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Dicio has worked at Hamline for two-and-a-half years. She became accredited by the American Library Association by earning her Master’s in Library and Information Science from Dominican University, from which she took courses through the College of St. Catherine. “Library school teaches you what questions to ask,” Dicio said.

Previously, Dicio received her Master’s in English. When raising a family began to take over more of her time, she stopped teaching. Speaking of the transition from teacher to reference librarian, Dicio said, “I don’t have to judge anybody.” Her relationship with students does not put her in a superior position. She is able to collaborate with students on their projects rather than instruct.

“We really are a community,” Dicio said of her experience at Hamline. “There are so many people on campus who aren’t student or teachers,” she said, and each plays an integral part in keeping Hamline running smoothly. Everyone is an expert at something, whether it is serving food, keeping files sorted, or helping in the library. “No student can know and navigate this many sources,” Dicio said of the sometimes overwhelming wealth of information stored in Bush Library.

Dicio reiterates her love for students, expressing how wonderful they are. One thing she said she wants students to know is they shouldn’t “ever feel like [they’re] bugging us.” The job of reference librarians is to help students find what they need. Their intelligence and general know-how are hidden treasures here at Hamline.

Dicio is fast becoming an asset to Hamline University. Her outgoing personality and willingness to assist make her invaluable, whether one simply cannot find a book to read, or is in the midst of formulating a senior thesis.