WJMN Member Spotlight
Sandi Mead
Minnesota West Community and Technical College
Worthington
What is your job in the library?
I am a librarian on the largest of the 5-campus Minnesota West Community and Technical College Libraries. I am in charge of technical services, but since we are small in staff number, I provide instruction in the classroom setting on our library services, I work the reference desk, and tutor students, since the tutoring center of the college is housed in the library.
How/why did you choose this field?
I chose the library field at first because I thought it was a good pair with my Elementary Education degree, but then later decided to get my Master's in Library Media Education because I wanted to work in the academic library setting, after working at a public library for 12 years.
What is your favorite reference question, or most memorable library experience?
My favorite question would have to be "how do I find the research material I need to write this paper". In this case, I love to start from scratch with a student and talk them through the various products and websites that we have linked to our Minnesota West library page.
What would you like us to know about you? (Interests, family/pets, goals, etc)
I have been blessed to have raised two wonderful children and a countless number of "their" pets. I feel a goal would be to continue to learn every day and apply what I learn from new applications and technique to better serve our students and faculty. I am interested in music, and sing publically once a year in the school's annual Homecoming Talent Show - for fun.
Tell us about your library (when it was built, size, special collections and/or programs, etc)
Our library is one of five in our college. The Worthington campus is the largest and houses the most print material. It was always a part of the Worthington campus, dating back to almost prehistoric times. We have changed recently to be called the Library and Academic Resource Center, which brings in the campus computer lab, the campus tutoring center, and a career center.
Any tips or advice for other library staff?
I would say that you should always try to renew the passion that brought you into working at a library in the first place. Take online classes, listen to speakers, and by all means network with others.
What are your favorite social networking applications and how can we find you? (WebJunction or Facebook name, instant messaging program & ID, etc)
My facebook was started as a "23 things on a stick" application, and have grown to love corresponding with our current and former students: just look for Sandi Mead, Sioux Falls network, I also have a Twitter account as SandiMead.
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