WHSLA Spotlight - Elissa Kinzelman-Vesely
Opened in 2003, the All Saints Library & Community
Resource Center’s goal is to provide access to quality health information
resources and services that support superior patient care, continuous learning
and development, informed decision making, research, and the promotion of
healthy lifestyles. Elissa
Kinzelman-Vesely joined the staff of the All Saints library shortly after its
opening as the library assistant. Having
completed her master’s degree in Anthropology from Western Michigan University
in 2003, Elissa enthusiastically delved into the world of medical libraries
and, in 2004, enrolled part-time at UW-Milwaukee for her MLIS. In 2008, upon the completion of her MLIS,
Elissa became the site librarian for All Saints. Elissa supports the learning and
information needs of patients, community members, physicians, nurses, and
allied health providers. She teaches
classes on information literacy and provides topical in-services to hospital
departments. Her favorite part of the
job has always been the literature searches; she finds them challenging and
rewarding and always learns something from them.
In March of 2016, Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare transferred
to Ascension Healthcare. The library
underwent organizational restructuring in July of 2016. Elissa is working with other librarians from Wheaton
Franciscan, Ministry/Affinity and Columbia St. Mary’s to integrate library
services and resources to become Ascension One Wisconsin Libraries. There is a new emphasis on electronic
resources and development of the virtual library. Despite the push toward a more virtual
library environment, the physical library at All Saints remains a popular place
for nursing students completing their clinical rotations on campus, students,
and associates to gather, study, and complete educational modules.
Elissa is married to Randy Vesely, a professor at the
University of Toledo. During her
frequent trips to Ohio, Elissa is an avid audiobook “reader.” She enjoys reading historical fiction and
mysteries in particular. Elissa & her husband are the caretakers of 4 feral
cats who live in their backyard: Zazzles, Moh-Cakes the Rotund, Stinker, and
Hissy. Elissa loves gardening and has
flower gardens around the house as well as a vegetable garden in the
backyard. Much to Randy’s delight,
Elissa likes to cook & bake. When
she has time, Elissa dabbles in calligraphy and collects fountain pens and stationery.
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