The Librarian Who Sows Seeds of Knowledge

All those details that seem so small at first glance are actually very intentional. And behind them is the VinUni Library team – especially Ms. Tâm, a woman with a calm presence but a fierce determination when it comes to creating the ideal learning experience. To her, the library isn’t just a place to store books. It’s a living, flexible learning space where everything from lighting and sound to furniture and technology can be tailored to support students in different ways: solo study, quiet group work, or open discussions. 

“Just by looking at the tables and how students sit, I can tell what needs adjusting,” she shares. “Which corner lacks light, where outlets are missing, whether a desk is too high or a chair needs armrests, every detail affects how students learn.” 

For many students, the library is the place they visit most often: the headquarters for late-night exam prep or long group study sessions. But few realize that every power socket on the floor, every private reading corner, every group study area, and every multi-purpose room is the result of months of Ms. Tâm’s research, planning, testing, and even… debating with contractors. 

In just over a year, what was once an empty plot of land has become one of the most modern academic spaces: meeting international standards for lighting, acoustics, furniture, and equipment, comparable to top university libraries around the world. Even the small “one-click” studio inside the library, where students can record academic videos using just a USB, came from Ms. Tâm studying overseas models and persistently convincing local construction teams to make it real. 

“I want Vietnamese students to have the same learning experience I had when I studied in Australia and the US,” she says. “You walk into the library, and everything supports your learning, whether you’re studying alone or in a group, from the space and equipment to the learning resources.” 

Beyond managing daily library operations, Ms. Tâm quietly supports students and faculty in research work. Few people know that although she’s not a lecturer and doesn’t teach classes, she has guided two VinUni students in academic research that was later presented at an international conference in Southeast Asia. She herself has also been invited to share VinUni’s library model at prestigious universities in the U.S., including Harvard. 

“Wherever I go, I take every chance to talk about VinUni,” she says. “About how a private university in Vietnam dared to dream big – building a library that’s not just beautiful, but professionally run, effective, and leading the way in applying new technologies.” 

But to her, the most meaningful moments are much simpler. It’s when students walk into the library and find a comfortable seat, useful materials, a quiet space to focus, or a well-equipped area for lively discussions. No thanks needed. No need to know who’s behind it all. As long as students feel at ease and can truly learn, that’s enough. 

“I love the moment when students are studying in an open space, sunlight streaming through the glass: someone reading, someone writing a report, someone simply sitting quietly. I hope the library is a place where they find peace, and a desire to learn.” 

In the quiet of the VinUni library, you may not always see Ms. Tâm. But if you pay attention, you’ll find her presence everywhere, from the comfortable chairs and adjustable desks to the convenient power outlets and the warm lighting in study corners. These small things, she calls “the heart of the library.” 

Have you ever wondered what keeps a library calm, well-equipped, modern, and inspiring? 

It’s because there are always quiet people like Ms. Tâm – sowing seeds of knowledge at the heart of VinUni.