Salpy Nalbandian currently serves as the head of Saab Medical Library at the 158-year-old American University of Beirut. She holds a Master of Library Science degree (now the Master of Information) from SC&I that she earned in 2010, a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, and a teaching diploma from Haigazian University in Beirut, Lebanon. Nalbandian recounted her fascinating career journey, including what led her to pursue a master’s degree at SC&I even though she was living in Beirut.

SC&I: What positions have you held at the University Libraries of the American University of Beirut?

SN: My career began as a Library Assistant in the Acquisitions Department, and in 2007, I transitioned to the role of Assistant to the Librarian in the Collection Development Department. In 2009, the American University of Beirut sponsored me to pursue a master’s degree in library science. Upon my return to Lebanon in 2010, I contributed to special projects in the Collection Development and Cataloging Departments. In 2012, I was appointed Head of the Science & Agriculture Library, a position I held until July 2024. Currently, I serve as the Head of Saab Medical Library, where I support the medical, nursing, and health sciences communities.

SC&I: What led you to choose the Master of Information program at SC&I?

SN: To meet the specific requirements established by the University Libraries, I was mandated to pursue a master's degree from an ALA-accredited program, with the condition that I complete it within a year. Given the significance of this decision, I approached the selection process with careful consideration, focusing primarily on the academic reputation and ranking of the institutions I was considering. Rutgers University, at the time of my admission, held the prestigious position of being ranked 6th among library science schools, a testament to its rigorous academic standards and esteemed standing in the field. This ranking played a pivotal role in my decision-making process, as I wanted to ensure that I received a top-tier education that would equip me with the knowledge and skills necessary for my role. Moreover, the recommendation from my supervisor (at the time) further reinforced my choice to pursue my master's degree there.  

SC&I: What SC&I classes or instructors had the most impact on you?

SN: Professor Emerita of Library and Information Science Kay Cassell, who served as the director of the master’s program at the time, played a pivotal role in my transition to Rutgers. She was my first point of contact before I even left Lebanon, providing guidance and support that were invaluable during that critical period. I was incredibly fortunate to have Dr. Cassell as both my advisor and the instructor for the Collection Development course, a subject that I was deeply passionate about. Under her expert guidance, I not only honed my skills but also developed a profound appreciation for collection management, making it one of my most cherished courses.

Another significant influence on my academic journey was Paulette Kerr, Ph.D.’10. She was pursuing her Ph.D. at the time, and I had the privilege of enrolling in her courses on Reference Sources and Services, as well as Information Resources in the Social Sciences. Dr. Kerr's approach to teaching was marked by her exceptional attention to detail, particularly when it came to the precise citation of references. Her meticulous standards had a lasting impact on me, shaping my approach to academic rigor and instilling in me a commitment to scholarly excellence that I carry with me to this day. Dr. Kerr is currently the campus librarian at The University of the West Indies.

SC&I: What advice do you have for current and prospective SC&I students?

SN: Maximize your learning at Rutgers. Actively engage with your instructors who are experts in their fields and valuable mentors who can guide your academic and professional journey. Build relationships with your peers, as they offer diverse perspectives and can become lifelong collaborators or friends. Take the opportunity to explore various specializations and courses, as these can open doors to fulfilling and sometimes unexpected career paths. The opportunities are vast, and with a master’s degree from SC&I, the possibilities are truly boundless. The sky is truly the limit!