Traci J. Mays, MLIS 
Associate University Librarian, Health and Human Services 
Wilson G. Bradshaw Library 
Florida Gulf Coast University 

Editor’s note: This month, we are celebrating Traci Mays, who has served as a Librarian Selector for Doody’s Core Titles since 2015. Thank you, Traci! 

Provide a brief description of your library and its services.  

Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) is a public university in Fort Myers, Florida, recognized for its commitment to sustainability, innovative teaching, and student success. FGCU serves a diverse community of learners through a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. University Library Services plays an active, collaborative role in campus life by providing access to print and digital collections, research and evidence synthesis support, instructional partnerships, and welcoming spaces for study and collaboration. Library faculty and staff work closely with students, faculty, and staff to support teaching, learning, and research across the university. 

How did you get started in health sciences librarianship? What brought you to the profession? 

I began my career in health care working for 20 years in a variety of roles, from a private physician’s office to a large university medical center. Returning to college to complete my undergraduate degree and later earning my master’s in 2014, health sciences librarianship felt like a natural next step, allowing me to combine clinical experience, research, and a commitment to supporting evidence-based practice. 

Share two of the most important issues facing the profession today and why they are important to address. 

Two prominent issues facing librarianship today are adapting to rapid technological change — including AI, data management, and digital scholarship — and ensuring equitable access to information amid rising costs and licensing restrictions. Thoughtfully addressing these challenges helps libraries support ethical practice, foster informed teaching and research, and remain welcoming, trusted partners within their academic communities. 

What is one innovation, product, or service in your library that you are excited about? 

I am excited to offer FGCU campus services through the Evidence Synthesis Collaborative in partnership with my colleague, Kim Reycraft. This collaboration strengthens our ability to support faculty and students with rigorous, transparent evidence synthesis work while expanding access to expert guidance. Together, we look forward to building meaningful partnerships that enhance research quality and advance scholarship across the FGCU community. 

What aspects of your work keep you most professionally motivated? 

My professional motivation comes from partnering with faculty throughout the research lifecycle, from project inception to publication. Also, I am especially driven by providing instructional support that strengthens information literacy skills, empowers critical thinking, and equips students for academic success. Supporting high-quality scholarship while helping students develop lifelong research skills is both deeply rewarding and central to my work as a librarian. 

Why have you selected for the last eleven editions of Doody’s Core Titles? 

I am pleased to join in this work, as organizations like Doody’s play a vital role in supporting academic, hospital, and health sciences libraries. By providing trusted, expert-curated evaluations of essential resources, they help librarians make informed collection decisions, maximize budgets, and ensure access to high-quality, evidence-based materials — advancing education, research, and clinical practice for the betterment of the profession. 

A recent book you have enjoyed or anything else you would like to share. 

It is wonderful to revisit the classics by Agatha Christie, Barbara Michaels, and others, enjoying timeless storytelling and intriguing mysteries. My personal favorites are Black Coffee and Be Buried in the Rain. Great with a warm beverage, jazz music, and a cat on your lap.