Meet a Librarian: Suzanne Sherry
Suzanne Sherry is our new Director of Library Services at John Tyler Community College. Suzanne previously worked at JTCC Libraries as a Digital Services Specialist, and we are happy to have her back. As a veteran to the VCCS, Suzanne brings experience in technology, web design, and instruction. Suzanne holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Florida State University and a Bachelor of the Arts in English from William & Mary.
- Why don’t you share a little bit about yourself?
I’m Suzanne Sherry, Library Director for John Tyler Libraries. I’ve worked in the VCCS for over a decade in various library and non-library roles, and I love working in the community college. At Tyler Libraries we are a big enough library to offer plenty of quality resources to our students and community, but not so big that we cannot work with students directly. I enjoy greeting all of our library regulars! At Tyler the libraries are part of the larger college community, and I like to collaborate with faculty and staff on projects.
- What interests and experiences do you bring to JTCC libraries that will help you serve students and faculty?
I worked in technology before becoming a librarian, and I have built and collaborated on multiple library websites. I’m also a knitter—knitting is very binary—and bring that maker mentality to my library work. I’ve been an avid reader all my life, and I’m endlessly curious.
- What are you most looking forward to in your position?
Helping students, faculty, staff and our community members.
- What goals do you have for the library?
The library will be a welcoming, resource-rich and comfortable place for our community to pursue both academic and lifelong learning.
- What are three things students and faculty should know about the library?
Tyler Libraries are more than just academic books! We also offer novels, computers, printing (including color), curriculum materials, study rooms, medical models, graphic novels, magazines, maker spaces and more. Tyler Libraries support learning in many forms.
- What made you want to work in a library?
I’ve always been a reader—with the help of Dick and Jane books and The Electric Company, I taught myself to read long before I started school. I used to have to bribe my sister to help me carry my library books, I had so many. I worked in the public library during high school and college, and I still hate to shelve books. But I love having access to all the reading material—all with no fines!
- On a more personal note, what is a favorite book of yours?
There is no way I can pick just one! I recently read The Fault in Our Stars, and I cried more than once—that’s a good thing. I had to go back and read chapters 3-4 times because they were so amazing. I like the Cormoran Strike / Robert Galbraith / J.K. Rowling books, and I’m a fan of Roddy Doyle. I recently read My Favorite Thing is Monsters, a graphic novel by Emil Ferris, and it blew my mind.