Karen Whisler has been dedicated to helping Eastern students at Booth Library for 22 years.

Whisler is the Head of Collection Development at Booth Library and is one of 12 subject bibliographers. Subject bibliographers purchase materials for the library, mainly books.

With a budget of $1 million, bibliographers look for materials by reading book reviews, listening to student suggestions and working with the faculty in their departments.

Whisler purchases English, Communication Studies, Library Reference and Chemistry book supplies. She also assists at the reference desk.

“Libraries are wonderfully interesting places to work!” said Whisler.

Even if Booth Library does not have a certain book or journal, they can probably find it from a surrounding school like the University of Illinois or Southern Illinois University, Whisler said. All of these schools are part of the Consortium of Academic & Research Libraries in Illinois, which allows schools to share supplies. The online catalog, I-Share, links all the universities together.

Whisler was born in Elizabethtown, Ky., and traveled around as a child since her father was in the army.

She graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1971 with a bachelor’s degree in German, and she received her Master’s Degree in Library Science a year later.

After college, Whisler began work as a librarian at McKendree University in 1972. After that, she went Illinois State University in 1979 and the U of I in 1981. She came to Eastern in 1987. Whisler enjoys working with students and playing a part in their education.

“She is proactive in activities to help students,” said Marlene Slough.

During finals week she helped hand out popcorn to students, Slough said.

“She is a big part of the online catalog and does an excellent job of purchasing materials for the library,” said Carl Lorber, Head of Reference Services.

Lorber has worked with Whisler for 21 years, and the two formally shared an office from 1988 to 1997.

“Some oaf my happiest memories were sharing the office with her,” said Lorber.

Booth Library is open 98 hours a week. When it is closed, students can still find help online through the Ask a Librarian link on Booth Library’s home page. This link allows a person to talk immediately with a librarian through a chat room, email or phone. If a student wishes to submit a book for the library to buy, online forms are under the Services then Requests links on the Booth Library home page.

Kaitlyn can be reached at 581-7943 or at kdpeters@eiu.edu.