WHSLA Spotlight - Elissa Kinzelman-Vesely at All Saints [Ascension Libraries] in Racine, WI

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.