An open book: County librarian embraces change

Public libraries have been a vital part of communities for more than 200 years. With the introduction of technology, the “face” of the library may have changed, but it’s still a place for information navigators.
Last year Mary Snyder, director of library services, announced her retirement after more than 30 years. On May 26, Anne Shepherd took over the management of the Indian River County Public Library System.
Shepherd brings more than 25 years of experience to the shelf, having worked in libraries in seven states and more libraries than she can count. She’s already gotten to know the Florida library system, helping to build, renovate and update libraries in Lee, Pinellas and Charlotte counties.
Shepherd didn’t start her career among the stacks at the library; she graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in archaeology and child development. “I wanted to run the children’s program in a museum, which sounds really interesting but there was no funding at that time, so I sat down and thought about what I wanted to do with my life. To this day I’ve loved every day of it.”
She chose a different path than that of a typical librarian. “My first job was a renovation in Michigan. I thought, ‘I’m good at this, so I’m going to carve out my own little niche,’” and she did. Now, a quarter of a century later, Shepherd has been sought out by library systems large and small to help bring their libraries into this century.
“I am a library change agent who renovates and builds or who can renovate or reorganize the staff,” explains Shepherd. “I’m looking forward to bringing in some new and different ideas and helping the staff find a new level of interest and excitement about their jobs.”
For a county library to receive state and federal funding the librarian must have a master’s degree in library science. This course of study includes the expected cataloging and reference work, but also law, legislative process, business practices, budgeting, grants management and technology. The result is a hybrid bibliophile.
Shepherd credits her ability to streamline to her father. “My dad was an engineer and the whole family was always into efficiency of movement and efficiency of operation. You pair that with knowledge about books and libraries and that’s me.”
Books have always been a big part of her life, and Shepherd raised here children in libraries. “They were forced to volunteer as kids all summer long,” she chuckles. But clearly, it wore off. Her son and his wife are both librarians and her five grandchildren are big readers, too.
“My grandchildren keep me up to date on what’s popular today,” says Shepherd. “I will read anything, I always have. I don’t really care what I read I just want to read. I always have a book in my purse a book in my car, books at home and of course books here at the library. How could you not love this job? How could anyone not love to work in a library and have all these books at their disposal?”
One of her more unique projects was the build of a community college in Baton Rouge, La., says Shepherd. They had just relocated to Louisiana for her husband’s work when she noticed a little tiny ad in the paper. The state of Louisiana had just lost a federal lawsuit because Baton Rouge didn’t have any community colleges. The state had 18 months to build a community college for at least 200 students and every day that it was not open, the state would be fined $10,000. Shepherd was hired to build the library from scratch, which included the building, furniture, books, policies and procedures.
What’s in store for Indian River County Libraries? To continue to be relevant, libraries must listen to the needs of the public and make changes. The biggest change since Shepherd started her career as a librarian was when the card catalog went online. This opened up the collection to everyone, according to Shepherd.
“You didn’t have to come to the library to find something anymore; you could stay at home and do research in your pajamas. We evolved, and now the library is the third space. You have home, you have work and then the library. It’s a neutral space you can come to do your work, use our computers, apply for a job, whatever.”
“It’s not the same library you went to as a child. Libraries today are not necessarily quiet, but that’s OK. We want to be the neighborhood place to come. I hear people say that libraries are going away. Actually, right now libraries are as busy as ever.” E-books, online books, downloadable books, audio books, DVDs and online research are all just companions to the book, from Shepherd’s perspective.
In addition to some behind-the-scenes changes, Shepherd plans to make some aesthetic changes at the Main Library with new carpeting and paint, resetting of some of the areas, weeding out of unused books, increasing self-checkout capabilities, removal of outdated reference materials, the addition of electrical outlets and creating more seating areas. Basically, making it a more attractive place for people to come.
One of the biggest changes will be the addition of more adult programming: such as, free informational classes on how to use a computer or your smartphone, one-on-one tutoring and classes like identifying shore birds or fish.
Shepherd and her husband feel like they’ve hit the jackpot. “I’m doing work I love, and my grandchildren are nearby. For everything that I’m thinking of that we could do with our libraries here, it will take years. The people of Indian River County really love their libraries. They’re very proud of them and have a lot of ideas.”

As she moves forward to update the library, Shepherd encourages patrons to share ideas for improvements and programming. She can be reached at 772-770-5060, ext. 4113.

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