Allison has been with the Dalhousie Libraries for the past 11 years, assuming varied duties and increased responsibilities over the years.

She began working in libraries in 1989, after realizing that the aspect of research she loved most was that part that took place in libraries. This conviction was strengthened while she completed an MA in History at Carleton University, and worked as a freelance researcher and writer in the Ottawa area.

Since entering the library field, Allison has worked at libraries in Ontario, at the Ottawa Public Library, at Carleton University, and at the National Library of Canada. Allison earned her MLIS degree from Dalhousie in 1997, and since then has worked at the Patrick Power Library at Saint Mary’s University, and at the Sexton Design & Technology Library at Dalhousie.

Allison has held a variety of concurrent library positions at the Sexton, including Head of Cataloguing, engineering subject specialist, Head of Technical Services, Digital Initiatives Coordinator, and Assistant Design & Technology Librarian. All of her library experiences have contributed to her firmly held belief in the importance of forming relationships with library users, in going above and beyond what is asked, and in dedicating her career to service.

“I am so proud to become the Head Librarian on the Sexton Campus and to work with colleagues across the Dalhousie Libraries as Associate University Librarian, Discovery. The Dal Libraries have much to offer our students, faculty, and researchers. I look forward to working with my colleagues to further enhance the experiences that our users have in our libraries,” said Allison.