For Katherine Hill, Circulation and Office Manager at Woodward Library, leadership roles are all about supporting staff – instilling confidence and trust so colleagues may take risks and be comfortable navigating change. For her, this process often begins with recruiting outstanding student workers and mentoring them in what is typically their first work experience.
Hill and her staff are also preparing for the challenges and opportunities of a reorganized service space. Much in the same way that Koerner Library and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre have moved to a multi-service desk model, in September 2014 Woodward Library will combine reference and circulation services in a single location. These types of models have been developed to better serve the changing needs of students, faculty and community users.
In addition, Hill’s team is transitioning to a reorganized staff space and preparing for Woodward Library’s 50th Anniversary Celebration this fall.
Throughout all this activity, Hill emphasizes the importance of integrating the Library’s Exceptional Workplace goals, as outlined in the 2010 – 2015 Strategic Plan. “There is an expectation to create a workplace atmosphere where staff feels included, respected, supported and inspired,” she says.
“It creates a creative framework of possibilities. We are at work for a great part of our lives; therefore the environment we work in is very important. In a healthy, exceptional and creative environment we are inspired to enjoy and excel at our work.”