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 are very happy to share the insights of Krista Ross, Director of the Southwest Wisconsin Library System.
This interview is part of a series of interviews with both WiLS member and vendor partners. Your feedback is appreciated. If you have any to offer on this article, or suggestions for upcoming interviews, contact Andrea Coffin at acoffin@wils.org.
Why did you, personally, choose to work in libraries?
Being the kid with her head in a book most of the time, my choice to become a librarian didn’t surprise anyone but me. Originally my career aspirations were to practice law, and I had set myself on that path at the University of Iowa. After having worked at the Iowa City Public Library, I decided that perhaps the life of an attorney was not for me and, instead, I applied to library school.
As I’ve gotten older, I realize that my choice to work in libraries all these years has much more to do with my passion to serve others than my passion for books. This profession, especially at the public library system level, allows me to assist others in achieving their goals and doing great things.
What is unique about the culture of your system and member libraries? How do you influence it?
The Southwest Wisconsin Library System (SWLS) has a very strong culture of collaboration that started in 1959 before the creation of public library systems. Most decisions are made with the underlying belief that working together makes them all stronger than an individual library would be alone.
Since this culture of collaboration has been around longer than I have, I wouldn’t say I influence it as much as foster it. I try to provide opportunities for the member libraries to get together to share ideas, coordinate group projects, and promote relationships between libraries.
What do you think is important to know about the patrons or community you work with? What helps you understand those needs?
SWLS is composed of all small rural libraries so it’s very important to understand the challenges they face in providing services to their communities. Luckily, I used to be the library director of one of the member libraries – Dodgeville Public Library – so I have some understanding of what it’s like for them. While it’s been difficult in the past three years, I do try to make regular library visits. I’ve been known to man the circulation desk, shelve returned materials and shelf read (I LOVE to shelf read!!).
What big ideas are being worked on at your library? What problems are being solved?
We’ve started to take the collaboration idea on the road, building partnerships with other area agencies. In 2012, we sold our building and have been leasing space from CESA #3 here in Fennimore. In 2014, we combined our delivery with CESA 3’s and now provide Monday/Wednesday/Friday delivery to 30 library locations, 31 school district locations, and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC). We’re in the early stages with talks with SWTC for technology support.
The main drive behind this expansion of collaboration is the need to improve service to our member libraries. A wonderful outcome of these activities has been the increased contact between the public libraries and public schools in our area. At a recent director’s meeting, one of the librarians commented that by forming these partnerships we are not only strengthening our own institutions, but making the entire southwest region of Wisconsin stronger as well.