Meet Cat Broady, the Reference and Instruction Librarian for the East Campus Library at Black Hawk College. From answering unique research questions to teaching essential information skills, Cat does it all!

What Does Cat Do at the Library?

Cat’s role at the East Campus Library is versatile. She provides one-on-one research help, answers chat and email questions, assists with tech issues, and conducts instructional sessions for classes, both online and in person. Her instruction sessions cover everything from using library databases and evaluating sources to mastering citation skills. She also builds research guides, creates tutorials, and helps select materials for the library’s collection.

A Unique Research Challenge

“One particularly interesting research questions from a student was on a specific medical condition in lizards. We have a lot of resources on cats, dogs, horses, and various livestock, but for this, I had a do a bit more digging to find the right search term to get articles about it. In general, the Vet Tech or Ag questions are fun ones to take a deep dive into and I usually learn something interesting during the search.”  

Favorite Library Services

Two of Cat’s favorite library services are the Chilton Library database and the Libby Graphic Novel collection:

  • Chilton Library provides detailed vehicle repair guides, owner’s manuals, and recall information, making it a go-to resource for car enthusiasts and DIYers.
  • Libby’s Graphic Novel Collection features a wide range of superhero and non-superhero comics, with new volumes regularly added—perfect for both academic use and leisure reading.

How to Reach Cat

Need help with research, or anything library-related? Are you a faculty member looking for Cat to lead an instruction session? You can find Cat at the East Campus Library or reach her via email at broadyc@bhc.edu.

Fun Fact About Cat

Cat’s undergraduate degree is in archaeology, and she even participated in a summer excavation in Greece! She loves ancient history and learning about how people lived centuries ago. For fellow classics enthusiasts, her favorite ancient Roman authors are Ovid and Suetonius.

Cat’s Favorite Books

An avid reader, Cat’s favorites include Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and the Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells.