In a world where information is paramount, the library team and the role of a library project manager has never been more critical. At the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport Corporate Research and Information Center (CRIC), each librarian along with the library project manager plays a pivotal role in connecting Department of Defense and Navy researchers, engineers, scientists, and leaders with essential research, resources, and information. Today, we shine a spotlight on Library Project Manager Emilie Marchetti, whose multifaceted background and passion for outreach, collections, information access, and teambuilding has transformed the library program into a vital asset for the community.
As the CRIC library project manager at NUWC Division Newport, Emilie manages the library team and oversees the Technical Information Library Program including the Science and Technology (S&T) Library, the Classified Library, the Research Commons Digital Library portal, and the Best Available Sciences library portal. She ensures that the library meets the needs of its government customer and its diverse userbase, including 14 Department of Defense organizations and Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Warfare Centers. With a focus on staff management, project coordination, and task assignments, Emilie leads a dedicated team in enhancing library services including reference, circulation, outreach, and digital projects. She works to maximize, highlight, and provide access to the collection of S&T resources available to Government personnel and private defense contracting companies like ours in support of the Mission to provide research to the NUWC, NAVSEA, Navy, & DoD community. “My role is about creating connections,” Emilie explains, “which includes fostering a team of skilled and collaborative librarians; coordinating projects to connect with government customer needs; and engaging our library community to connect with the best information and research.”
Emilie brings a wealth of experience as a librarian and information specialist, having worked in various Rhode Island libraries and schools. At NUWC Division Newport, Emilie originally joined the library team as they began to expand their groundbreaking library portals designed to meet the unique research needs and security requirements by providing research support, tools, and digitizing warfare-based research. This initiative includes a digital repository with a comprehensive catalogue of books and unclassified documents, providing vital resources for military research. Emilie was hired in 2019 as a librarian to catalog environmental research material and later went on to spearhead the roles of lead librarian for both the library’s outreach efforts and collection management. As outreach lead librarian, she helped launch innovative promotion of library resources and services when the library had to pivot to primarily digital services as the world locked down. Key projects she spearheaded included the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Professional Reading Program Book Discussions, National Library Week efforts, NUWC Division Newport’s Bring a Child to Work Day activities, and Library Sign Up Month efforts. As collections lead librarian, Emilie initiated a large book collection project which included reviewing and weeding material, maximizing storage and organization, new book displays, and new research and reading nook furniture for the physical library space.
Emilie was promoted in 2023 to project manager due to her outstanding performance and innovative contributions in the areas of collections, outreach, and user engagement at the NUWC Division Newport Technical Information library. With over five and a half years of experience working at NUWC Division Newport’s CRIC, Emilie leads the library team as they navigate ongoing changes and challenges. She continues to dedicate herself to enhancing all areas of the library in her role of library project manager.
Describing her management style, Emilie emphasizes “compassionate management,” which focuses on understanding individual team member needs and fostering open communication. “I believe in looking at the big picture while also recognizing the intricate connections between different roles,” Emilie explains. This approach not only encourages team growth but also contributes to continuous process improvements.
In acknowledgement of Emilie’s dedication, she has received the prestigious five-year service award at NUWC Division Newport. This accolade reflects not only her commitment to the S&T library but also the broader mission of providing research to NUWC Division Newport, NAVSEA, the Navy, and the DoD.
Before joining MRC, Emilie wore many hats, including those of a licensed massage therapist, substitute teacher, and an art teacher. This diverse experience laid a strong foundation for a career in library sciences. Emilie also holds a rich background in mythology and folklore from Duke University. “I never envisioned a career in military libraries,” Emilie admits, “but I found that my love for teaching and learning naturally led me here.”
Emilie’s qualifications embody the essence of a library professional. With a master’s degree in library information science, Emilie combines cataloguing skills with practical experience in administration, circulation, and systems management. This broad expertise has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of library operations and the necessary skills to enhance the overall user experience. Emilie’s primary interest is library engagement and outreach. By developing innovative efforts, Emilie aims to create a welcoming environment where the community can thrive. “It’s about making the library a hub of knowledge and connections to everyone,” Emilie says, underscoring the importance of building relationships beyond the library walls.
Emilie’s journey at MRC exemplifies the transformative power of libraries in the military and beyond. Through dedicated management, innovative projects, and a commitment to community engagement, Emilie is not only shaping the future of the library program at NUWC Division Newport, but also enriching the lives of those it serves. In an age where access to information can make all the difference, Emilie stands as a beacon of knowledge and support for both MRC and the NUWC community.