I’ve always believed that libraries have an important role to play in the common good. They give people access to knowledge, preserve the things we might otherwise lose, create places for people to learn and connect, and help us understand where we’ve been as we think about where we’re going.

As Director of Development for the University of Michigan Library, I have the opportunity to help make that work possible. I lead our Development team and work with colleagues across the Library to understand what they’re working toward and find ways that philanthropy can help.

One of the things I enjoy most about my job is that I get to see so much of the Library. I might be learning about a collection one day, talking with colleagues about student needs the next, and hearing about an idea for a new project after that. There is always something new to discover.

Philanthropy can give the Library room to do things that wouldn’t otherwise be possible. It can help us care for and share our collections, create better spaces for students, support teaching and research, and try new things. My role is to help connect those opportunities with people who want to be part of the Library’s future.

What I find most rewarding is the connection between the people who care about the Library and the people doing the work. The Library has touched the lives of so many people in different ways. If it has made a difference in your life, I’d love to hear your story.