Meet Your Education Librarian: A Q&A with Adena Brons

Navigating research, databases, and library resources can feel overwhelming while balancing coursework, projects, and practicum experiences. That’s where Adena Brons, the Faculty of Education’s Education Librarian at SFU comes in!

As part of the SFU Library’s team of liaison librarians, Adena supports Education students, staff, and faculty through one-on-one research consultations, designing workshops, and instructional support, helping connect people with the right information and resources when they need them.

We spoke with Adena to learn more about her work, how she supports the Education community, and a few library services you may not know about.

Q: Could you introduce yourself and share a bit about your role as the Education Librarian?

A: My name is Adena Brons (she/her). I grew up on unceded Musqueam territory and completed both my undergraduate degree in English literature and my graduate studies at UBC, earning a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) and a Master of Archival Studies (MAS) in 2015.

I’ve worked at SFU since 2016 in several contract roles before becoming the Education Librarian in 2022.

I’m part of a team of liaison librarians who provide specialist support to SFU’s faculties and departments. In my case, that means supporting the Faculty of Education. I like to think of myself as the library’s go-to person for Education students, staff, and faculty, someone you can reach out to with any library-related question, no matter how small.

Q: How do you support Education students in their coursework, research, and projects?

A: There are three main parts to my job: research help, instruction, and collections.

One of the most common ways I help students is through research consultations. This usually happens when someone has an assignment or research project and needs help finding relevant sources. I can help students refine their topic, navigate the library catalogue or academic databases, and develop strategies for finding the information they need.

That information doesn’t always mean academic journal articles. A big part of librarianship is information literacy: understanding how information is produced, valued, evaluated critically, and taking part in knowledge sharing ethically.

In other words, my goal isn’t just to help students find sources, but to help them become confident and thoughtful researchers. And of course, I can also help with citations!

Q: How do you support Education staff and faculty in their research or teaching?

A: I offer similar support to Education staff and faculty in navigating library services and finding relevant research sources. This might include advanced database search techniques, refining search strategies, or setting up journal alerts for new publications.

I also manage library collections that support teaching and research in the Faculty of Education, including the Curriculum Collection, print and e-books, and journal and database subscriptions.

Another part of my role is collaborating with instructors to develop tailored workshops or instructional materials, often focused on research skills, citation practices, and evaluating information sources.

Q: If a student isn’t sure what kind of library help they need, where should they start?

A: One of the quickest ways to ask a question is through AskAway, a chat service staffed by real library workers that’s available every day, including evenings and weekends.

Students can also email me directly for questions that don’t need an immediate response. The Library’s Ask Us page also lists self-service options and technical support.

Really, there’s no wrong way to get started. Reach out, and we’ll help connect you with the right person or resources.

Q: What library services or resources do you think Education students might not know about, but should? 

A: A common stereotype about libraries is that they’re quiet places to study or find books, which are both true! But there’s much more available.

For instance, students have access to complimentary film streaming through Criterion on Demand, the opportunity to examine historical resources such as a 1269 illuminated manuscript in Special Collections and Rare Books, and the ability to receive feedback on their writing via WriteAway, an online tutoring service.

Libraries today support learning in many different ways, so it’s always worth exploring what’s available.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like our Faculty to know?

A: If you’re reading this and thinking that librarianship sounds interesting, I’m always happy to talk about library careers. There’s a lot of overlap between people interested in Education and those interested in Libraries.

And a fun fact about me: I love bike trips! My partner and I regularly go bikepacking around Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Sunshine Coast. Our biggest trip was in 2023, when we cycled from Auckland to Invercargill in Aotearoa, New Zealand, just over 1,800 kilometres! We’re hoping to go back in 2027.