The Olive Tree

On the third floor of Fogler Library, there is a room called the Canadian Studies Office. Inside this room, is Betsy Beattie, Canadian Studies Librarian. Beattie's interest lies in Canadian history, but not in a traditional sense. If you ask her, she will tell you stories about Canada. Common people, especially those of the younger generation, fascinate her. She loves to tell of the history of Canadian immigration and how young single women came to the United States, specifically Maine, to work in textile factories back in the 1850's.

Beattie's enthusiasm for academics and students translates into her work here at The University of Maine. She says that one of the best aspects of her job at Fogler is interacting with students, both undergraduate and graduate. She often assists them on a one-on-one basis and dedicates a great deal of time and attention to their academic pursuits. Beattie also works with students in a myriad of disciplines that range from history to economics and forestry. She provides them with invaluable reference tools and greatly assists in their learning experience at the University.

Although she has been working here at the UMaine for the past ten years, Beattie originally attended Stanford. Later, she switched to Berkeley and earned her Masters in Library Information Science. With this accomplishment in hand, Beattie headed across country to the east coast. She enrolled at the University of Vermont, and one summer she took a Canadian history course. This course interested Beattie, and she went on to pursue her doctorate in Canadian history at The University of Maine. While at The University, she wrote her dissertation, "Obligation and Opportunity: Single Maritime Women in Boston, 1870 to 1930," now a published book. In reference to her experience during this time of intense research, Beattie said, "I love to look through materials...you start to see patterns...it's just a thrill." 

In addition to her reference service, Beattie's current work includes selecting documents, preparing a quarter annual list of newly acquired Canadian materials, and maintaining a website for the Canadian Studies Office (http://www.library.umaine.edu/canstudies/default.htm). She welcomes anyone who is interested in learning more about Fogler Library's Canadian holdings to contact her by phone (581-1694) or email (betsy.beattie@umit.maine.edu).