Dr. Pam Lough, MLS, PhD joined the Rowan University Libraries leadership team in 2025 as Director of the Veterinary Library. She now oversees library services at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine, focusing on research support, digital resources, and developing a new library that meets the evolving needs of veterinary students and faculty. We asked Dr. Lough a few questions about her background, vision, and what excites her about joining Rowan.
Can you tell us a little about your background in libraries and what you enjoy about the work?
I have over 13 years’ experience managing medical and research libraries in the USA, UK, and Caribbean. I have been an invited speaker on the topics of information literacy and health information portals and was a founding member of Metadata 2020, a global initiative to improve access to open research.
Librarianship is a noble profession. It is rewarding to help people find and create information that will help them accomplish their goals and discover the world around them.
What brings you to Rowan University?
The desire to work with a forward-thinking, transparent organization.
What excites you about working at the Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine?
It is exciting to be part of a new program that is literally being built from the ground up. I am privileged to be part of an enthusiastic, knowledgeable team that contributes to animal welfare and wellbeing, supports local communities, and produces high quality education and research. I am looking forward to other partnerships within the university and its stakeholders as well.
How do you see the library supporting veterinary students and faculty in their research and learning?
I’ve just ordered a large amount of faculty-requested books and journals to assist students and faculty with their research and education. The library will provide access to training and researcher support services, such as data management and open access publishing. We will develop and maintain web pages that guide users to relevant library resources and services. The library will provide access to study space, computers, reference assistance, and interlibrary loan services.
What do you hope to bring to the Veterinary Library in your first year?
I hope to bring strong leadership by recruiting and developing excellent staff and by establishing the library as a go-to resource for learning and inspiration.
Do you have a favorite book, author, or library memory that’s stayed with you?
During my Master of Library Science studies at UCLA, I was awarded an internship as a Map Cataloger at the Bodleian Library with Oxford University. I was given tours of parts of the library where the public are not allowed, including the very top of the Radcliffe Camera where people from centuries past used to carve their names on the windows. My guide looked at the two tiny diamonds on the ring on one of my fingers, said “There’s no one up there from the twentieth century,” then invited me to carve my name on one of the windows.
What advice would you give to students just beginning their journey in veterinary medicine?
Take pleasure in learning and give yourself time to do so. Learning is a lifelong experience. With artificial intelligence offering to find answers and reach conclusions for people, it is important to learn to find and analyze information yourself, to check “facts” presented by sources that may be unreliable, and to use artificial intelligence in a responsible way.
Have animals played a role in your life or career in any meaningful way?
I grew up in a family of dog rescuers and have had dogs most of my life. My first career ambition was to be a guide dog instructor, which led me to work at summer camps for blind and/or deaf people for three years. I worked as a horseback riding guide in England for a couple of summers during my college years. It was fantastic galloping over long stretches of beautiful terrain with no roads in sight.
Welcome, Dr. Lough! We are excited to have you as an integral part of the Rowan community.