Abby Veiman, a junior from Papillion majoring in actuarial science and data science in the College of Arts and Sciences, wrote the winning essay, “Searching Smarter, Connecting Better,” in a contest sponsored by the University Libraries. The contest asked students to imagine the academic library of tomorrow. The award is a $350 gift card and library swag.
Veiman was searching for scholarship applications on the College of Arts and Sciences website when she found the notice of the Libraries contest and decided to apply.
The contest prompt asked students to “explore their hopes, dreams and sense of possibilities for how research libraries will evolve to support discovery, knowledge and human connection in the years to come."
Veiman began her essay with an explanation of “what research looks like” in her own academic life as an actuarial science major versus students in other sciences.
“My field of research is entirely digital and unconventional compared to bioscience majors who do their research in laboratories,” Veiman wrote. “Actuarial science is a small field and I’m really proud of the type of research that I do for its impact.”
Veiman works as a research assistant for Yijia Lin, the V.J. Skutt Distinguished Professor of Finance in the College of Business, on the UNL Global Research Rankings of Actuarial Science and Risk Management and Insurance, where she locates highly specific articles and information. Artificial intelligence is an important tool in her workflow.
“Reading dozens of long, technical articles in search of a single supporting line can consume hours,” Veiman said. “AI tools have helped streamline this process, but they introduce new concerns.”
Veiman sees the library’s role as much more active in guiding responsible AI use and helping researchers understand the limitations. Her vision of the future sees the Libraries building on existing strengths while adapting to how conducting research continues to evolve.
“We are pleased to award the contest prize to Ms. Veiman for her stellar essay. She addresses many things we in the Libraries are already thinking about, discussing and working toward,” said Harriet Wintermute, chair and associate professor, acquisitions, cataloging, metadata and e-resources. Wintermute led the team of Libraries faculty and staff who created and ran the student contest.
Liz Lorang, dean of Libraries, quoted from Veiman’s essay at UNL’s Charter Day celebration on Feb. 13, as part of sharing the Libraries’ "why" in the present era. The ideas Veiman explored in her essay underscore, Lorang said, that academic libraries support “a world of sense-making (that) remains possible” and where “honest engagement with ideas remains possible.”
The full text copy of Veiman’s essay can be found in the Libraries Digital Commons.
The “Imagining the Research Library of Tomorrow” contest served as one of the activities to celebrate the University Libraries five anniversaries and the Pages to Paths awareness campaign.
