Texas Tech librarian fosters academic growth through personalized support and a passion for helping others access the right tools
For nearly two decades, Cynthia Henry has served as more than just a librarian for the College of Health & Human Sciences at Texas Tech—she has become a vital guide in the academic journey of students and faculty alike.
As the college’s subject librarian, Henry plays a key role in supporting research, teaching, and learning. From managing collections to teaching information literacy sessions, her work bridges the gap between the vast resources of the University Libraries and the people who need them most.
“Much of my role at Texas Tech is to support research, teaching, and learning,” Henry said. “Often, someone will come asking for a specific article, but after we talk, I’m able to direct them to resources they didn’t even know they needed.”
That personalized support extends to the classroom as well. Henry regularly collaborates with faculty to deliver tailored instruction on research strategies, citation management, and evaluating sources. Most recently, she has begun exploring data visualization tools, preparing to teach others how to use the software effectively. It’s a direct response to a growing need she has observed in the College of Health and Human Sciences.
“I’m trying to support this area with both technology and understanding, so I can teach it to faculty, staff, and students,” she said. “As the college grows, so do its needs.”
A Rich Resource and a Hidden Gem
The Texas Tech University Libraries provide access to an extraordinary range of digital resources—191,000 journals, 1 million e-books, and 400 databases, just to name a few. But what many don’t realize is how powerful those resources become when paired with the expertise of a librarian.
Through in-person consultations or the Ask-A-Librarian service (available by phone, chat, text, or email), librarians like Henry help users navigate everything from basic questions to complex research needs. Services such as interlibrary loan are also widely available—and free.
“If the TTU Library doesn’t have the item you need, we can borrow it from another library at no cost to you,” Henry said. “It’s something many people don’t know about, but once they use it, they rely on it.”
She encourages students and faculty to reach out directly to their subject librarian, who can help locate databases, navigate the library’s website, and learn about tools they might not discover independently.
Building Community, One Conversation at a Time
Henry joined Texas Tech in 2005 and has worked with the College of Health & Human Sciences ever since. In that time, she’s seen the college nearly double its incoming student cohort, from about 500 students annually to around 900 by 2020.
Her longevity has allowed her to form deep connections with faculty and a reputation among students as a trusted source for academic support.
“This role has given me the unique opportunity to see students graduate, faculty advance in their careers, and the college evolve into new areas,” she said. “I adapt my work as the college changes, so I can continue to meet their needs.”
Henry said she often hears, “I didn’t know that was a service,” in response to something the library offers. It’s why she encourages curiosity.
“Ask anything, ask everything,” she said. “Even if the library doesn’t have what you need, I might know of another office on campus or an outside organization that does.”
A Practical Advocate for Accessibility
Outside of formal research support, Henry is also an advocate for resourceful thinking. She reminds students and faculty that it's worth checking the library before buying a book or subscribing to a publication.
“I read The New York Times through the library instead of subscribing,” she said. “If there’s a true crime book I want to read, I request it through interlibrary loan instead of buying it.”
Her love of reading extends to pairing books with films. Favorites include Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King, adapted into The Shawshank Redemption, and The Help by Kathryn Stockett, which inspired the film of the same name.
It’s just one more example of how Henry blends professional expertise with personal passion, making her not just a librarian but a powerful advocate for accessible learning and lifelong curiosity.