Inspired to give: Kerry FitzGerald
Image: Western alum and public librarian Kerry FitzGerald at Loutit District Library in Grand Haven, Mich.
Transformative experiences in and out of the classroom at Western Michigan University led Kerry FitzGerald to embark on a 30-year career in public libraries.
“Academic and public libraries are so much more than just the information that they hold,” says FitzGerald. “It’s a whole atmosphere. It's a whole place of giving and encouragement and a special type of support.”
It’s that giving environment that has inspired FitzGerald to support Western Michigan University Libraries.
“Supporting WMU Libraries is an opportunity for me to give back to the place that was an integral part of my academic success and an inspiration for my chosen career path,” FitzGerald says.
Western is also part of FitzGerald's family history, with her mother, siblings, aunts and uncles, and maternal grandparents as Western alums. FitzGerald transferred to Western from Jackson Community College with a distinguished community college scholar award to continue her studies in anthropology.
While at Western, FitzGerald participated in archeological digs and became interested in computerized facial reconstruction. FitzGerald thought this area of study might take advantage of her artistic skills in a practical way that helps people.
"I've always been fascinated by world cultures, and I love languages. I just love learning about other people's experiences and how they relate to the world."
However, FitzGerald’s career path shifted after she started working in Waldo Library’s science reference department. In addition to helping students research and use the library’s new automated online catalog, FitzGerald also delivered services from the library’s temporary Bernhard Center bowling alley location during Waldo Library’s 1990 renovation.
"I have these fond memories of stepping over and around all the bowling lanes to get to the stacks because the stacks were actually on top of the bowling lanes."
Her experiences at Waldo and encouragement from family members inspired FitzGerald to pursue a career in libraries after graduation.
"I am a very detail-oriented person, and I love the idea of making information accessible to everybody as much as possible and presenting all sides of an issue."
After earning a Master of Information and Library Studies from the University of Michigan, FitzGerald started her career, serving in various roles at public libraries in West Michigan, including assistant director of Loutit District Library in Grand Haven for 18 years.
As a librarian, FitzGerald helped connect people with services, make resources more accessible, and led impactful projects, including the Loutit District Library’s renovation and expansion of technology services.
"I’ve had the opportunity to see how libraries changed people, the impact that they made on lives, particularly in preparing for new jobs, job hunting, or learning new skills,” FitzGerald says. "Libraries bring to light different perspectives from trusted authorities."
Now, as head of cataloging, FitzGerald provides leadership to the Lakeland Library Cooperative to make local history, genealogy and special collections more accessible to the public.
"Not only in our local community but from across the world. We have people contacting our genealogy department from all over the world," FitzGerald notes.
The impact that libraries, including Western's University Libraries, have on her life inspired FitzGerald to give back.
“I give to Western, because I believe in a bright and sustainable future for all. Creating such a future requires not only an accurate account of the past, but the preservation of and access to diverse and authoritative sources of information.”
“It's a way to give back to the place that set me on my path,” FitzGerald adds. “I believe in the Libraries' continuing mission to support all WMU students in their academic pursuits. Investing in today's students is an investment in that bright and sustainable future.”