Reference coordinator ensures researchers have access to materials

Shelby Schellenger | Reference Coordinator | Spencer Research Library

Researchers often turn to libraries to explore manuscripts and other materials, but navigating specialized repositories sometimes requires assistance. That’s where Shelby Schellenger comes in.

Schellenger is the reference coordinator for the Kenneth Spencer Research Library, which includes rare and unique items ranging from 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets to more than one million historical photographs. He has worked in the library since October 2019.

“His capable professionalism, timely helpfulness, unflappable calmness and respectful enthusiasm go a long way toward helping our researchers have a positive experience at or with the library,” said Caitlin Klepper, head of public services at the library.

Schellenger oversees the reading room where researchers come to view items in person. He must be nimble because students, faculty and members of the public can make requests upon arrival or in advance. Between July 2024 and June 2025, Schellenger responded to more than 500 patron inquiries via the library’s general reference email account and more than 160 inquiries to his personal email. His years of experience with the collections also make him a reference point for colleagues at the library.

"Shelby is often the first person I go to when I have collections questions. He shows attention to collection contents, checking the integrity of items and flagging anything for review,” a colleague said. “There have been many cases in the past 1.5 years where I have seen Shelby identify candidates to review and send to conservation. I imagine he sees collections more than anyone, and it shows in his knowledge and attention to collection materials."

Schellenger has handled unexpected challenges — ranging from mundane to newsworthy — during his tenure at the library. He often troubleshoots technology issues, such as document scanning and microfilm viewing; and he has been involved in database migration and website updates. Social distancing requirements during the pandemic presented unique challenges. Schellenger and his colleagues helped develop protocols to allow students and researchers to complete their studies as public health guidelines changed.

“In the years that I’ve worked with Shelby,” Klepper said, “he’s been extremely effective in all areas of this work.”