Bette Finn, Psy 78, doesn’t need to look hard to see her family’s legacy at Tech. The Van Leer building—designed in part by her father, the late David Finn, former professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering—sits just across Tech Green from the library, where Finn has worked since the 1980s. Fittingly, Finn now is the ECE and GTRI subject librarian, tracking down hard-to-find resources for students.
What’s your fondest memory of campus? It was a lot of fun coming with Daddy. He would bring us over to do fun stuff. The most fun was going on the roof of the Van Leer building on the Fourth of July to watch fireworks. We probably weren’t supposed to do that.
When you were young, did you realize how important your father was on campus? I didn’t know until I went to school here and other professors would say things. He was as special to them as he was to me. He was a super kind, gentle person who went out of his way to help students.
Did you spend much time with him when you enrolled at Tech? He let me study in his office. I started out as an EE student. I did well until I came to circuits. I understood everything, but I took too long on exams. So I dropped out. He and I went through the courses, and we found psychology, which seemed really interesting.
Did you spend a lot of time in the library? Oh, I was scared of librarians! I never asked them a question. When I’d have to get a reference book, I’d wait till they all left and borrow it.
How did you become interested in being a librarian? I got to audit two library courses one summer. And I knew I always wanted to work here. Then I got a graduate internship in cataloging here. Being hired here was the thrill of my life.
What’s your favorite part of the job? Tech students are very special. They’re very grateful and very smart. I love my job. I always have.
Has it been strange having your children come to Tech as students? My son [Charles Warden, Biol 07] did not want to come. I don’t think he minded it as much after he came. My daughter [Elizabeth Warden, a sophomore] was the same, but now she never wants to leave. And I can help with their research, so I’m a handy person to have around.
What’s your favorite part of the library? When I was a student, the best thing was to go to the newer building and find a carrel, and that’s where I studied.
What’s your favorite book? I don’t like to read books! I do like to read magazines. And I love to read and watch things about science.
Aside from not liking to read books, do you think you fit the stereotype of a librarian? Oh, I look like a librarian! And I’m interested in the same things most librarians are. But I probably don’t fit the stereotype real well. I do most of my work on the computer.
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