University Libraries Spotlight: Necia Parker-Gibson

Photo Submitted

Necia Parker-Gibson

Necia Parker-Gibson was born in New York. She lived in a small city early on, then moved to a farm in the Finger Lakes. A painting of her family's old farm house hangs on a wall in her office in Mullins Library.

Parker-Gibson first came to Arkansas to attend college. She intended to return to New York after earning her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, but her parents sold the farm and moved to Arkansas, themselves. She worked in a lab, in hospitals as a tech, and as a restaurant manager before heading to Louisiana State University to pursue a graduate degree in library science.

"I went to library school intending to become a children's librarian," said Parker-Gibson, "but I went towards academic libraries after some exposure to the broader range of what the field is about."

Parker-Gibson took a part-time position as a librarian for a lobbying group in Baton Rouge before returning to Arkansas, where she began working for University Libraries.

In her time at the Libraries, Parker-Gibson has served as Library Instruction Coordinator, general reference librarian, Social Sciences Librarian, Social Sciences and Agriculture Librarian, and her current position, Agriculture Librarian.

"I help students and faculty find materials and resources to complete their projects as effectively and efficiently as possible," said Parker-Gibson.

She also assists the Libraries in providing materials for students and faculty, and she helps secure funding for the discovery of new collections. In addition to this, Parker-Gibson has served on the U of A's Faculty Senate and Campus Council, as well as many committees. She has been active in the Arkansas Library Association and is currently active the Association of College & Research Libraries. She serves as secretary for the Food, Agriculture & Nutrition Division of the Special Libraries Association and is also on the executive council of the United States Agricultural Information Network. She is on the board of directors for the Agriculture Network Information Collaborative.

Her favorite part of her job is working with students.

"There are many things I like about my job, and new things come up all the time, which I also like," said Parker-Gibson, "But students are the core, directly or indirectly."

When asked about the Libraries' best-kept secret, Parker-Gibson referenced the strength and helpfulness of University Libraries faculty and staff in the face of challenges and changes.

Parker-Gibson lives locally with her husband, a retired music teacher and musician.

"Everyone seems to know Allan Gibson," she said, "Especially with a trumpet in his hand."

In her spare time, Parker-Gibson reads, knits, bicycles and gardens. She hopes to ride a 100-mile bicycle race one day. She also writes poetry, has ideas for a novel, and attends obedience school with her dog, Penelope the Great — also known as Penny.

"Penny says I've become much more obedient with training," Parker-Gibson said.