Education Background:
MLS, University at Buffalo & BA - English Literature, Elmira College
What was your professional background before your current position?
Director of Red Jacket Community Library in Shortsville NY; Director of Your Home Public Library in Johnson City NY
Describe your current position:
Director of Edith B. Ford Memorial Library serving Ovid, Romulus, Willard & Varick NY
What do you like best about your work?
I am a Seneca County native with family ties to the Ovid/Romulus area. I am enjoying this opportunity to serve in communities with which I have a personal connection.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Developing a dual ILS system to circulate a shared public & school library catalog.
How are you seeing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion play a more prominent role in your work environment?
I currently work for the most diverse and inclusive library at which I have worked in my 20 years of librarianship. Maybe it is the times, maybe it is the location but, I couldn't be happier.
What other organizations are you involved with?
Lions Club, National Coalition for Dialogue & Deliberation, ALA Center for Civic Life
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
For someone new to an administrative & leadership position at a public library, my advice is to be genuine and forthright. An innate intuition is helpful too. Also, know in advance that you will not always be liked. It is part of the job.
Are there any tips you would like to share that have helped you get things done over the last year?
Do your own research rather than relying on other people's opinions of how things are.
Favorite blog or website:
What are you most proud of?
I was very proud of having obtained the Absolute Charter for Red Jacket Community Library.
What is one thing you would you like to learn?
I've long thought that in another version of this life, I would be a linguist.
What are you most looking forward to doing this fall?
Relocating to Seneca County to cut down my hour commute and bonding with my new staff.
Congratulations on your new position, Andrea!
