My name is Betsy Palazzo Hertz. 18 Years of Empowering Bearcats! I am a proud Gulf Coast native, USM alumna, and a lifelong believer in the power of a great library. As your Media Specialist, my goal is to make the Library Media Center a welcoming, functional "home base" where you can conquer research or discover your next favorite book. When I’m not on campus working with "the best on the coast," I live in Gulfport. I’m a wife and mom who loves spending my time reading and making memories with my family and friends. The library is a designated "mental balance zone." While we embrace technology, we also value the analog. Our makerspace and creative stations—featuring Legos, puzzles, board games, a Cricut, and a button maker—are designed to sharpen your critical thinking and collaboration skills away from the screen.