The walls of William T. Young Library at the University of Kentucky are frequented by students in pursuit of knowledge, learning and intellectual community.
Students gather to study or seek advice for projects that demand the help of academic professionals.
For UK Librarian Taylor Leigh, the opportunity to guide students in academic research feels like a gratifying experience.
“When they (students) have this light bulb moment about how to find the sources for their project, that’s a huge win for me,” Leigh said.
As a middle-schooler, Leigh was introduced to Spanish as a course material. He continued to learn the language in high school, something Leigh said would later influence his decision to major in and earn a doctorate degree in Spanish.
Now, Leigh specializes in Hispanic studies and provides instruction for the Departments of Hispanic Studies and Modern and Classical Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
During his time as a doctoral student, Leigh attended a conference where he got a peek at the world of academic research with Spanish-language materials. According to Leigh, the conference served as a pivotal moment for him in cultivating his intellectual curiosity in relation to language and professions that stem from it.
“I wanted to be a generalist and learn about lots of things,” Leigh said. “A librarian profession allows for that. There’s always opportunities to learn about new things.”
For Leigh, his background in Spanish studies is what makes him comfortable in his abilities to assist students by providing access to information relevant to specific subject matter within the Hispanic department.
According to Leigh, students should know they have access to a librarian who specializes in their areas of interest.
“Without librarians, without people working to make materials available in databases or on the shelf, research wouldn’t happen,” Leigh said.
As a librarian, Leigh counsels students on what information is relevant to their research projects. Because of this, he is often tasked with explaining the ethics and implications behind information sources such as artificial intelligence.
With his knowledge in Spanish resources, Leigh said he is better equipped to aid students when they try to discern what quality information looks like for them in their research projects.
Leigh’s enjoyment of Hispanic studies, however, transcends the librarian role.
His membership in projects like the Kentucky Hispanic Heritage Project and the Apoyo KY oral history series has made him more appreciative of the history of Latinos in Kentucky and the first wave of Latin immigrants.
“The depth of the Hispanic presence in the state was impressive to me,” Leigh said. “I do think that these populations should be represented.”
For Leigh, Spanish is a joyful, friendly and expressive language. At home, he speaks Spanish to his children in hopes they can internalize the language and enhance their skills.
“Whenever I’m speaking Spanish with people, it tends to be with a smile on my face,” Leigh said.
After six years at UK, Leigh feels he has integrated into the university’s community well enough to guide students and continue doing outreach work.
“I just love being a part of a place where a bunch of learning is happening,” Leigh said. “I just think that’s really exciting.”
