Two library staff members honored with KARE awards
KARE award recipients Megan Brown (left) and Angela Brcka (right) with Dean Julie Garrison (center).
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The University Libraries recognized two library employees for outstanding customer service to the Western Michigan University community. Angela Brcka and Megan Brown received KARE awards, a peer-nominated award that recognizes knowledgeable, accessible, responsive and empathetic customer service.
Megan Brown, acquisitions coordinator
Megan Brown, acquisitions coordinator, has served in several roles at the University Libraries, including government documents coordinator and user services coordinator. Working with students and helping them develop has been very rewarding, Brown shared.
“There are so many ways we support our students,” Brown says. “Some of them are obvious and experienced by students when they interact with our employees, but there are also things they don't even think about, like making sure our website is accessible and databases are available."
Her work now centers on acquiring new materials and making them accessible, but Brown also continues to support student employees and coordinate therapy dog visits—a popular stress-relief program. Her dedication to library programming and helping both coworkers and students was highlighted in her award nomination.
The wide variety of services, resources and programs for students helps make the library a place for everyone, Brown adds.
“I think having that kind of balance in a student's life is part how we help make a student's experience outstanding.”
Angela Brcka, web developer content strategist
Angela Brcka works with many people throughout the libraries and beyond in her role as the Libraries’ web developer content strategist. She also serves in leadership roles across campus, supporting staff colleagues as chair of the Web Users Group and secretary of the Professional Staff Association of Western.
“What I enjoy most about my work is that no two days are the same, and I’m always being challenged and learning something new,” Brcka says. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do helps shape students’ futures and supports them on their journey.”
Brcka’s thoughtful approach to collaboration, excellent communication skills and dedication to helping others was highlighted in her nomination.
“I think the Libraries plays an important part in creating a great experience for our students,” Brcka says. “We strive to meet them where they are and give them the information, tools and resources they need, exactly when they need them.”
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.