News Archives: Eden Murray-Black: Lighting Up the Learning Commons
Wednesday, November 29th, 2023
NWP Library Technician Eden-Murry Black
Eden Murray-Black has dedicated more than 26 years to Northwestern Polytechnic. She has many stories, all collected during her career as Library Technician in the Learning Commons.
Her journey began when she first arrived in Grande Prairie, leaving behind the bustling streets of Toronto. Her dad was already living in Grande Prairie, so when a job came up at the post-secondary, it was a natural next chapter. The transition from metropolitan life to Grande Prairie was an adjustment, but Eden found solace in the peaceful surroundings and the friendly community.
Before arriving in Northern Alberta, Eden's career path was not always clear-cut. She initially pursued a degree in French Language and Literature, contemplating a future in teaching. “As I started to explore different avenues, I discovered my preference for one-on-one interactions rather than group dynamics,” said Eden. This realization led her to the world of libraries. She went on to complete a Masters in Library Science from the University of Toronto and ultimately found joy in a career helping students and providing them with the resources they need.
Throughout her time at Northwestern Polytechnic, Eden held various positions, each contributing to her growth and expertise. From being an audiovisual Interlibrary Loan technician in the era of VHS tapes to becoming a computer lab monitor, she has continued to learn along the way.
“These experiences eventually led me to my current role in electronic resources management,” Eden explained. She finds fulfillment in the detective work involved in troubleshooting and ensuring that the electronic resources are accessible and functional for students.
Eden's passion for her work extends beyond the technical aspects. She enjoys connecting with students, guiding them in their research endeavors and imparting the tools to navigate the vast world of electronic resources.
“Whether it’s helping students log into computers, troubleshooting printing issues, or teaching them how to search databases effectively, I really enjoy these one-on-one interactions,” said Eden.
She has helped countless students and watched as the Learning Commons has evolved over the years, growing its footprint along with services offered. In particular, the addition of academic success and accessibility services has contributed to a collaborative environment, catering to the polytechnic’s diverse student community.
Eden has embraced these changes, adapting to new roles and responsibilities while staying rooted in her passion for assisting students. And like the variety of resources found in the Learning Commons, she continues to make herself available, supporting students in their collection of knowledge, skills and expertise at Northwestern Polytechnic.