucial in addressing short-term needs, assisting with research support, and enhancing UB Libraries’ ability to adapt to evolving academic and research demands. We wanted to introduce these important individuals who help to ensure the continuous growth, innovation and efficiency of the Libraries’ services and resources. Meet our current visiting assistant librarians:
Kaitlyn Greenberg
Kate Greenberg has a strong background in art history and archives in her role as instruction and collections archivist in Special Collections. Earning her undergraduate degree in art history and medieval studies from Rutgers University with a focus on Italian art, Kate’s path to the University Archives began with volunteer work with the Historical Society of Haddonfield. This experience, combined with her enthusiasm for research, organizing information, and helping others, inspired her to pursue a master’s in information with an archives and preservation concentration, which she completed in early 2024.
Kate’s position within the University Archives is essential in supporting increasing requests to integrate archival materials into existing faculty courses on campus. She develops and leads primary source instruction for students and faculty while processing diverse archival collections. Kate especially enjoys introducing students to archival work, sparking curiosity, and facilitating connections between the past and the present through hands-on learning with historical materials.
Daniel Weaver
Dan Weaver has been with the university since 2022 and brings a wealth of expertise in musicology and librarianship to his three-year term. He holds a master’s degree in library and information science and a master’s degree in musicology, both from UB. He also earned a PhD in musicology from Washington University in St. Louis in 2021.
In his current role, Dan collaborates with fellow visiting assistant librarian Samantha Thurmond on an ambitious project to reclassify UB’s extensive music score collection from the Dickinson classification system to the Library of Congress system. With 70,000 scores in the collection, their progress represents a significant milestone in improving access to these materials.
Dan finds satisfaction in combining his dual passions for librarianship and music. His work aligns with his interest in cataloging, creating a fulfilling opportunity to enhance the library’s resources for future scholars.
Angela Harold
Angela (Angie) Harold brings a unique blend of expertise and innovation to her role as a Visiting Assistant Librarian at Lockwood Library. With dual master’s degrees from UB—a Master of Library Science and an Executive MBA—Angie previously served as a corporate librarian in the medical manufacturing sector, managing print, electronic and product sample resources for life-saving devices like pacemakers and defibrillators.
At Lockwood Memorial Library, Angie oversees resource sharing operations in the library’s mailroom, a vital hub for national and international material loans. Leveraging her management skills, she devised and implemented a redesigned layout that significantly improved efficiency, eliminating delays and expediting processing times. The transformation, achieved without additional state funds, remains a model of operational excellence.
“I am grateful for the autonomy to enhance the resource sharing process, which continues to serve as a replicable framework,” she said. Angie credits her success to collaboration and the guidance of her former manager, Lisa McLaughlin.
Thomas Murphy
Tom Murphy brings extensive knowledge in archive management and history to his role as a visiting academic librarian at the History of Medicine Collection (HoM). Tom, a Buffalo State graduate with a BA in history and minors in museum studies and art history, furthered his education at Simmons University with dual master’s degrees in library and information science (archives management) and history.
In this role, Tom has elevated the discoverability of HoM’s collections. He arranges and describes unprocessed collections, spearheads digitization projects, and creates impactful exhibits. His role also includes educational outreach, conducting tours, and assisting researchers and donors. Tom especially enjoys crafting exhibits and connecting with people through outreach, making his work at HOM both meaningful and rewarding.
“Tom’s skill and commitment have greatly enhanced the impact of our historic materials,” says Keith Mages, curator of the History of Medicine Collection.
Nicholas Michalski
Nicholas (Nikk) Michalski combines a rich academic background with archival expertise in his role as a processing archivist at UB. A graduate of Binghamton University with a double major in cinema and German, Nikk earned his master’s in information and library science from UB. His career in Special Collections began as a student assistant and practicum participant in archival processing.
As processing archivist for the Poetry Collection—home to more than 175 literary archival collections—he arranges and describes materials, creates finding aids, digitizes documents, and ensures long-term preservation. “Nikk’s knowledge of avant-garde art and archival expertise ensures these collections are accessible to faculty, students, scholars, and the public,” says Marie Elia, archivist for Special Collections.
Nikk takes satisfaction in working hands-on with archival materials daily. “It’s a privilege to engage so closely with such fascinating collections and to collaborate with the best colleagues,” he notes. His work prepares these invaluable resources for research, classes, and exhibitions, furthering the Poetry Collection’s mission to preserve 20th- and 21st-century poetry.
Aprille Nace
Aprille Nace has dedicated her career to curating and managing library collections. Since joining the University in 2021, Nace has overseen extensive collections projects, including large-scale weeding and relocation initiatives for Lockwood, Abbott, and Music Libraries. Her efforts have prepared the libraries for major transitions, such as the integration of the Music Library and the construction of the Polish Collection Room.
Aprille’s academic credentials include a dual BA in English and Linguistics, an MLS, an MA in American Studies from UB, and an MFA in Ceramics from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her professional journey spans roles in circulation, reference, and instruction, as well as positions in special collections and archives, including at the Corning Museum of Glass. Aprille is a published author, including a chapter in Art Museum Libraries and Librarianship.
Passionate about creating active, right-sized collections tailored to academic needs, Aprille also values mentoring students and fostering a sense of community. Reflecting on her early career, she credits her foundational training at UB’s former Undergraduate Library for shaping her approach to librarianship.
Joy Piper
Joy Piper, visiting assistant librarian at the University at Buffalo Libraries’ Annex, brings years of experience in library services. She holds a BA in political science and a master’s degree in library science, which she earned while working in Discovery Services. There, she focused on serial check-in, cataloging, and maintaining records. Since 2022, Joy has played a key role in a large-scale weeding project at the Annex, where over 435,550 items, including books, serials, and microfilm, have been removed. Her responsibilities now include organizing and reshelving materials in preparation for the upcoming Lockwood Library redesign. Joy values teamwork and enjoys the camaraderie of her colleagues, particularly under the mentorship of Nicole Colello-Klubek. Together, they continue to move the project forward, ensuring that the library’s collections remain dynamic and well-organized.
Ken Axford
Ken Axford brings a unique blend of professional and academic experience to his role as WBFO Project Archivist at the university. After earning a BA in philosophy from SUNY Fredonia in 2013 and working as a copywriter in Buffalo, Axford pursued a master’s degree in library and information science. His passion for archival work emerged during graduate school, where he gained hands-on experience in the Poetry Collection and University Archives.
Now, Ken focuses on processing the UB-WBFO Archive of WNY, a collection documenting WBFO’s 52-year history as UB’s campus radio station. His work involves managing 40 linear feet of station records and over 2,000 hours of audio recordings, including rare materials featuring influential figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Angela Davis. Partnering with the American Archive of Public Broadcasting, Ken is making this collection accessible to researchers worldwide.
While he values preserving history, Ken comments that the people he works with are the highlight of his job. “I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by colleagues who have such a diverse range of interests and experience. The libraries at UB foster a supportive, collaborative environment, and I’m constantly inspired by the curiosity and expertise of those around me,” he says.
Samantha Thurmond
Samantha (Sam) Thurmond plays a critical role in the transformation of the university’s music collection. With a BM in music education, an MS in library science, and an MA in music history, Sam is well-equipped for her work alongside fellow visiting assistant librarian Dan Weaver.
The duo is tasked with reclassifying the music collection from the Dickinson system—a music-specific classification—to the Library of Congress system, used throughout UB’s Libraries. This shift became essential after the music library, previously an independent entity, moved to Lockwood Library. With Dickinson-trained catalogers no longer on staff, transitioning to a unified classification system ensures accessibility and consistency for future users.
Sam’s connection to this project began during her graduate assistantship in the music library, where discussions of the reclassification originated. “This is my first position after graduating, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to gain experience and training,” she said. In the future, Sam plans to return to her home state of Colorado, confident that her role here has prepared her for new professional challenges.
Emily Gelsinger
Emily Gelsinger brings a diverse background in education and librarianship to her role in the University Libraries. After earning a bachelor’s degree in childhood education with an English extension for grades 7-9 from Buffalo State University, Emily taught high school English in Houston, Texas while completing her master’s degree in information and library science at the University of North Texas. She returned to Buffalo to further her career in librarianship.
In her position, Emily plays a key role in instruction, teaching sections of ELI 105, leading workshops for various classes and departments, and contributing to collection development, programming, and event planning across UB Libraries. She is passionate about empowering learners through library instruction and values the daily opportunities for creativity, teaching, and collaboration. Emily thrives on the diversity of her responsibilities and the opportunity to engage with students and faculty from varied disciplines, channeling her enthusiasm and dedication into creating a vibrant and supportive learning environment.