Name: Denise Branch
Title: Head, Continuing Resources
Email: dmbranch@vcu.edu
Organization: Virginia Commonwealth University
Website: http://www.library.vcu.edu/

Born and Lived: Born in Powhatan, Virginia. Currently live in Chesterfield, VA.

Professional Career and Activities: I started out working in the VCU Libraries as a student in the Order Unit. After graduating, I was hired as part-time clerk at the VCU Libraries in Cataloging and then moved to a full-time clerk position in Circulation. Later, I was promoted to a library assistant in Acquisitions. After working as a library assistant for many years, I decided to pursue the master’s degree in library science at The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. After graduation, I was hired as the Assistant Head of Acquisitions & Serials Librarian at the VCU Libraries. In April 2013 after a reorganization of the technical services division, I became the Head of Continuing Resources in the Metadata and Discovery Department.

Family: I have two teenage daughters and two dogs, a Yorkie and a Pekinese.

In My Spare Time: I am a movie fanatic and love to read. Go figure! I enjoy strolls in the neighborhood with my two doggies, Gucci and Trey.

Favorite Books: I love mysteries and thrillers. Two of my favorite authors are David Baldacci and John Grisham.

Pet Peeves: I don’t like dishonesty. Being dishonest will eventually catch up with you and will only hurt you and the ones you love.

Philosophy: Believe in yourself. Set your goals. If you achieve them great. If you don’t, evaluate and determine what you need to change, but never stop trying.

Most Memorable Career Achievement: Getting my master’s degree in library science. I decided to go back to school after I got married and had kids. Of course, I was older and it was a challenge, but I persevered. I can say without a doubt it was worth it.

Goal I Hope to Achieve Five Years from Now: I would hope to have a better understanding of electronic resources. They are complex creatures, changing all the time. I have been working with them for many years and I still don’t understand them.

How/Where Do I See the Industry in Five Years: I see the industry moving to more cloud-based systems which enhance discovery and access. Cloud-based library management systems like Ex Libris Alma will become the norm. The journey has already begun. Libraries will once again take their rightful place as being a hub for activity where users are connected with the information they seek.  Libraries will continue navigating a sea of resources looking for ways to streamline workflows and develop skills that open the gates to discovery and access. This is just the beginning. The cloud will bring more efficiency and savings. Libraries and users will latch on to technologies that enhance discovery.