Gerald Natal, MLIS, AHIP 
Health and Human Services Librarian 
University of Toledo 

Editor’s note: This month, we are celebrating Gerald Natal, who has served as a Librarian Selector for Doody’s Core Titles since 2017. Thank you, Gerald!   

Provide a brief description of your library and its services. 
 
I currently work at The William S. Carlson Library, which is the main campus library at the University of Toledo, after having worked on the health science campus for many years. The library supports students, faculty, and the community-at-large. It also houses offices for other student support services such as the writing and tutoring centers and TRIO. 

How did you get started in health sciences librarianship? What brought you to the profession? 
 
I worked in various staff positions in a public library system for several years. After serving as a circulation supervisor at UToledo, I decided to pursue an MLIS degree. Prison librarian was my first professional librarian position. From there I moved to a visiting instructor position at UToledo teaching research fundamentals to undergraduate students. After a brief stint as a digital services librarian, I took over for the resigning health sciences librarian. 

Share two of the most important issues facing the profession today and why they’re important to address. 
 
I imagine many librarians would mention the “elephant in the room” that is artificial intelligence. I believe the library profession can play a significant role in shaping how AI technology is integrated into our society by contributing to policy development and teaching responsible use. Now, more than ever, it is important for librarians to emphasize the evaluation and verification of sources of information. 

What is one innovation, product, or service in your library that you’re excited about? 
 
As part of the OhioLINK consortium, our libraries are migrating to a new library services platform. In addition to navigating a new system, there is a lot of work on the horizon to update LibGuides, learning materials, and instruction content, but I am hopeful for the projected benefits to our users. 

What aspects of your work keep you most professionally motivated? 
 
For me, library work is never boring. There is always something to learn, such as keeping up with technology, new teaching techniques, and the required professional service and research requirements. Ultimately, there is gratification that comes with helping folks satisfy their information needs. 

Why have you worked on the last nine editions of Doody’s Core Titles? 
 
I first participated as a Doody’s selector on the recommendation of a colleague. I saw it as an opportunity to get a deeper understanding of two of the disciplines in my liaison area, as well as serve as an aid to collection development in those areas. I find it an enjoyable way to keep up with new publications, and reviewing books gives me ideas for research topics to use in my classroom instruction. Also, I feel good about contributing to a resource that benefits my fellow librarians. 

A recent book you’ve enjoyed or anything else you’d like to share? 
 
I tend to read several books simultaneously—I think I have a book in every room of my house. Included are all the books I read for research purposes. One book I am reading for pleasure is the third and final installment of Harlan Ellison’s Dangerous Visions series, released fifty years after its original scheduled publication date. Ellison did not finish the project for assorted reasons (The Last Dangerous Visions was released posthumously) but as does its predecessors, the volume delivers speculative fiction that serves as a warning to stimulate readers to consider what the future may have in store.