PROFILE

• Loretta Grikis, MLS
• Reference and Information Services Librarian

First things first: Pats or Giants?

Pats!

Describe your job in a tweet (140 characters)

Reference Librarian for all clinical staff; search biomed & nursing lit to find info they need; teach how to use our databases & other tools.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was a child, I wanted to be a farmer and grow fruit trees.  I don’t know why, probably because I enjoyed being outdoors, and liked apples.

How long have you been in your current position?

Four years here at Baystate, but I have been a librarian (mostly reference) for 28 years.

How does your work support our academic mission?

My work can have a fairly direct correlation to this mission (including quality and patient safety).  Sometimes information  that I find plays a role in influencing a clinician’s diagnostic or treatment decisions, and sometimes I locate and compile information for staff who are on committees that are writing policies, or who are working on individual research projects.

What do you like best about your job?

I have daily opportunities to learn new things.  And I also genuinely enjoy helping people.

What about your work has most surprised you?

I never cease to be impressed by how gracious and kind the staff that I do work for can be—even when they are busy and stressed.

What’s the one most rewarding or satisfying on-the-job experience since you’ve worked here?

Wow—there are so many.  Maybe the Literature and Medicine program, since I really think it can make a difference. (Ask me about it if you would like more information.)

“Everything I need to know, I learned in ______”  

Everything that I need to know, I learned from the library (of course), a great place to obtain accurate, evidence-based information. 

What is one of your best hidden skills/talents?

Since my parents came here from Lithuania, I grew up in a Lithuanian-speaking household, although I am certain my skills are currently rusty.