Library Staff Profile: Laura Barkema
Posted: November 18, 2025
November’s staff profile highlight is Laura Barkema, MLIS, the Communications Librarian on the Mesa campus. She is also the liaison for Audiology, PA, DMSc, MSBMS, and DIHS.
Position title: Liaison and Communications Librarian
How long have you worked for the library: One year and change.
What made you want to work in libraries? I was a premed student my freshman year and then realized that I didn’t want to practice medicine, but I was still fascinated and loved learning about it. Since I was already a major reader, someone mentioned that I should be a librarian and when I realized you could be a medical librarian, I was sold. I am one of the few who knew they were going to be a librarian as early as their sophomore year in undergrad.
What do you like most about your job and about working for ATSU? I enjoy that every day is different. Sometimes I am working closely with students or faculty, and others I’m honing in on which Libguides need updating or posting on our social media. The biggest realization I’ve had while at ATSU so far is how much I enjoy research. It shouldn’t be surprising, considering research is a librarian’s bread and butter, but it’s made this transition into medical librarianship from public library life even more exciting!
What is a fun job you had before ATSU? Truly, I’ve mostly worked in libraries (even while in undergrad), but my first job that I worked at on and off for six years was at the Hardee’s in my hometown in Iowa. Being a librarian is very much about customer service, and Hardee’s is where I learned a lot about working with the public. I look back on my time at Hardee’s very fondly, and I still think that the biscuits at Hardee’s are the best around.
What is a fun/unique/exciting tidbit to know about you, or how do you spend your free time?
I love to travel. Doesn’t seem unique enough? I get it, but it’s truly my number one passion and priority in life. I would like to visit every country and I still have a long way to go, but I have currently been to 70 countries, which is about a third of the way through!