Meet the KSRL Staff: Kathy Lafferty
This is the seventh installment in what will be a recurring series of posts introducing readers to the staff of the Kenneth Spencer Research Library. Kathy Lafferty is the Copy Services Manager at Spencer Research Library.
Kathy Lafferty, Library Coordinator/Copy Services Manager
for Spencer Research Library’s Public Services Department
Where are you from?
Both sides of my family are from Ohio. My father joined the Navy shortly before my parents married, and I was born in San Diego, California. For most of my childhood I lived in Pennsylvania. I’ve also lived in Ohio, New York and Tennessee. However now, when people ask me where I’m from, I say Kansas. I’ve lived here since 1983.
What does your job at Spencer entail?
My title is “Library Coordinator.” As a member of the Public Services staff, my main job is to manage and process the reproduction requests that come to Spencer. In addition, I serve on the reference desk and answer email reference inquiries. I also assist with classes and tours.
How did you come to work at Spencer Research Library?
I started working at KU in June of 1984. My first job title was “Secretary.” I’ve served in the Engineering School, the Communications Studies Department, the Vice Chancellor for Information Services office, and have held several positions in Spencer Research Library. My first job in Spencer started in May of 1990, as secretary for the Kansas Collection.
What is the strangest item you’ve come across in Spencer’s collections?
I can’t think of anything “strange,” but there are things that I’m fond of, such as the Kansas City Monarchs baseball caps, Quantrill’s letters to his mother, the Cuneiform tablets, the fore-edge books, the “retired” KU mascot costumes, and the photograph collections.
What part of your job do you like the most?
I get great satisfaction from helping people find the information they need and from seeing them in awe over the materials we have. This includes the full range of our patrons, from preschool students to seasoned academic researchers. I also enjoy selecting materials for our students to see and watching their reactions.
What are your favorite pastimes?
My favorite way to spend free time is to be with my granddaughters. I love being a Grandma! I also enjoy trying to stay physically fit (so I can keep up with them) by walking and taking yoga, weight training and cycling classes. I like working on home projects, like cooking, gardening and decorating. And I watch a lot of old movies.
What piece of advice would you offer a researcher walking into Spencer Research Library for the first time?
I would advise a first time user to take advantage of the availability of KSRL subject specialists. This would be true for both on-site and remote patrons. Talk to our librarians and archivists to gain a deeper insight into our holdings and how they might be useful for you.
Kathy Lafferty
Library Coordinator/Copy Services Manager
Public Services
Spencer Research Library
Tags: About Us, Behind the Scenes, Careers in Libraries, Kathy Lafferty, Meet the Staff, Public Services