Joseph Bopp entered librarianship motivated by the fundamental right of access to information for all and libraries' essential role in democratic society.
His career spans diverse settings — rural high schools, prestigious research universities, and major urban public libraries — with particular focus on reference services and outreach instruction. Over six years, he has accumulated experience across research centers, academic libraries, high schools, internet libraries, municipal archives, and urban library systems.
A Teaching Lineage
Bopp comes from a family of educators: his father taught high school and his grandmother instructed at a rural community college. Though initially resistant to a teaching path as an undergraduate, he ultimately embraced curiosity-driven learning and the deep satisfaction of sharing knowledge with others.
This background shapes his approach to library instruction — treating every patron interaction as a teaching moment and every research consultation as an opportunity to build lasting skills.
Information Literacy as Essential Skill
Bopp emphasizes information literacy as essential for patrons navigating rapid technological and informational change. His experience demonstrates effectiveness in developing engaging outreach and instruction while supporting patron learning and research needs across physical and digital environments.
Career Highlights
University of Washington
Libraries Educational Outreach Graduate Student Assistant at Suzzallo Library. Participated in committees focused on planning and implementing learning initiatives.
Seattle Public Library
Outreach and Instruction Library Associate serving diverse urban populations. Recipient of the 2011 Customer Service Team Award.
Mount Si High School
Supported first-generation college students with limited resources; coordinated external partnerships and developed homework assistance programs.
Earlham College
Library reference assistant and student curator at the Joseph Moore Museum of Natural History. Scholar Athlete, B.A. in U.S./African History.
Education
Concentrated coursework on information instruction, reference services, and resource development for academic settings.
Scholar Athlete.