Here to Help At the Library, we have hundreds of employees who want nothing more than to make it easy for students, faculty and researchers to access materials whenever and wherever they need them. Meet two such individuals, Jenn Dandle and Kirk Wang. Both exemplify what it means to be a dedicated library professional eager to share the vast knowledge in our holdings with fellow Tritons and the world.
Jenn Dandle Web Manager Describe your role at the Library. What are your primary responsibilities? As web manager at the Library, I provide strategic support for the Library’s public web presence to create a more consistent user experience across multiple disparate products. My responsibilities vary greatly depending on the scope and needs of a project. I often serve in project manager, technician or expert advisor roles. Why do you have a passion for working in a library? I am passionate about working in
a library because I believe the overall mission of libraries as stewards of information is invaluable to society. Knowledge is power, and access to information fuels and supports that knowledge. I enjoy having the opportunity to work in an environment where the improvements I support have far-reaching benefits. How does your role help our students achieve their academic goals? Making the Library’s website and supporting systems more usable and more accessible are two primary goals for my role as web manager. We want to make it quick and easy
I enjoy breaking down complex issues and finding creative solutions to improve usability.
for students to learn about and gain access to resources to help them excel academically. For example, the Library updated the study room reservation system this summer to allow students to more easily reserve a room. What do you love most about your job? One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being able to help technicians and content creators make the web more accessible for all, regardless of ability. I enjoy breaking down complex issues and finding creative solutions to improve usability. What is one of the favorite projects you’ve had the opportunity to work on since you’ve been at the Library? I’ve been lucky enough to work on many fun projects—it’s hard to pick just one! I’m grateful I had the opportunity to participate in the transition to the new UC Library Search. Moving from a traditional catalog system to a discovery tool revolutionizes the experience for students, faculty and staff and makes it easier for them to find materials they wouldn’t have had direct access to from the previous catalog. What is one surprising fact about yourself that most people do not know? Most people don’t know that I play sled hockey with the San Diego Ducks. Every week, I’m counting down to Saturday morning for weekly practice with the team. I enjoy being active and continuing to push my limits. A phrase often heard around the rink is “hockey is for everyone.” Contact Jenn: jdandle@ucsd.edu
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