Emily is celebrating her 5-year anniversary at EPL. She started at the library as a circulation clerk and after mastering that, moved to our Technical Services department to take on the new challenge of cataloging material for our patrons. You may not see Emily out front as much as you used to, but she is still here just working in a different capacity. Emily is the type of employee that would excel in any position here at the library. She is reliable, thorough, pays attention to detail, and most importantly – she excels at customer service. She understands that all the small things staff do on a daily basis add up to what we hope is a positive experience for our patrons. We appreciate Emily and what she brings to EPL!
- Jill Schardt, Library Director
In what part of the library do you work and what do you do?
I work in Technical Services as a Cataloger. I create and update bibliographic records for library items. Which is just a wordy way to say that I make library items searchable in the online catalog. Catalogers need to be accurate and consistent without becoming too inflexible. I love that challenge!
What has changed the most since you started working here?
I would actually like to tell what has not changed. Edwardsville Public Library employees are patron and community centered. It sounds cliché but we really are here for our patrons. We want you to have the best experience every time you come in or use our services. Employees change and buildings are renovated but our love of books and community are consistent.What services offered at the library do you wish more people knew about?
I wish more people knew about the vast array of items we have available. We aren’t just books! I remember talking to someone a few years ago and they were shocked that we had video games available for check-out.
What has kept you working at the library?
I like that we can be very different people and still come together over the love of a story. We get to see that everyday at the library. I also truly love cataloging. It allows me to be a perfectionist in a very productive way!
If you could have coffee with any author, who would you choose?
Neil Gaiman. He seems humble, funny and someone people just want to be around. I love that his fiction can take you away from reality and yet he has a way of showing you the truth of our world in the most imaginative ways
What is the first book you remember reading?
I remember my mom taking me to the library to get the Choose Your Own Adventure books. I loved that I could read them and re-read them until I had used every option.
Do you have a favorite book genre?
No I don’t have a favorite. I tend to lean toward fantasy, mystery and Sci-fi but I am open to all genres.