UW-Stevens Point's Mindy King named Librarian of the Year
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Mindy King of UW=Stevens Point was named Librarian of the Year for her leadership on a new campus resource center.
STEVENS POINT - University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Director of Libraries Mindy King has been named the Wisconsin Library Association/Demco Librarian of the Year, recognizing King's leadership as the university transformed its library and opened a new student resource center.
King received the award Oct. 22 in Madison during the Wisconsin Library Association's annual conference, according to a community announcement.
King led UW-Stevens Point's effort to relocate a 500,000-volume library collection to a temporary off-site facility while maintaining student and faculty access to materials, research assistance, instruction and other library services.
That work coincided with planning for the new 151,274-square-foot Gale and Paul Kirby Library and Student Resource Center, which opened in April. The facility combines library resources with tutoring, advising, financial aid, veterans services, disability resources and other student services. More than 1,600 people toured the building on opening day.
King helped lead massive library move
King worked with architects and university partners on the new library and recruited faculty, staff, administrators, students and UWSP athletic teams to dismantle and reassemble shelving during the collection relocation. King also worked alongside those volunteers, according to the announcement.
James Barrett, interim director of UWSP Planning and Construction, also cited King's collaborative approach.
"What impressed me most was her ability to bring people together," Barrett said. "Mindy has a collaborative style that encourages participation and helps people focus on shared goals."
King's work expands beyond new library
King has championed open educational resources and open-access publishing and worked to improve the accessibility of digital library resources, according to the announcement.
King also has supported undergraduate research, helped establish a campus bikeshare program and purchased multiuser e-books so students could access required course readings at no additional cost.
Gretel Stock, dean of UWSP University College, described King as "a constant and consistent champion for the library" and praised King's "calm, steady and creative nature" as a collaborator and leader.
Beyond UW-Stevens Point, King has served in leadership and volunteer roles with the Wisconsin Library Association, WiLS, the Universities of Wisconsin libraries and the Portage County Public Library Foundation. King also supports professional development for library faculty and staff and helped develop a library internship course for future professionals.
The Wisconsin Library Association represents librarians, library staff, trustees, Friends and library supporters statewide. The organization works on advocacy, professional development, leadership and collaboration.
More information is available at wisconsinlibraries.org.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.