Andrew Morales, the UCR Library’s Research Services Assistant, has always been passionate about learning and helping others find the information they need.

Growing up in Southern California, Andrew was an avid reader from an early age. “Even in kindergarten, I’d carry books everywhere,” he recalls. “I had memorized some of them because I’d gone through them so many times.”

While he once considered a career in law, Andrew found his calling in libraries. He started as a library page in a public library and worked his way up. “In public libraries, you do a little bit of everything,” he says. “I worked on collection development, children’s programs, adult workshops, and even tax help and computer classes. The variety was great, and it taught me how to meet the diverse needs of a community.”

Now at UCR, Andrew has a mission to help students—particularly those from underserved backgrounds—navigate the research process. “Not every student knows how to research or even where to start,” he explains. “I want to help level the playing field. It’s about showing them how to search effectively, how databases work, and how to find what they really need—not just what comes up first.”

His role involves everything from guiding students through research challenges to coordinating workshops and managing the Library Support and Poster Printing services in Orbach Library. “Sometimes students come in with just their assignment prompt, and other times it’s something bigger—like accessing an old newspaper that’s only housed in a special archive,” he says. “It’s all about helping them break down those obstacles.”

Andrew also brings creativity to student programming through UCR Library internal committees like the one for Finals Week Stress Relief planning. “We’ve done things like food giveaways, trivia games, story hours, and bingo for students during finals. The students are appreciative. It’s nice to see them relax and have fun during a stressful time,” Andrew says.

With a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, Andrew’s plan is to eventually become an academic librarian. For now, he’s happy making an impact in his current role. “I’ve always been the person in my family who people turn to when they need information,” he says. “Even if I didn’t know the answer, I’d figure it out. That’s what I try to do for students now—help them overcome obstacles and access the tools they need to succeed.”