Sydney Thompson is the new Dean of Libraries here at CWU, making her prior position of interim Dean of Libraries official. Sydney Thompson got her BA and MA in  Psychology, but found her love of librarianship while working as a library student employee in New School in New York.

Why did you choose this position? 

I served as the Interim Dean of CWU Libraries for the past year, and before that I was associate dean. I have been challenged in these roles and have learned a lot from my colleagues in the libraries and the university. I was eager to continue building these relationships, especially at such an exciting time for CWU. I’m energized by our new vision, mission, and goals, and am excited to work with the team at the libraries to define how we will contribute to this work.  

What drew you to CWU? 

My nephew attends CWU, and I was lucky to visit Ellensburg with him the summer before his freshman year. Everyone we met was incredibly helpful and welcoming during our time on campus, and when I saw the Associate Dean of Libraries position posted I knew that I had to apply. I grew up in Washington state, attended both Kentwood High School on the westside and Central Valley High School in Spokane, started my undergraduate experience at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake, then transferred to the University of Alaska Anchorage before moving east to New York then North Carolina for graduate school and work at New York University Libraries and North Carolina State University Libraries, and I am now thrilled to be home in Washington and working at CWU.   

 
What is one autumn-y book that you would recommend to others? 

This is such a tough question! I’m not sure I have a specific title to recommend but encourage everyone to check out our rotating book displays throughout Brooks Library. We always have popular reading and new books available on the first floor, and rotating thematic displays throughout the building. Our October displays are: Hispanic Heritage, Dia de los Muertos, Spooky!, Outdoor Activities, and LGBTQ+ History. I encourage you to check out the displays in person and at our online research guide: https://libguides.lib.cwu.edu/display.