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New director at library

Jamison Hein has been selected to succeed Kathy Mitchell as director of the Clintonville Public Library.

Mitchell will retire on July 1, after 40 years with the city. Hein will begin his new duties on June 18 to prepare for a smooth transition.

Originally from Prairie du Chien, Hein earned his undergraduate degree from UW-Oshkosh in 2007. He attended grad school through UW-Milwaukee, earning a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science in 2011.

He began working at the Clintonville Public Library in October 2008, serving as a part-time library tech. In July 2011, he moved into the full time library assistant position.

“I saw the library job postings online, and I rushed in and applied,” recalled Hein. “I was hired, and I’ve learned a lot about the City of Clintonville and its history since 2008.”

Hein helped create a digital collection of historical documents at the library, and also assisted a local non-profit. He said each of these endeavors have helped him meet new people and build community relationships.

“It’s a small town, so everyone knows everyone,” he said. “Those relationships are very helpful. I was more introverted when I came here, but I’ve become more comfortable over the years, and now I think I’m more extroverted.”

Hein said his college degrees gave him lots of theory and book knowledge that will help him succeed as library director.

“I took an archives class and a hands-on disaster plans class,” said Hein. “I also have studied anti-theft concepts, and took lots of classes highlighting the use of technology as it relates to libraries. I’ve learned and used programs for web design, creating digital libraries, digital preservation, managing library collections, developing plans, and document or image enhancement, to name a few.”

Hein said the Outagamie-Waupaca Library System (OWLS) is one of the library’s greatest tools, and he hopes area residents will come to learn more of the benefits of the OWLS system during his tenure.

“OWLS is a really great thing,” he said. “I think people don’t completely appreciate how much of a service we can provide that other states don’t offer. We can get a book from just about anyone, anywhere.

“We are very lucky to have OWLS. It provides services that assist us with technology, administration, and connectivity,” added Hein. “Our online catalog has pretty much been developed by OWLS, and it’s a huge benefit for our library.”

Hein’s vision for the future is to sustain the traditional parts of the library while moving forward into a future built around technology.

“I hope to make some more space by weeding out the items that are seldom used,” he said. “I hope to be able to expand our collections and tech offerings. Our young adult area is a priority; the shelves are filled, and we need to find a way to make more room. That’s an incredibly popular part of fiction books right now, with the emergence of the Twilight series, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games.”

Hein said his technological abilities are one of his strengths, and he will put his skills to work in hopes of expanding the libraries tech offerings.

Hein said he is looking forward to working with the library staff and applying what he has learned from Mitchell.

“We have an amazing team at the Clintonville Public Library,” said Hein. “Each of us have our strengths, and I hope to help everyone develop their skills as we move forward. One of the pleasures of working here is the staff-patrons always compliment the staff. We have a team of helpful, caring, good listeners.

“I appreciate Kathy Mitchell’s willingness to jump into any new project,” added Hein. “She is very helpful and a very hard worker. Her leadership has been phenomenal in this library and in the community. I hope to develop that ‘face of the library’ that she has achieved. I am excited to have the opportunity to bring my fresh vision, experience and enthusiasm to this position.”

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