If you’ve visited Lied Library in the past two and a half years, your user experience has probably been positively impacted by Brett Nafziger. 

As the head of access services in the Libraries, Nafziger is looks for ways to improve customer service and streamline services for students, faculty, and other library users. 

How did you become interested in a career in libraries?

I've always been drawn to environments that blend information, technology, and a sense of service. During my undergraduate years, I worked in a library and saw firsthand how libraries empower communities through access to knowledge and resources. That experience sparked a desire to pursue a career where I could combine these interests.

How do you describe your position within the Libraries?

As the head of access services, I oversee the frontline operations that ensure our students have access to the resources they need. This includes managing the circulation desk, short-term lending of specialized items, billing services, and study spaces.

My team and I work to create a seamless experience for students, faculty, and visitors while also providing excellent customer service.

Tell us about your work before coming to UNLV.

I worked in an academic library, managing a science library and gaining valuable experience in serving the academic community.

My journey into libraries has been interwoven with a mixture of earlier professions — I’ve worked as a research chemist and also spent several years as a chef and caterer, running my own catering business.

These varied experiences have taught me adaptability, problem-solving, and the importance of both creativity and precision, all of which inform my work in libraries today.

What program or service that the Libraries offers do you wish more people knew about?

There is so much that I reference but I would like to draw attention to two areas Access Services oversees and supports student success. Our short-term technology lending program is a hidden gem. From digital cameras to studio headphones, we provide tools that support a wide range of creative and academic projects.

Additionally, our course reserves service is an invaluable resource, offering students access to textbooks and materials they might not otherwise be able to afford. I wish more students took advantage of these incredible services to enhance their learning and creativity.

What makes working in the Libraries enjoyable?

The diversity of the work is incredibly fulfilling. No two days are the same, and I love interacting with our students and helping them succeed academically — it gives meaning to the work.

My colleagues are also a huge part of why I enjoy working here — they're innovative, supportive, and passionate about the mission of the Libraries.

What makes UNLV special to you?

UNLV is a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking institution that stands out for its commitment to inclusion, innovation, and student success. I appreciate how the university supports its students through impactful programs like Rebel Ready Week, which helps students transition into college life with confidence and community.

Being a relatively young university, UNLV has a dynamic energy and a willingness to embrace new ideas, which makes it an exciting place to work. It’s incredibly rewarding to contribute to an environment where students are supported in achieving their goals and where the impact of our collective efforts is so clearly visible.

What’s the most Vegas thing you’ve done since moving here?

Keeping it PG, I was fortunate enough to see U2 and The Eagles perform at the Sphere. The experience perfectly encapsulated Las Vegas' spirit of innovation, excess, and constant reinvention. The Sphere itself is a marvel, and attending concerts there is a uniquely Vegas experience that I’ll never forget.

What’s one thing that people might be surprised to learn about you?

I grew up on a farm in a small Midwestern community, where self-reliance and teamwork were a way of life. As part of a large family, we supported each other in everything, from daily chores to big life moments. Those experiences shaped my work ethic, resourcefulness, and appreciation for collaboration.

Outside of work, what are you passionate about?

Seeking out new experiences, whether it’s exploring the outdoors, discovering the city’s diverse food scene, or immersing myself in world-class entertainment. I love hiking and rock climbing in the stunning landscapes around Las Vegas, trying new and exciting cuisines from hidden gems to fine dining, and enjoying the variety of shows and concerts the city offers—especially Cirque du Soleil performances and iconic artists like U2 at the Sphere. Each new experience adds something special to my life and keeps things exciting.

What are you currently reading/watching/streaming?

I’m currently reading The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil, which is a fascinating exploration of the future of AI and a perfect fit for my interest in emerging technologies.

For watching, I’ve been enjoying the latest season of Star Trek: Lower Decks — a fun and quirky guilty pleasure that I’m absolutely not guilty about.

On the streaming front, I’ve been listening to Chappell Roan, whose music reminds me of the early days of Lady Gaga with its vibrant energy and sense of empowerment.

You have a set of alms bowls in your office. Can you tell us why they're meaningful to you?

On my first trip to Thailand, I spent much of my time in Bangkok and was determined to find an alms bowl still being made by hand in Ban Bat — a small alley where a few families have been crafting these bowls for generations. I didn’t realize the journey would be a challenge; many taxi and tuk-tuk drivers didn’t know where it was.

After a day-long quest, I met one family actively making the bowls. I spent the afternoon chatting with the grandfather, who shared the history of their craft, their family’s connection to this art form, and how mass-produced, machine-made alms bowls were threatening their livelihood. In the alley next door, I saw rows of generic, machine-made bowls that lacked the character and soul of the handmade ones. Despite these challenges, the family’s dedication to their craft and heritage was inspiring.

They created two special bowls for me — a larger and smaller one — that I proudly purchased. These bowls represent family, purpose, and perseverance in the face of a changing world. To me, they are a reminder of the importance of valuing tradition and the resilience it takes to preserve something meaningful when it would be easier to give in to mass production.