By Karen Kunz, Interim Director Oregon Tech Libraries
Jan Abeita, Library Access Services Manager, came to the Oregon Tech Libraries in Klamath Falls in 2005, having worked in other university libraries in both Oregon and New Mexico since 1997. He brought to Oregon Tech an array of Library skills having done everything from complex copy cataloging to library instruction. As a part of the Oregon Tech Libraries team, Jan has used his understanding of how libraries work, his communication skills, and his ability to get things done to streamline Access Services processes and integrate his unit more closely with the rest of the library.
Jan was a great asset in assisting to mastermind the shifting of several tons of material necessary in order to install a new carpet throughout the Library in 2007. This effort also inspired a significant change in the layout of both the main floor of the Library and the Access Services work area, both of which were implemented by Jan and both of which improved overall access to Library services and resources. This was the same year that Jan spearheaded an inventory of the entire library collection – something that hadn’t been done in decades. This project, which required the handling of nearly 150,000 books and journals, was finally completed in 2012. Other Library projects spearheaded by Jan include the development and completion of a large USGS topographical map collection (2010), and a special fantasy and science-fiction collection (2012).
Jan makes a special effort to serve the student, staff and faculty of the Oregon Tech community, and to work closely with his colleagues in the Library. Currently, as part of his regular duties, Jan supervises a student crew of 8-10 students responsible for inter-library loans processing and Summit borrowing, circulation, faculty reserves and shelf maintenance.
Jan is the only non-classified administrative staff serving in the Library. He is currently serving on the OIT Administrative Compensation Committee (since 2008), and the OIT Sustainability Committee (since 2009). Jan has also represented non-classified administrative staff across campus as a senator on the Faculty Senate since 2011.