Missy Manzer, Director of Cox Library
Member of the Faculty, 1998–2014
As a librarian, Missy is an ace researcher. A horticulturist at home, Missy enjoys weeding in the library, and (unlike some softies) is able to discard books without weeping over each one. Perhaps that is because she is a master of collection development, and she can always find the ideal choices to broaden or rejuvenate our holdings.
As director of Cox Library, one of Missy’s cardinal accomplishments has been to oversee the incorporation of digital resources. During Missy’s tenure, we have moved from presenting information limited to the physical library to presenting online offerings, including the catalogue, research guides and electronic databases. We have gained relevant, new material by including in the library’s holdings the speech team collection and the history department collection, as well as CD collections for jazz and general music. Missy introduced routine consultations with departments and teachers to determine how the library could contribute to their curricular needs. As one history faculty member said, “With librarians and teachers working together, research projects are more rewarding experiences for students and teachers alike.” Even when they need not be in Cox, many students appreciate the peaceful and productive environment. Missy created this atmosphere.
As a supervisor, Missy insisted that her staff cross-train, learning about each other’s work. Missy encouraged our professional development by allowing us to participate in webinars and local meetings, and by forcing us to prepare for research season with rigorous training exercises. Missy cultivated a spirit of customer service, routinely bending over backward to obtain resources for our patrons.
As a parent, Missy launched two sons, David ’02 and Jonathan ’07, who not only appear for family holidays, but actually enjoy vacationing with their mother!
We wish Missy a long and happy retirement, whether contentedly digging in her garden, or intrepidly traveling the world. Her legacy of collaboration and support is one we will endeavor to continue.
by Diane Pierce-Williams
Cox Library