As the chapter closed on this summer, one of the Miami University Library’s long-serving staff members closed a chapter of her own. After serving 30 years at Miami University, including 12 at the Libraries, Donna Richardson, Administrative Services Coordinator, retired. Before she left for the last time, we sat down to talk about her time at Miami.

Donna joined the Libraries 12 years ago after seeing the job on the Miami University job website and realizing it was an opportunity she couldn’t afford to miss. Her interview was not without drama — a fire alarm went off and she had to evacuate the building. After moving her interview the Art and Architecture Library she persevered. “Right then and there, I discovered the flexibility and adaptability and the consideration of the Library.”

For anyone else considering a job with the Miami University Libraries, Donna encourage you to come with an open mind. “Know the value statements, the mission, and really embrace it.” She says she will miss the human element in the Libraries. “It’s the people and their personal stories,” she said. “The way we all work together and contribute to the space and the work environment. Particularly for the library, I will miss the innovative surprises.”

I have always been able to count on Donna to keep the Dean’s Suite organized and running right,” said Jerome Conley, Dean and University Librarian. “She exemplifies the values of the Libraries.”

Looking back on her time at Miami, Donna is proud of the work she accomplished as a coordinator. “Coordinators coordinate,” she said. “We bring people together, resolve issues, enhance the experience, and maintain a sense of unity and consistency.” We are grateful to Donna for her hard work over the years at Miami and especially at the Miami University Libraries. We will miss her and wish her the best in her retirement.

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