Jayne Moorman ’99

This is part 19 in our weekly summer blog series in which we highlight some of the amazing Furman alumni who have gone on to work in library and information professions. Click here to view all posts in this series.

Today we are highlighting Jayne Moorman ’99, a local librarian who serves as an assistant county librarian for the Spartanburg County Public Libraries. Moorman graduated from Furman University with a bachelor’s degree in English. In 2001 she completed her master’s in library and information science through the University of South Carolina.

Tell us a little bit about how you chose to work as a library and information professional?

“I worked as a Student Assistant in the James B. Duke Library during my junior and senior years at Furman because I was curious about the Librarian profession.  To me, it was the ideal career because there are so many different tracks that you can pursue (e.g. Academic, Public, Corporate, Archival, School Media, etc.).  You are always learning something new while always helping other people.  It’s the best combination for a rewarding career!”

What has been your professional path to your current position?

“While in graduate school at USC, I assisted with processing collections at both the Caroliniana Library and the Law Library.  During the summers, I would work in the Public Library.  I wanted to see as many types of library environments as I could.  After graduating from the MLIS program in May, 2001, I was selected to be a Fellow at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.  While at the LOC, I worked in the Prints and Photographs Division and processed and cataloged the LOOK Magazine photography collection.  It was a very rewarding experience, but my heart was always with the public service aspect of Librarianship.  I returned to South Carolina and starting working as a Government Documents Librarian at the Spartanburg County Public Libraries.  In 2005, I was promoted to Assistant Director, and now I oversee all operations of a 10-branch, 250-employee public library system.  In this position, I am involved in all aspects of library operations!”

What is the most interesting library in which you’ve worked?

“It is definitely the Library of Congress.”

What is something you have been surprised by during your career?

“I was surprised at the importance of good library administrative practices.  Behind all of the research, programs, and archives, Libraries run just like a business.  If the “business part” of Libraries is not run well, all of the good services that Libraries provide will not be effective.  Also, I was surprised at how important Libraries continue to be in communities.  It doesn’t matter if the community consists of homeless patrons, university students, or corporate employees.  They all need access to quality resources and information, and they need to access the resources in a safe, welcoming environment.”

Is there a particularly fond memory from your time at Furman that you would be willing to share?

“Who doesn’t love the campus?  It was a pleasure to spend four years on such a beautiful campus with great people.”