A New Face in the Library

Up-to-date resources for LSC students are becoming more available, thanks to newly hired Public Services Librarian, Graham Sherriff.

Sherriff is looking to continue the progress the library has made in recent years in providing students with an excellent, and up to date resources for their studies. Sherriff has lived and worked in two different continents and within three different time zones, and brings experience from a variety of fields, including investment consultancy, and education.

From the south coast of England, Sherriff went to the University of Oxford, where he studied modern history. He spent time working in investment consultancy before moving to Guadalajara, Mexico, to teach English. When he left Mexico, Sheriff moved to New Haven, Connecticut, where he worked in the library at Yale University, while his wife worked on her doctorate. The decision to move to Vermont came when his wife secured a position teaching Spanish Language and Literature in Norwich. Sherriff and his wife viewed Vermont as a good place to move to. Together they have an eighteen month old son, and the education systems, surrounding areas, and the pace of life in the North Country was appealing.

Sherriff viewed the open position at Lyndon State as a "perfect situation" for him, given his background in history, library sciences, and his interests in community and culture. In his role as public services librarian, Sherriff will be running a series of tours, presentations, and workshops on how to use the library effectively. He will also be working on the school's library website and other online services. Some of his initial impressions of the college are the "beautiful setting," and the "relaxed and approachable faculty and staff."

Despite all the recent developments in digital publication, Sherriff does not believe "in the end of the Library." While he does suggest many libraries are taking on the "glory and horror of the web," Sheriff believes that the library is a necessary aid to digital publication.

Sherriff also believes that suggestions, good or bad, are critical to any organization's success, and believes this to be true about the library as well. He encourages those with suggestions to reach out to him.

"The library needs life," he said with a smile, noting how happy and excited it makes him to see the semester starting; to see the students and faculty once again roaming the halls, backpacks over their shoulders and books in their hands.

As a man who has accomplished a lot, who has traveled and see the world, Sherriff is looking to bring his experience and a wealth of knowledge to Lyndon State.