For many students, the first stop on the road to academic success is the library. At OCCC, the library is more than just a building filled with books. It is a hub of resources, support and community.
Annie Tsonetokoy, the new student success librarian at OCCC, feels right at home in that setting. During a recent interview designed to introduce her to the OCCC community, Tsonetokoy shared her personal journey, her passion for education and the many ways that the library helps students thrive.
Tsonetokoy’s path to librarianship began with a love for literature and research. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and later pursued her master’s in library and information studies at the University of Oklahoma, graduating in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While at USAO, Tsonetokoy worked as both a librarian and an instructional designer. She helped faculty members redesign online courses that had been created quickly during the pandemic, making sure the classes were accessible and user-friendly.
“A big part of my role was helping professors think from the student’s point of view,” she explained. “Were the resources easy to find? Were the links working? Could students actually navigate the class without frustration? Those little details make a big difference.”
After a short period at the OU Health Sciences Center, Tsonetokoy realized she missed direct interaction with students.
“I enjoyed working with faculty and technology, but I wanted more connection with students,” she said. “That’s what excites me most about OCCC. I get to sit with students, answer their questions and see the difference right away.”
At OCCC, Tsonetokoy’s role extends far beyond checking books in and out. The library offers classroom instruction sessions, where librarians teach students how to search databases, evaluate sources and navigate the research process.
“Faculty often invite us to speak to their classes,” Tsonetokoy said. “It’s not just about finding information. It’s about teaching students how to think critically about what they’re reading.”
One of Tsonetokoy’s biggest passions is open educational resources (OERs), free learning materials that can replace costly textbooks. She works closely with faculty and OCCC’s library director to promote these resources.
“The price of textbooks can stop students from even enrolling in classes,” she said. “OERs give students a chance to learn without that financial stress.”
Faculty can also adapt these resources to better fit their courses, creating a flexible and cost-effective option.
The library also maintains reserve copies of most required textbooks. This means students who cannot afford their books – or are waiting for an order to arrive – can use them in the library free of charge. Another little-known service is interlibrary loan, which allows students to borrow books and articles from other libraries at no cost.
“If we don’t have it,” Tsonetokoy said, “we’ll find it for you.”
When asked what advice she would give to students, Tsonetokoy kept it simple: Ask for help.
“Sometimes students don’t even know the right questions to ask, especially if they’re the first in their family to attend college,” she said. “But that’s the beauty of a community college. We’re here to walk alongside you. Whether it’s a professor, an advisor or a librarian, someone will always point you in the right direction.”
To a student in need, Tsonetokoy realizes, a small act of guidance can mean a lot.
“Helping a student find the resource they need might seem simple,” she said. “But to that student, it could make all the difference” in the world.
