By Grace Apostol
Elm Staff Writer
On Jan. 21, Clifton M. Miller Dean of Library and Academic Technology Mary Alice Ball announced via email that outgoing Director of Public Services Amanda Darby will be leaving Washington College after two years on Feb. 1.
A native of Frederick, Md., Darby earned her B.A. in English at Bryn Mawr College, where she went on to obtain her Master’s of Science in Library and Information Science at Simmons College in Boston. Before coming to WC, she worked at George Washington University’s library as the Access Service Supervisor.
“One thing I did not have at the position I had before coming to WC was the ability to make these connections with students,” Darby said.
Darby’s position saw her in charge of many aspects of the department, including circulation, library load and outreach. However, Darby said, “What I really love is teaching and research.”
Within her two years at WC, Darby has made many lasting connections with people whom she worked with within Miller Library. Dr. Ball is one of several co-workers who said they would miss her immensely.
“I’m confident that the rest of us will tell how much we will miss her and that she was an invaluable member of our team,” Dr. Ball said.
Dr. Ball said in her email that Darby has had a “tremendous impact” on the College campus.
“She has been the force behind LAT communications, including LAT Happenings and Instagram…and instrumental in developing and delivering JEDI training, and is an Assistant Title IX Coordinator, all on top of her regular responsibilities,” she said.
On top of these accomplishments, Darby also implemented a recreational reading collection for the student body called “Diversions,” which currently holds roughly 150 books for students to cycle through. Thus far, there has been great circulation of these books.
Many members of the College community were greatly affected by Darby’s hard work and kindness in and out of the library. Sophomore and student worker Paige Dauplaise had the pleasure of working with Darby.
“I’ll miss her positive attitude and the way that she would stand behind all her employees,” Dauplaise said. “She really helped me process my transition to living on campus last semester and how to take care of myself.”
After leaving the College, Darby will start her new position as the Librarian of Business and Social Science at Montgomery College in Silver Spring, Md.
According to the email sent out by Dr. Ball, Alex Baker will be taking over the Director position based on her previous and current experiences at Strayer University at Herndon, Va. and the College respectively, including “[bringing] a wealth of valuable information about online and hybrid teaching”; “lead[ing] many information literacy instructional sessions, answer[ing] countless reference questions, [and] mentor[ing] many students.”
“I definitely made connections with people who I will continue to talk to and be friends with after I leave and my time here has been really fulfilling in that way, too,” she said.
Photo Courtesy of Washington College
Featured Photo Caption: After working for two years at Washington College, outgoing Director of Public Services Amanda Darby will embark on the next chapter of her life and career.