Deb Raftus
Deb is the liaison to the divisions of French & Italian Studies, Spanish & Portuguese Studies, and the Latin American & Caribbean Studies program for a major urban university's libraries. She purchases collection materials, offers reference consultations and teaches research skills workshops. She also mentors and supervises current MLIS students in reference and instruction services. Deb has presented and written about reference services, digital humanities, international acquisitions, and research assignment design.
Deb has served the profession regionally and nationally. As President of the ACRL WA chapter, she conceived of and chaired a conference dedicated to wellness in libraries. Deb began her work in libraries as a Reference Assistant at Cornell University Libraries. The training and mentorship she received there inspired her career path, and has greatly influenced her work philosophy. Collaborating with partners in the library, Deb has always valued the role of mentoring in libraries.
Deb often bikes to work and has the perfect route: four miles downhill heading in and 4 miles uphill going home, which takes care of her workout.
Deb often bikes to work and has the perfect route: four miles downhill heading in and 4 miles uphill going home, which takes care of her workout.