Abby Veiman, a junior at Papillion studying actuarial science and data science, recently won a contest hosted by the University Libraries with her essay, “Searching Smarter, Connecting Better.” The contest invited students to share their visions of future academic libraries. As a reward, Abby received a $350 gift card and some library merchandise.
While browsing for scholarship opportunities, Abby stumbled upon this contest and decided to enter. The prompt challenged participants to envision how libraries could evolve to foster discovery and connection.
In her essay, Abby highlighted her unique experience as an actuarial science major. “My field is digital and unconventional compared to bioscience students who are often in labs,” she noted. Abby takes pride in her research, which significantly impacts her field.
She works with Yijia Lin, a finance professor, focusing on global rankings in actuarial science. Abby relies on artificial intelligence to sift through lengthy academic articles, although she acknowledges its drawbacks. “Finding one useful line can take hours. AI helps, but it also brings new challenges,” she explained.
Abby envisions libraries taking an active role in guiding responsible AI use, helping researchers navigate its limitations. She believes libraries should build on their strengths while adapting to the evolving research landscape.
Harriet Wintermute, a professor and chair of acquisitions at the Libraries, praised Abby’s essay, stating it reflects ongoing discussions about the future of libraries. Liz Lorang, the dean of Libraries, even quoted Abby’s ideas during UNL’s Charter Day celebration, emphasizing the role of libraries in fostering meaningful engagement with ideas.
For more insights, you can read Abby’s full essay on the Libraries Digital Commons. This contest was part of the University Libraries’ initiative celebrating its five anniversaries and the Pages to Paths awareness campaign.
As libraries adapt to new technologies, there’s a growing recognition of their pivotal role in education and research. A recent survey showed that 70% of students believe libraries should offer more digital resources to support their studies. This is a reflection of how critical these spaces are in a fast-evolving academic environment.
In conclusion, Abby’s vision for the library of the future is not just about resources—it’s about connection, adaptability, and responsible innovation in research.
