Turner Land selected as the 2026 University Libraries outstanding student graduate
Whether welcoming patrons at Norlin Library’s East Desk or uncovering stories in the archives, Turner Land has spent his time at the University Libraries connecting people with knowledge.
This spring, he’s being recognized as the University Libraries Outstanding Student Graduate, celebrating his years of exceptional service and leadership that have left a lasting impact across the Libraries. As part of this honor, he will be presented by Tammy Sumner, interim dean of the University Libraries, at the CU Boulder Commencement ceremony on Folsom Field on May 2, 2026
Land, who came to CU Boulder from Louisiana, is graduating with degrees in International Affairs and Linguistics. He has worked at the University Libraries for four years, starting at Norlin Library’s East Desk and later adding a role in the Archives.
His supervisor, Norlin Library East Desk Operations Manager Alex Maycroft who nominated him for the award, described how he “effortlessly connects with everyone” through his friendly attitude and genuine interest in others’ work. “He’s always asking questions and learning new things about our different patrons’ diverse research and other students' projects and interests,” said Maycroft.
That curiosity has extended well beyond his daily work. Land has contributed to a wide range of initiatives, from supporting student-led projects and performances to participating in the Libraries’ student worker exhibit. Most notably, he has been a member of the Libraries Dean’s Search Committee, helping shape the future direction of the organization.
As one of the Libraries’ most experienced student employees, Land has also taken on a mentorship role, guiding new student workers and helping them understand circulation policies and day-to-day operations.
“I think an excellent library is an essential organ for an excellent campus like CU,” he said. “You’ve got to put a little extra elbow grease sometimes to make sure it’s functioning as it needs to be. Mentoring new students and being on the dean search committee is me helping put in that extra elbow grease. To me, they are part of the hundreds of essential tasks to keep a university library running.”
Reflecting on his time at the Libraries, Land said his experience transformed how he understands its role on campus—not just as a resource, but as critical research infrastructure supporting faculty work and student success.
“Before coming into this job, I knew the library was an important tool for academia,” he said. “It wasn’t until I started working the front desk that I realized it’s not just important but essential.”
That realization deepened as Land saw how the Libraries actively enabled research by connecting faculty and students to specialized materials, supporting discovery and sustaining the work behind scholarship. Through daily interactions, he witnessed how the Libraries support research activity, from faculty using interlibrary loan to drive large-scale projects to researchers traveling across the country to access unique archival collections.
“CU Libraries serve as a repository for not just books but information and ideas that you can’t find anywhere else,” he said.
Land also credits the people he’s met as one of the most meaningful parts of his experience.
“You meet so many smart people basically every corner you turn here,” he said. “I now regularly meet and attend events with professors I’ve met at the East Desk.”
His work in the archives, particularly with the James Zarichny collection which features papers by a lifelong activist in the labor, civil rights, peace and socialist movements, stands out as a highlight. “I feel like I’ve not only found out so much about the century preceding my birth, but of the life of a single man.”
Looking ahead, Land plans to explore opportunities in the Denver-Boulder political and activist community, with potential future plans in law. Still, he says the Libraries have left a lasting impression.
“If a position at the libraries opens up I’d be first to apply simply because I’ve realized how rare it is to find a culture like CU Libraries, and to continue contributing in my own small way to the greater academic world here at CU and beyond,” he explained. “Who knows, maybe in a few years you’ll find me with an MLIS!”
As he prepares to graduate, Land leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, collaboration and commitment—qualities that have not only strengthened the Libraries but also exemplify the spirit of the Outstanding Student Graduate award.
Congratulations, Turner!