Your partner in academic discovery and success: Meet Virginia Pow

At the Faculty of Science, librarians empower academic growth—whether supporting in-depth research, mastering technical tools, or just sifting through the world of academic resources.

Located in the Cameron Science & Engineering Library, Virginia Pow is a librarian dedicated to supporting success by connecting students and faculty with the knowledge, tools, and techniques they need.

From identifying trustworthy sources and organizing your research to navigating complex databases and managing data, the science library team can help.

Meet Virginia Pow. 

What drew you to library studies?

My journey into library studies started unexpectedly during my time as a research assistant. Through that, I discovered working with people and managing information in libraries is the perfect way to combine these interests into a meaningful career.

Do you have a particular area of focus/passion?

My focus is on supporting science students. I’m passionate about teaching them how to find quality information, promoting strong information practices, and helping with statistics and data management. These are crucial skills for succeeding in their academic and research pursuits.

When did you take on your current position?

I have been a science librarian since 2020, but my journey with libraries spans much longer, as I’ve worked in various roles within the field. This diverse background has enriched my understanding of library sciences and information management, allowing me to better serve my students,

What are the types of support that you offer students that are specific to the Faculty of Science?

I offer specialized support in several areas, including teaching students how to effectively search for quality information, guiding them in good information management practices, and assisting with statistics and data management. These are tailored to the needs of science students who work with complex research databases and scientific data.

What is one thing, or perhaps the most important thing, that you would like students to know about the library resources (and librarians!) available to them?

I want students to know that our library resources—and we as librarians—are here to help them. We’re dedicated to guiding them through the overwhelming world of academic information and providing personalized assistance in finding and using resources effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to help!

What do you do for fun? 

Outside of work, I love spending time outdoors. Whether it’s cross-country skiing, running, mountain biking, or hiking, I enjoy being active (and trying to keep up with my kids!) and exploring nature.