Education Background:
I attended University at Albany. Bachelor's with a double major (English and Medieval & Renaissance Studies), minor in Art History; MLIS through their Library and Information Science program.
What was your professional background before your current position?
I have worked in law libraries; school libraries; public libraries; public library systems. My last long term position was as a Collections Librarian at Mid York Library System, for over a decade.
Describe your current position:
Library Director at the Village Library of Cooperstown
What do you like best about your work?
The community and its enthusiasm for literacy and learning!
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Starting a new position in the midst of COVID and less than a month in trying to create a full summer reading program.
How are you seeing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion play a more prominent role in your work environment?
Cooperstown was wrapping up Phase I of an extended months long anti-racism program, and I will be using grant funding to continue Phase II with further discussions about how we can grow as a community.
What other organizations are you involved with?
I am working with the Food Pantry, Rotary, and Lions Club. I'm sure there will be more!
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
Don't do it! No, but seriously -- have a broad professional experience and make sure that you're developing skills that can be adaptive to current job availability.
Are there any tips you would like to share that have helped you get things done particularly over the last year?
I switched to written planners, with to-do areas to better keep track of the work coming in from in person and virtual requests.
What is one thing you would like to learn?
How to bake the perfect bread. It's a work in progress.
What are you most looking forward to doing as things start to reopen more widely?
Getting married this September; hopeful that we can DANCE!
Welcome to the region Heather!
