We are excited to announce that Lissa Krull is the new MCLS Library Strategist. Lissa most recently worked as the Director of the Nappanee Public Library in Nappanee, Indiana. In addition to her experience as a successful library director, Lissa brings experience in consulting, strategic planning, and trustee training through her past work at the Indiana State Library and her own consulting business working with local non-profit organizations. Her first day with MCLS will be March 2.
As a Library Strategist, Lissa will work the MCLS Engagement, Consulting, and Training Team to offer strategic planning, meeting facilitation, and other consulting services to libraries of all types in Indiana and Michigan. We asked Lissa to tell us a little about herself.
Q: Tell us a little about your background. How did you get started in libraries?
A: My love of libraries started when I received my first library card at the Faxon branch of the West Hartford, CT library system. I remember everything about that Saturday: the two books I checked out (which I now own), who I was with, the look of the room, and the movie we watched in the basement. Later, in fourth grade, I was amazed that my school librarian, Mrs. Fourtnier, knew exactly what I would love to read next! She anticipated my needs before I even knew I had a need for the books she continually suggested for me.
Q: What motivated you to take on this new role?
A: My innate desire to be like Mrs. Fourtnier. I will be celebrating a milestone birthday this year and it got me thinking about how I want to spend my time and how I can make the most impact in the library world. When thinking about why I chose this profession, I realized I truly love that we give people what they need before they even know they need it in all sorts of ways, not just with a customer’s next great read. This new role will enable me to assist libraries to be the best they can be by guiding them through a process that brings out the uniqueness of their both their staff and their customer base. I love listening to those nuances, and getting a group to where they may have never dreamed they could be.
Q: What are you most excited to start working on?
A: Big picture, customer-focused planning! I enjoy applying a creative process to what are traditionally thought of as very linear, top-down procedures. Today’s strategic thinking requires approaches that anticipate rather than react. It’s not about solving problems as they occur. It’s about seeking out and anticipating opportunities before they have become obvious to the customer. It’s thrilling for me to see library staff come together, get excited, and think ahead to where they want to be, not where they are today.
Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
A: I enjoy reading, trying new recipes/tweaking old favorites, traveling and experiencing new places, and anything water related (my favorites are boating, wake boarding, snorkeling, and snow skiing).
Welcome, Lissa! We are happy to have you on the team!
