One of our greatest joys at WiLS is hearing our members tell the stories of the big and important work they are doing – interesting new projects or initiatives, or even interesting and new approaches to old projects. And, in addition to hearing about it, it makes us even happier when we can share those stories with other members. Each month, WiLS is proud to feature an interview with one of our library members. This month, we interview Paula Ganyard, Library Director at UW-Green Bay Cofrin Library.
Why did you, personally, choose to work in libraries? I liked that the opportunity that libraries provided to me to combine my interests in teaching, service to others, and continued learning. There are so many aspects to libraries that I am never bored.
What is unique about the culture of your library? How do you influence it? At UW-Green Bay Cofrin Library we have established a Yes Culture. We are willing to say yes to any idea at least once because we know that with reward comes risk. I strongly believe in giving people not only the responsibility for a job, but the authority to do that job. When you combine that with a culture of yes, you create a work environment where people feel valued, motivated, and have the ability to grow.
What do you think is important to know about the patrons or community you work with? What helps you understand those needs? It is important to understand that even though we are always serving the “college student”, the needs and interests of that group changes with each class. What the class of 2014 liked is not what the class of 2016 or 2018 will like, so you need to have an ever evolving environment that can change to meet their needs and interests. We try to keep up on these changes through focus groups, surveys, observations, and meeting with student government.
What big ideas are being worked on at your library? What problems are being solved? We are in year two of a three year strategic plan, so there are a lot of things being worked on an various problems being solved. A few highlights include “A Long Night to Fight Procrastination” – this is a program that will bring together various student support services on campus a few weeks before the end of the semester to help students get a jump on their assignments and not wait until the last minute. We are in the planning stages for The Idea Spot, a new collaborative / high-tech study spaces for student groups. The Idea Spot will also help us to address one of our problems which is the on-going need to clearly define quiet study space from group space to reduce the noise. Another problem that will be addressed this fall semester is way finding aids (signage), we will be replacing/updating the signs throughout the entire library.
Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us? For a couple of years now, I have said that this is an exciting time for libraries and I believe it will be true for a few more. In 20-30 years, this span of about 5 years will be looked at back on as a key turning point in the history of libraries. It is fun to be a part of it!