Librarian Named a “Mover and Shaker” by Library Journal
March 9, 2015 —
Tysha Shay, reference department manager of the Library Station, a branch of the Springfield-Greene County Library District, has been named a “2015 Mover and Shaker” in the library industry by the national publication Library Journal in its March 15, 2015 issue.
She was cited as one of 50 outstanding individuals whose efforts have expanded the services libraries provide and transformed libraries in the 21st century. Tysha was selected for helping create the library service, “Stories for Life,” which takes stories, reminiscing activities and memory games to people underserved by traditional library programs – older adults in long-term care facilities.
Tysha and several other staff members “deliver” the library to older adult residents in a monthly program designed to inspire, entertain and engage. Themed visits include activities that encourage discussion with pleasant reminiscing, while bringing the fun, educational benefits of the library to the facility.
Each month, staff share simple stories, provide interactive memory games, read poetry, furnish visual and tactile stimulation and present interesting historical or local information.
“LJ’s newest class of Movers & Shakers proves once again that the library arena is rich with innovation driven by mission-focus,” said Rebecca T. Miller, Group Editor, Library Journal and School Library Journal. “Those identified come from across the library universe and beyond, and they are each transforming how libraries connect with and enrich their communities. We congratulate them, and look forward to seeing their ongoing contributions multiply.”
Tysha earned a master’s degree in Library & Information Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2002. While earning her degree and after, she worked for Las Vegas Clark County Libraries from 1993 to 2004, starting as a page and later working as a circulation assistant, reference assistant and children's service assistant. She also did a brief stint as a correctional libraries adult services assistant at the Clark County Detention Center. She moved to Springfield in 2005 as a part-time professional librarian at the Library Center and worked there until she was named Reference Manager for the Library Station in May 2008.
Tysha also serves in a leadership role with the Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias Interest Group, of the Association of Specialized & Cooperative Library Agencies. Through that work, Tysha said she hopes to bring library services and programs to that target audience into the forefront and mainstream of librarianship.