How I Got to Tennessee! A Journey Through Librarianship
Sometimes I wonder how I ended up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Looking back, it has been quite a journey, one that started many years ago in a high school library in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
It All Started with Volunteering
My journey into librarianship began in high school, where I volunteered in the school library. As summer approached, the librarian suggested that I might enjoy volunteering at our local public library in Sioux Falls. So, I did!
This was back in the days when computers were just beginning to find their way into libraries. I helped young children use TI-99 computers with cartridges (yes, cartridges!), assisted with listening stations where children could follow along with books on cassette tapes, and did some basic shelving. It was great fun!
That summer, a paid position opened to help shelve books. I applied, got the job, and so began my career in libraries. Little did I know where that part-time job would take me.
For the next two years, I shelved thousands of books during four-hour shifts, two evenings a week, plus a full day on either Saturday or Sunday. When I left for college, I resigned, thinking that chapter of my life was over.
Not quite! I soon realized I was returning to Sioux Falls nearly every weekend. Meanwhile, the public library had just automated its operations and needed someone reliable to come in on weekends to back up the computer system. Since I had some technical experience, I found myself back at the library.
Over the next several years, I worked in nearly every department: Reference, Audiovisual, Children's Services, Cataloging, Circulation, and even Bookmobile Services. I had keys to the buildings, opened on weekends, did backups, and provided any other assistance they needed, including weekend book deliveries to branch locations.
By the time I graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in computer science, I had experienced just about every aspect of public library operations. At that point, pursuing a graduate degree in library science seemed like a natural next step.
From South Dakota to Missouri to Utah
I enrolled at the University of Missouri–Columbia, where I spent the next two years earning my master's degree in library science. About a month before graduation, I received a job offer that would take me somewhere entirely new: Utah!
I joined a company called Dynix, which developed and sold library automation software. I worked in its school library division, providing technical support, implementing library systems, and eventually traveling to schools to conduct on-site training. And travel I did! One year, I visited 24 states in just nine months.
It was an incredible experience. I learned how libraries operated across the country, met wonderful librarians, and gained a much broader perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing libraries.
But after several years, I began to miss something. I enjoyed helping libraries implement technology, but I wanted to see what happened after the implementation. Did the decisions we made really improve services? How did the technology affect students and library staff over time? I wanted to be part of that longer-term process.
Everything Is Bigger in Texas!
That desire led me to Plano, Texas, north of Dallas, where I became the library automation manager for a large and rapidly growing school district that eventually expanded to 64 schools.
It was a wonderful opportunity to combine my interest in technology with the daily operations of libraries. I could see the results of our work, develop relationships with librarians, and help improve services across the district.
Texas also became home in a much more personal way. I met my wife, Patti, and we started our family, eventually welcoming our two sons. As much as I enjoyed working with school libraries, I had always been interested in academic librarianship. When an opportunity opened at Texas Woman's University to become Director of Library Systems, I applied.
I was fortunate to be hired, and I remain incredibly appreciative of the dean at the time for taking a chance on someone who had never worked in a university library. That opportunity opened an entirely new chapter in my career. For four years, I worked with wonderful colleagues, learned the complexities of academic libraries, and deepened my understanding of how libraries support teaching, learning, and research. Then another unexpected opportunity came along.
Ten Years in New York (and Plenty of Snow!)
Binghamton University reached out and encouraged me to apply for a leadership position in its libraries. After considering the opportunity, Patti and I packed up our family and moved from Texas to Binghamton, New York.
We spent the next ten years there, building friendships, becoming involved in the community, and enjoying everything that upstate New York had to offer. Not always enjoying the snow, we got 34 inches one weekend. It was a lot for the snowblower.
Professionally, Binghamton provided tremendous opportunities for growth. Over those ten years, I had the privilege of leading or overseeing a wide range of library operations, including Special Collections, Technical Services, Digital Scholarship, Library Systems, and Access Services. I worked with talented colleagues, participated in major technology and service initiatives, and learned a great deal about leadership, collaboration, and the importance of helping people succeed.
I was also fortunate to have a supervisor who provided opportunities to take on new responsibilities, explore ideas, and grow professionally. Throughout my career, I have benefited from leaders who were willing to invest in me, and I hope I have been able to do the same for others. After ten wonderful years, however, Patti and I began thinking about what might come next. And, to be perfectly honest, we had experienced enough snow!
We loved our time in New York, but we were ready for warmer weather and hoped to move a little closer to family in the Dallas area. So, I began exploring leadership opportunities, primarily in the South.
And That Brings Us to Chattanooga!
During my search, I came across an opening for the Dean of Library Services at Chattanooga State Community College. The position caught my attention for several reasons. I have always enjoyed working in environments where libraries can make a direct difference in people's lives, and community colleges have a particularly important mission.
They serve students at many different stages of life: students preparing to transfer to universities, those pursuing technical and career credentials, dual-enrollment students getting an early start on college, and adults returning to education to pursue new opportunities. The opportunity to help support those students, along with the faculty and staff who serve them, was exciting.
I applied, went through the interview process, and was fortunate enough to be offered the position. And that is how we ended up in Tennessee! Patti and I absolutely love Chattanooga. The mountains, the scenery, the people, and, yes, the prospect of considerably less snow have made this a wonderful new chapter in our lives.
I am still learning about Chattanooga State, meeting people across campus, and discovering all the ways our library can contribute to student success.
One thing I have learned throughout my career is that libraries are about much more than books, buildings, or technology. They are about people, connections, opportunities, and helping others achieve their goals.
That was true when I was helping children use TI-99 computers in Sioux Falls, and it is just as true today.
Come Visit Us at the Library!
If you haven't visited the Kolwyck Library and Information Commons (KLIC) recently, I encourage you to stop by!
We have so much to offer our Chattanooga State community, including research assistance, leisure reading collections in print and online, book clubs, quiet study spaces, group study rooms, and a variety of activities throughout the year.
Whether you need help with a research assignment, want a quiet place to study, want to discover a good book, or just want to see what is happening, we would love to welcome you.
I believe libraries should be welcoming places where everyone feels comfortable asking questions, exploring ideas, and discovering something new.
My journey began when a high school librarian suggested I volunteer at the public library. That one simple suggestion changed the direction of my life.
You never know what a visit to the library might lead to!
Chattanooga State is a great place to be, and I am excited to be part of this community. I hope you'll stop by, say hello, and discover what your library has to offer!
