Erin Dorney

This issue of the Exchange features Erin Dorney, instructor in the library department at Millersville University.

Q: How long have you been working for Millersville University?

A: I am in my third year at the Millersville University Library – I started in August 2008.

Q: Where did you work previously?

A: Before coming to Millersville University, I worked in the Wallace Library at the Rochester Institute of Technology and was a graphic designer for a crêperie in Pittsford, N.Y.

Q: What college/university did you attend? What was your major?

A: I have a dual bachelor’s degree in English and communication/journalism from St. John Fisher College (an independent, liberal arts institution in upstate New York), a master’s degree in library and information studies from Syracuse University and a certificate of advanced study in digital libraries from Syracuse University. I’m currently three classes away from graduating with my master’s degree in English (concentration in creative writing) from West Chester University, where I am a part time graduate student.

Q: What are your main responsibilities as outreach librarian?

A: As the outreach librarian, I am responsible for marketing all library services, resources and events to the campus and broader community. I coordinate communication from the library to ensure consistency and focus on making sure that everyone knows of the different ways we can help.

Q: Tell me about some of the programs the library sponsors?

A: We just started a new series called “Afterthoughts” where we host informal discussions following the large University lectures. We thought it was important to provide a neutral-ground venue for people to reflect on and react to things that these big name speakers have to say. We’ve also started offering foreign film screenings in collaboration with the Foreign Languages Department and the MU Ciné Club.

This spring, the library will be offering some panel discussions on things like graphic novels and faculty use of fiction in teaching. Other events include our annual Library Fest celebration, introducing students to the librarians, faculty scholarship receptions, gaming events and displays and exhibits from a variety of student organizations on campus. All of our events can be found on our Facebook page: Millersville University Library.

Q: How has technology impacted libraries?

A: The way that students access information is the biggest change, and that has been facilitated by the use of technologies like the Internet and the explosion of electronic content. Because we have moved many of our resources online including digital collections of primary documents, library users can access the information they need from home, from their dorm rooms, from their smartphones or from a café: they don’t have to be in our building.

When students become “un-tethered” from physical print books (I’m not saying all of them do – but trends show massive movement towards electronic access), they can utilize the library building for other things including collaborative group projects, multimedia, social interaction, interdisciplinary contemplation and knowledge creation.

Q: How is Millersville handling technological advances?

A: The Millersville University Library has implemented a number of services and resources in keeping with the technological changes at hand. The new “Library Search” featured on our website allows users to search our print materials and almost all of our electronic databases simultaneously, providing the most relevant results. Our library chat service offers real-time help from a librarian over instant messaging so that students can reach us from anywhere with questions. We’re also dedicated to making the new library as technologically-friendly as possible with the upcoming renovation project including wireless connectivity, more electrical outlets, SMART group study rooms, a distance learning classroom and more.

Q: Why are libraries relevant in the 21^st Century?

A: The library has been, and will continue to be, the center of intellectual and cultural life by providing a gateway to scholarship and innovation on campus. In moving away from sole reliance on physical materials, libraries have evolved to become flexible educational environments where discovery and enlightenment happen.

Q: The library will soon be completely gutted and renovated, what part do you play in that process?

A: Construction on the library will begin in the fall of 2011. As a member of the University Library Renovation Committee, I have been focusing on communication about the project to the campus and local community. I’ve also been working with our architects and consultants to ensure that student and faculty needs are being properly represented throughout the design phase.

Take a video tour of the library with Dorney:

Q: What are the biggest benefits students, faculty and staff will gain from the renovation?

A: The new library will have more open floor plans, natural lighting and flexible furniture to provide users with the uniquely collaborative space necessary for completing group and individual research. In addition, a climate-controlled space for the Millersville University Archives and Special Collections will ensure the longevity of valuable documents and materials, many of which are one-of-a-kind items relevant to the history of the University and the surrounding community. Different programming areas and exhibit space will provide opportunities for civic engagement and student learning with campus and community organizations.

Additionally, redesigned library classrooms will allow faculty librarians to utilize new models of teaching and learning for more than 200 courses, reaching more than 6,000 graduate and undergraduate students yearly. I think the campus will be particularly excited about the 24-hour public access area, centrally located café and expanded technology that will encourage students to make the library their space, where they mindfully build the information and cultural fluency that is central to the liberal arts education at Millersville.

Q: Is there a place people can go to for more information on the library renovation?

A: Anyone interested in learning more about the upcoming library renovation project should visit blogs.millersville.edu/newlibrary/. That is where the most up-to-date information is posted as we finalize transition and design plans.

Q: What kind of books do you like to read?

A:  Thanks for not asking what my favorite book is – that’s an impossible question for any librarian to answer! I really enjoy reading memoirs to learn about different people’s life experiences.

Q: What is your favorite season?

A: After growing up along the shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York, I truly appreciate the mild winters here in Millersville!

Q: Did you always want to work in a library?

A: I had a great time working at the circulation desk when I was an undergraduate in college, so I decided to go to right to graduate school to become a librarian. Being in this profession has allowed me to use my customer service, technology and marketing communication skills.

Q: What are three things you can’t live without?

A: I’m a bit of a minimalist, so there aren’t really any physical things I’m too attached to… I do freak out a little without access to the Internet in terms of email/Facebook/etc., so I guess that’s something I really want to keep around. And my phone.

Q: If you could travel back in time, where would you go and why?

A: It would be kind of cool to meet Helen Ganser, the librarian our current building is named for. I’d ask her why the heck they ever decided to use bright orange shelving and carpeted walls in the library. 😉