Library director loves ‘thrill of the hunt’

How does one manage to lose a cello? Apparently, it isn’t as difficult as you might think.

A cello, a range of electronic devices, and even a set of crutches, are just a few of the many items that have been left behind by busy, rushed, intense or just plain absentminded patrons of Memorial Library.

“People become so focused on their work, it happens,” explains Lee Konrad, director of Memorial Library. “It’s exciting to be surrounded by people who are so immersed in their research and study that they manage to lose themselves in it.”

In his role as director, Konrad is responsible for an array of public services, collections and building management.

However, serving the UW–Madison community — whether helping to retrieve string instruments, or more frequently, putting students, faculty and staff in touch with the information and resources to further their studies or research — is what the job is all about.

Konrad, who served as head of Memorial Library’s public services division before becoming overall director, says he would be equally happy serving as a reference and instruction librarian, which is where he began his career in library and information studies.

“I love the thrill of the hunt,” he says. “As librarians, we are surrounded by an astounding array of information resources — our job is to ensure that patrons can find and utilize these resources effectively in meeting their research needs.

Konrad happily describes himself as a Madison lifer, having earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in library science from the university. Before enrolling in graduate school, he worked for several years in the Office of International Studies and Programs in a position that entailed extensive use of the campus libraries.

He served in positions at Edgewood College and the Law Library while in graduate school. His professional career began at Steenbock Library, after which he served at College Library as director of the College Library Computer and Media Center before moving to Memorial Library.

Memorial’s focus as the principal research facility on campus for the humanities and social sciences suits Konrad’s own personal interests. Although the subject matter is a fit, working inside the constraints of an unusual building can sometimes be difficult.

After opening in 1953, Memorial was twice expanded to accommodate its collection, which has grown to 3 million-plus volumes. The first construction in 1974 expanded the collection space and reading areas, and the second addition in 1990 enlarged the building to nine stories.

The library’s original configuration as a “closed stacks” center, in which librarians would retrieve requested materials for patrons, gives some of its corridors the feel of a cramped warehouse.

Unlike College Library, with its reputation as a social study area, Memorial Library is known for its quiet and studious atmosphere. But its location on Library Mall also tends to bring in more members of the Madison community.

“The types of people who visit Memorial Library contribute to the character of the library,” he says. “We have people from all over the world using our libraries on a daily basis. The diversity of their life experiences and research interests make Memorial Library a fascinating place to work.”

For the future, Konrad is looking ahead to continuing to improve the building’s physical environment.

Although it is unlikely that there will ever be a cafe inside the library (food and drink don’t mix with preserving major research collections), there will be additional meeting rooms and collaborative space for small groups of students or researchers to meet and work together. Lighting, seating and improvements to study spaces are also in the works.

Some additional space will be freed by a continued move toward electronic journals and materials, now the primary mode of access in some fields. The campus libraries are also investigating the idea of an off-site preservation facility.

“In the humanities disciplines especially, access to books, manuscripts and other print materials will remain vitally important,” says Konrad. “It is critical that we work to ensure long-term access to our growing print collections as well.”

Electronic systems and services continue to provide improved access to collection materials. For instance, interlibrary loan and document delivery services are becoming an increasingly critical part of the library’s mission.

“We’re reaching the point where the vast majority of our patrons are comfortable or proficient with library technology,” Konrad says. “While the willingness to incorporate library technology into research tended to be divided along generational lines years ago, most patrons recognize the inherent power of library technology, and its impact on their productivity.”

Konrad has a strong background in technology, having developed CLUE (the computer-assisted library user education program), which introduces undergraduates to the UW library system. He was also among the first library staff to teach users about using the Internet. He led the initial development of the Digital Content Group, now the Digital Collections Center.

In the end, it comes down to connecting the power of extensive collections (3 million volumes) with people who can put the information to use.

Konrad cites the recent work of Alfred McCoy and his recently published studies of torture. A heavy user of library services, Konrad’s staff helped facilitate his research.

“In a small way, we’re supporting his work and the work of so many scholars throughout the world” he says. “I love being a part of academia and find it deeply enriching and rewarding.”