Longtime staff member retires from University Libraries

With over 35 years of service to the University Libraries, Jean Douglas, manager, User Services, will retire from Western Michigan University on July 31.

After graduating from Indiana University with her bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Douglas began her Western career at the Business Library on East Campus. When the Business Library merged with Waldo Library, Douglas moved into new roles as periodical service window supervisor and circulation reserves supervisor. Later, Douglas would move into the role of Access Services Coordinator, overseeing Waldo Library’s high-traffic circulation desk. Douglas’ leadership and technical expertise with circulation policy and the integrated library system led to her role evolving into Manager, User Services.

Throughout her career, Douglas has worked on numerous projects and committees, including hiring searches, student training, ILS implementation and customer service training. However, Douglas’ most memorable moments are those spent working with student employees.

“The moments I enjoy the most are emails, phone calls and in-person visits from former students,” Douglas says. “Recently, one of my former student employees, who graduated in 1995, stopped by to see me because his daughter will be attending WMU in the fall.” 

Heading into retirement, Douglas plans to spend more time with family and traveling—and getting to those bucket list items. Her advice for others: be kind and compassionate.

“I have had the pleasure of working with so many people from different walks of life—many students from different parts of the U.S., as well as the world,” she says. “Kindness and compassion go a long way, ‘treat people the way you would like to be treated.’” 

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