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Education Background:
B.A. from Wells College in 2010 (Major in History, Minor in Religion), MLIS from UB in 2015
What was your professional background before your current position?
I worked in the insurance sector while getting my MLIS from Buffalo. After I completed my MLIS I worked part time at a public library before starting at Wells as a Reference Librarian. I took on more duties over the years, and became Library Director after the retirement of my predecessor.
What do you like best about your work?
My students. I like knowing that I am making a difference in their academic careers and helping them reach their goals, especially in such a small community.
What has been your biggest professional challenge?
Time! I never seem to have enough of it to do all of the things that I would like to get done. We are a small library, so we all wear multiple hats. Sometimes I need to wear all my hats at once.
How are you seeing issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility play a more prominent role in your work environment?
In many ways. Lately I've been thinking a lot about the language we use in libraries and archives, and how we can change that language to better fit the world we live in.
Have you seen any shifts towards sustainability in the workplace that you think would be useful in other libraries or institutions?
Yes- we have a water bottle filling station in the library (as well as all over campus). This really helps cut down on our plastic waste, as all of the library staff use reusable water bottles.
What other organizations are you involved with?
Prior to this year, I was a member of ALA and involved most heavily in the New Members Round Table (NMRT). I was an ALA Emerging Leader for 2020-2021, but lapsed my membership this year for personal reasons. I hope to rejoin soon!
What advice would you give to someone new to the field?
"Other duties as assigned" is a real thing! You'll sometimes find yourself doing things outside of your job description- things you weren't necessarily prepared for in library school. Try to find the good in it. I joke with my students that I spend so much time cleaning up in the library because I'm trying to make this building a home for them.
Are there any tips you would like to share that help you get things done?
I'm a big fan of to do lists. I start every week by writing out my goals for that week and then cross them off as I go. I also keep a long-term goals list visible so that I can keep those goals in mind as I plan my time.
What software/web tools do you use regularly?
Canva! I use Canva for all of my programming. It's great. Photoshop for archives work. Google Docs/Drive for everything else. My Google Drive is packed, but it makes it easy to share and work off-site.
What are you most proud of?
My growth as a person. I like to think that eighteen year old me would be proud of who I have become, even if it meant putting myself in uncomfortable situations. I try to live by a motto that I want to be happy, not comfortable.
What is one thing you would you like to learn?
To be a better cook!
What are you most looking forward to doing this fall?
Drinking apple cider
Thank you Tiffany!
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