Welcome to CCML!

New Member Profile

Michelle Schonken 

Why did you choose to become a librarian?

Funnily enough, during high school, I took the Myers Briggs test and noticed that librarian was one of the top suggestions as a career for my personality type. So, I volunteered at a public library and pestered the librarians with questions about their work whenever I got the chance. Their passion for bringing people and information together was infectious. Within a few years, I got a job at that public library, eventually transitioned to academic libraries, and then finally found my niche in health sciences. 

Where did you attend college?

I graduated from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI with my MLIS in 2017. Before that, I completed my BA at Vanguard University of Southern California.

What is your hometown?

I have great memories of the first few years of my life in Malalane, South Africa, but I mostly grew up in Southern California (Orange County) after my family and I immigrated. 

What is your favorite book?

My favorite book is Guards! Guards! by Terry Pratchett.

What is your favorite feature in your library/favorite part of your job?

I love that I can contribute to healthcare in my own way by helping both future and established health professionals. And being an Electronic Resources Librarian is mostly solving puzzling problems – my favorite thing to do. 

What are your hobbies outside your job?

I love being outside, crafting, solving puzzle books, trying new recipes, and reading. I’ve recently taken up container gardening, and, as long as everything stays alive, I’m enjoying that too.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can paint with watercolors because one of my first part-time jobs was as an art studio assistant.