Every member of the Libraries staff brings something unique to our institution. And in every issue of Bindings, we take a closer look at the accomplishments of two staff members whose work makes a difference. This year, we caught up with Patricia Baird and Brad Ferrier, who were both selected to receive awards from the UI Staff Council this year.
Patricia Baird, supervisor for Interlibrary Loan and Delivery Services
In spring 2024, Pat Baird was selected to receive the Richard R. Gibson Merit Staff Award for Innovation and Excellence in Customer Service. This award recognizes “outstanding creativity and innovation in process improvement or exceptional achievement in providing customer service.”
It’s not a shock, given Baird’s reputation for friendliness and humility, that she describes the award as a “surprise.” But Baird has a particular knack for customer service, probably because she draws energy from the opportunity to help library users locate the resources they need. “I enjoy the challenge of untangling difficult citations and tracking down hard-to-locate items,” says Baird.
Baird also recognizes the benefits of technology in the workplace, which makes her a valuable contributor when it comes to streamlining processes. By working alongside members of the Library Information Technology Department, Baird has been able to implement new automations to increase the efficiency of Interlibrary Loan (ILL) processes.
When she’s not at work, Baird spends her time rehabilitating neglected properties in the local community. She also enjoys exploring the outdoors with her husband in their RV camper, where she can usually be found relaxing in the shade with a book.
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ILL services give borrowers access to materials from collections worldwide through reciprocal agreements with peer institutions. Items requested via ILL can usually be received within 7-10 days of the request, and ILL is fully streamlined with InfoHawk+.
Brad Ferrier, digital projects librarian, Special Collections and Archives
Brad Ferrier received the Staff Award for Distinguished Leadership in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in recognition of his work with the Libraries. This award is given to a staff member who “embrace the value of diversity and recognize how it helps set the University of Iowa apart.”
Much of Ferrier’s work directly or indirectly furthers diversity of all kinds within the institution, which is one of his core values. Part of what makes this award so important to Ferrier is its personal resonance. “It means a great deal to me on a personal level, because it gives validation to my disability and efforts to make this a more equitable and accessible place to study, to work, and to live.”
In his role at the Libraries, Ferrier’s favorite tasks involve transcribing and captioning audiovisual material—often this entails watching or listening to archival materials, including those in the Live from Prairie Lights collection and the Darwin Turner Afro-American Institute collection. His work in Special Collections and Archives and his stewardship of these collections meshes well with Ferrier’s interests outside of work. Ferrier enjoys photography and book arts, and occasionally travels to see live musical performances by artists including Nick Cave and the Cure.
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Brad Ferrier was one of the co-curators of the Main Library Gallery’s fall 2023 exhibit, Hey Buddy, I’m Bill, about the life and legacy of Iowa City local Bill Sackter, whose story reflected and influenced the history of disability rights in the state of Iowa. The exhibit may be over, but a virtual tour can be found at lib.uiowa.edu/gallery.