Meet Jonathan DaSo, the library liaison for the Department of Modern Languages and Linguistics. He received his undergraduate degree in Spanish with a minor in Chinese language and literature, then pursued a master's degree in library science, which led to his appointment as the MLL librarian. Jonathan provides research support to undergraduate and graduate students alike, helping them find the resources they need. He aids students in all aspects of the research process, from developing a topic to finding and citing sources. He helps faculty find resources necessary for courses taught in the Department. Jonathan also manages the library’s MLL collection, including new acquisitions and ensuring the collection remains modern and relevant.

A unique challenge to working with MLL, Jonathan says, is the broad scope of the subject material. He says the research specialties and interests of professors and students have become much more inclusive of film, history, literature, and other disciplines. Jonathan also notes that linguistics is a social science, bringing new research methodologies to the study of languages. Jonathan finds the most rewarding aspect of librarianship to be the opportunity to learn new things by assisting students and faculty with research about a wide array of topics. He enjoys working with students and teaching them the skills they need to become information literate independent scholars.

Jonathan’s advice to students is that you should go to the library! The library offers many resources that most students are not exposed to in a classroom setting, and there are “no stupid questions.” Jonathan and others like him are available to help with any aspect of your research process. Jonathan is available by email, and holds office hours via Zoom every Thursday.