New Lending Services Coordinator Brings Passion for Accessibility to UB Libraries

by DENISE WOLFE

Kiki Howitt has joined the University at Buffalo Libraries as the lending services coordinator at Lockwood Library, bringing with her a unique perspective shaped by personal experience and a commitment to making higher education more accessible.

Howitt came to UB from Canisius University, where she worked in the library and discovered her passion for the field. With a bachelor's degree in design and technical theatre, a master's degree in higher education and student affairs, and a certificate in teaching English to speakers of other languages, her path to librarianship was unconventional. 

"I wasn't sure what part of higher education I wanted to work in," Howitt said. "But I applied for an assistantship at the Andrew L. Bouwhuis Library at Canisius while working on my master's degree and I fell in love with the work."

In her new role in UB Libraries, Howitt coordinates the lending of physical and electronic resources from UB's collection to other libraries. Though she's been with the university for only a month and a half, she's already looking forward to the professional development opportunities UB offers. 

Beyond her day-to-day responsibilities, Howitt is deeply committed to disability advocacy. As someone who is legally blind, she works with Prevent Blindness in their advocacy program, participating annually in Eyes on Capitol Hill, a legislative day where advocates, doctors, patients and allies meet with Congress to emphasize the importance of early prevention and detection of eye diseases.

"I personally share my stories of being born legally blind and daily life to show what it's like for a person with a visual impairment living in America," Howitt said. 

The program, was adapted during COVID-19 to include virtual meetings with legislators, has enabled more people to participate in advocacy efforts for federal programs that improve eye health.

Born in Greenville, South Carolina, Howitt grew up primarily in San Diego as a Navy child. She moved to Buffalo 10 years ago after marrying her husband and has two stepchildren and a dog. 

The transition from San Diego's warmth to Buffalo's winters was challenging at first, but she has grown to appreciate her adopted city.

"What I love most about Buffalo are the people," she said. "I love how the city comes together for people. It has made the transition to calling this city home easier." 

Outside work, Howitt enjoys crocheting, reading, playing video games, attending plays and traveling.

Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a PhD in library studies, with research focused on accessibility in academic libraries for disabled students. "Equitability matters," she said. "Libraries should be welcoming and usable spaces for everyone." 

And one fun fact she's happy to share: despite many attempts, she still cannot whistle!