Ashley Hoffman is the Outreach Librarian, based at the Marietta, GA learning site. She has been with South College since August 2025.
- Name the question you get asked the most and share your go-to solution.
“Where are all the books??” is the question I get the most these days. As a newly opened learning site, it’s true that the Marietta Resource Center doesn’t have a lot of books on the shelf (yet), but what people may not realize is that we actually have access to over 100,000 books on our website! You can find all our eBook collections at https://library.south.edu/home/ebooks.
- Point to one resource you wish students utilized more and why it matters.
We have an amazing South College Library Blog that has tons of research tips and highlighted resources for students that is published twice a month. There’s tons of great information on it—and even some fun contests that students can participate in!
- What’s one behind-the-scenes task that, if skipped, students would feel tomorrow?
A “thankless” task that library staff does is wipe down all of our lending laptops with disinfecting wipes between uses. Believe me, once cold and flu season is in full swing, you will thank us for this extra step!
- What inspired you to seek out a job in libraries?
I have always loved reading, but beyond that I’ve always loved helping people. I started working part-time at my college’s library while I was in school and I’ve worked for a library ever since. My favorite jobs have been the ones that let me directly put students in touch with the resources they need for their schoolwork.
- If you could recommend one book that everyone should read, what would it be?
I’m a science fiction fan, and I’m forever recommending the book The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin to people who love reading but are skeptical about science fiction. This book has such a rich world to explore, such important themes, and such a fascinating “twist” at the end that I could discuss it for days. I’ve successfully converted two people into science fiction readers with this book!
- Bonus Question: What are your favorite spooky stories?
I have always loved the short stories by Edgar Allan Poe. The creepiest one to me is “Berenice,” which—to explain it very badly—is all about a man obsessed with his fiancée’s teeth. I’ll let you read the story to find out what I mean.
Chris Byrns is the Associate Director of Library Services, based at Knoxville's Parkside Library. He has been with South College since March 2025.
Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of APA citation questions. My go-to solution is the APA 7th Edition guide on the South College Library website. When it comes to APA, you’d be hard pressed to find a more user-friendly or better sourced guide.
I wish more students took advantage of the tutorials on the library website. A lot of work has gone into creating these short, 2–3 minute videos, and they’re packed with useful information. Since all South College programs require library engagement, and research-intensive programs even more so, learning how to make the most of these resources is an investment that always pays off.
I help coordinate room reservations at the Parkside Library. Between testing and studying, demand is high. Without this mediation, students would struggle to secure quiet study areas or rooms needed for makeup and accommodations testing.
Like many librarians, my path wasn’t direct. I originally planned to be an educator but couldn’t secure a position right after graduation. Since I had worked at John C. Hodges Library while at UT-Knoxville, I found a job at Lawson McGhee Library in Knoxville, which I thought would be a placeholder. I ended up loving it and decided to stay. What I enjoy most about being a librarian is the variety of people you meet and tasks to complete. People think they know what librarians do, but the scope is much broader than they realize. The only real throughline is that librarians help people solve problems.
After 12 years as a public librarian, I developed a deep appreciation for picture books. They’re far more impactful than most people realize. My favorite is Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, about a girl who transforms her cold, dreary town with a magical box of yarn. But the one I think everyone should read is The Fate of Fausto by Oliver Jeffers, a powerful story about the pitfalls of greed.
My family really leans into the holidays with activities and movies every year. If I had to pick one, it’s Home Alone. As a 90s kid, I was the target audience when it first came out, and now watching it with my children is a highlight of the season. It’s a fun reminder that family, even when they are the worst, are actually the best. Honorable mention goes to the 1964 stop-motion Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. As a bearded redhead, I’ve always had a soft spot for Yukon Cornelius.