Ken Behringer retired from the Metropolitan Library Services Agency (MELSA), a regional public library system that serves the libraries in the seven-county Twin City metro area, in 2019. His career included becoming the first Executive Director of MNLINK, serving as the Director of the Dakota County Library and the Great River Regional Libraries, and library positions in Wyoming and the North Dakota State Library. In this interview, he describes the development of library services in Minnesota that he observed from various points in his career and as a lifelong library user. Behringer often found his role to be in working with local county decisionmakers as well as the state legislature to secure funding for libraries. That led to impacts on budgeting for improved library services, technological advances, and the development of regional and state-wide library systems that have strengthened the library community in the state. He also discusses the colleagues who have been influential throughout his career including Bill Asp, Bill DeJohn, Charlene Mason, Roseanne Byrne, and Mike Turbes. This interview also includes an audio recording, transcript, and photograph of the interviewee.
Keith Ewing, Coordinator of Library Systems & Digital Services at St. Cloud State University, retired in July 2017. Graduating with an MLS in 1979 from University of Texas at Austin, Ewing went on to work at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Nagoya University of Commerce and Business Administration, and in system and digital services roles at St. Cloud State University. In his interview, Keith disccusses internet and digital library technology in libraries, the inception of the Minnesota Digital Library, work on the first Minitex MEIR task force, the building of a new library at St. Cloud State University, mentors, and dinner with Ray Bradbury. This interview includes an audio recording and full transcript.
John T. Butler has served as the Associate University Librarian for Data and Technology at the University of Minnesota since 2008. Prior to that role, he was the inaugural Director of the University of Minnesota's Digital Library Development Lab, and also led the Science and Engineering Library at the University of Minnesota. In the interview, Butler discusses one of his earliest experiences working in libraries as a student for Minitex and other experiences leading up to his current role at the University of Minnesota libraries. Other topics discussed include: the development of the Minnesota Digital Library and the Minnesota Legacy Amendment funding; early mentors and influential colleagues Hank Rowan (Professor of Art, University of Minnesota), Susan Ardi (Engineering Librarian, University of Texas at Austin), Bill DeJohn, and Wendy Lougee; and his engagement with the Digital Public Library of America and HathiTrust. This interview also includes an audio recording, transcript, and photograph of the interviewee.
Joan Roca retired from his role as Dean of Library Services at Minnesota State University Mankato in 2018. In this interview, he discusses his professional history, including his role and recollections of the development of the PALS software, his work on MNLINK systems integration committee, and as a member of other library professional committees. Joan credits several of his mentors -- Dale Carrison, Sylverna Ford, Bill DeJohn, Mary Parker, Keith Ewing, Tom Shaughnessy, and Wendy Lougee -- as having positive and lasting impacts on his career trajectory. This interview also includes an audio recording, transcript, and photograph of the interviewee.
Barbara Misselt led the East Central Regional Library as Library System Director for 9 years, retiring April 1, 2017. Misselt's first library job was at the Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, before moving to SELCO (Southeastern Libraries Cooperating) in Rochester, Minnesota, and ending her career at East Central Regional Library in Cambridge, Minnesota. In the interview, she discusses her connection to Minitex, working with former Minitex Director Bill DeJohn, Becky Ringwelski (former Associate Director of Minitex for Resource Sharing), Kathy Drozd (former Assistant Director for Delivery), and other influential colleagues from Minnesota libraries and the State Library. This interview includes an audio recording and full transcript.
A letter from Henry H. Sibley, St. Paul, Minnesota, to Charles Benson, President of the Young Men's Library Association (YMLA), regarding his upcoming speaking engagement in Winona, Minnesota. Sibley's lecture on the "Early Times of Minnesota" took place on the last day in February in 1867 and was sponsored by the YMLA.
A letter from Fred S. Bell to the Board of Directors of the Winona Free Public Library. Bell tenders his resignation as President of the Board of Directors after 20 years of service.
A leaflet containing a list of Austin Willard Lord's paintings displayed during the exhibit at the Winona Public Library, along with some brief biographical information. The exhibit took place from November 9 - 20, 1916.
A leaflet containing a list of Adelaide Magner's paintings displayed during the exhibit at the Winona Public Library, along with some brief biographical information. The exhibit took place from April 30 to May 7, 1917.
A letter from Lydia M. Poirier, Librarian at Duluth Public Library, Minnesota, to E. E. Stugard, Board of Directors of the Winona Public Library, regarding library salaries.
An informational leaflet about the materials and services available at the Winona Public Library, Winona, Minnesota. A monthly calendar of exhibits, titled "College Art in Minnesota," is included.
Board of Directors, Winona Free Public Library, Winona, Minnesota
Date Created:
1898-10-03
Description:
The original check transferring the remaining funds from the Winona Library Association to the newly formed Winona Free Public Library, Winona, Minnesota. The check is signed by Fred S. Bell, president, and Edward Lees, secretary, of the Board of Directors of the library.
A check from the Treasurer of the Winona Library Association to J.E. Prentiss for insurance in the amount of fifteen dollars, signed by E. (Ernest) A. Gerdtzen, Secretary, and O. (Ozro) B. Gould, President. The check is number 18 and dated April 28, 1874.
A leaflet containing a list of paintings by Nicholas R. Brewer of New York, given under the auspices of the Ruskin Art Club, at the Winona Public Library. The exhibit was held from November 17 - 27, 1915.
Executive Committee, Winona Free Public Library, Winona, Minnesota; Bell, Frederick Somers, 1859-1938; Lees, Edward
Date Created:
1899 - 1905
Description:
The fourth bulletin from the Winona Free Public Library's by-laws, chapter 2, article 3, and chapter 1, article 3. The bulletin details the librarian's duties, as well as the assistant librarian, Miss Black, and the first attendant, Miss Von Rohr. It is signed by the library's Executive Committee, Fred S. Bell, Edward Lees, and Mrs. S. W. Morgan.
Young Men's Library Association, Winona, Minnesota
Date Created:
1863-06-13
Description:
The Articles of Incorporation for the Young Men's Library Association, Winona, Minnesota. The document is noted as registered with Winona County and the State of Minnesota.
The Articles of Incorporation for the Winona Library Association, Winona, Minnesota. The document is stamped as registered with Winona County and the Minnesota Secretary of State.
