We are proud to highlight our members who commit their time and resources to helping Wisconsin libraries and librarians thrive through their work with the Wisconsin Library Association. Each month, we will be sharing their stories and hope you will be inspired to learn more about our programs or get involved!
Fill out the Lead with WLA form and be connected with other change agents, leaders, and committees that can use what you have to offer.
Carrie Doyle | February 2023
 For which library, institution, or organization are you currently employed? If you are retired, what was your former organization?
I work at the University of Wisconsin Law Library in Madison. I’ve been in my current position since 2011. I did a prior stint at the Law Library from 200-2006, as well.
How many year(s) have you been a member of Wisconsin Library Association?
Fourteen years. I joined WLA in 2009 while in library school. At that time, UW-Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies offered a class on Special Librarianship, and the instructor strongly encouraged students to join as many professional organizations as we could afford, especially since most organizations, like WLA/ALA, offered student membership at a significantly reduced rate.
What has been your favorite or most impactful function or event of WLA?
My favorite event was the WLAF Fundraiser at the 2015 WLA Conference in Middleton. If I remember correctly, the disco band VO5 played and I felt like a Dancing Queen twirling to ABBA under the disco ball lights. The most impactful event was probably the panel presentation I did with two other special librarians at the 2019 WLA Conference. I ended up getting pretty technical about messy holdings records and my talk was probably boring, but I did it and now I know I can.
How has being a member of WLA impacted you or your career?
I have met so many impressive, inspiring and fun people through WLA. Membership in WLA, and especially holding leadership positions within WLA, has afforded me the opportunity to learn from some of the brightest and kindest people in the profession.
Do you have a library role model (in Wisconsin or elsewhere) that has provided you with inspiration or guidance? Please share a little bit about it.
Anne Moser, Senior Special Librarian at the Wisconsin Water Library, is my role model. When I got the idea in 2009 to respond to her call for people interested in running for AWSL Vice-Chair, Anne was on the phone minutes after I sent the email and she has been encouraging my AWSL/WLA journey ever since. Anne is a terrific champion for libraries and librarians of all types and she has put a lot of time and energy into making AWSL be as good as it can be.
Do you have any advice for new WLA members?
Sit with people you don’t know at conferences. Plop down in a seat before a session or at a table during mealtime and introduce yourself (well, maybe you can ask if the seat is free first.) It’s a good way to meet new people. Maybe you’ll end up making a conference friend – someone to say hi to as you pass in the hallway. Maybe you’ll learn something interesting about a library you had never heard of before. It can be hard going to your first few conferences when it seems everyone knows everyone else. Having small interactions before sessions or before a luncheon can make the conference experience less lonely and more fun.
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