The Civil Service Council will feature a Civil Service employee at Illinois State University each month to highlight an exceptional colleague and the outstanding work being done on campus. This month, learn about and applaud Milner Library Head of Access Services, Jeffrey Ridinger.
What is your position on campus and how long have you been with the University?
I am the head of the Access Service Department, Milner Library, and have worked in the department since I started at the library in 2005. Access Services coordinates the Circulation Desk, Course Reserves, Interlibrary Loan, and Shelving.
What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I enjoy the direct service I am able to provide both students and instructors, helping them access library materials as conveniently as possible. I also appreciate my Access Services colleagues, who make the day-to-day just a little easier, and a lot more enjoyable.
What are your hobbies or favorite pastimes?
Although it might be a cliché for a librarian, I am an avid reader, and a collector of books, music, and Degenhart Owls. I also enjoy going to see live music as often as possible. More recently, I have started channeling my non-existent Polish ancestors by spending time making different variations of Nalewki, which are spice/herb/fruit/nut infused liquors.
What else would you like others to know about you or your time at ISU?
I was able to get a second master’s degree, in English from ISU early in my career, taking advantage of the world-class children’s literature faculty (and others) that were available, and my youngest daughter is currently on her way to a degree in history.
More about Ridinger from Rachel Scott, associate dean:
Jeff Ridinger leads the team that welcomes university students, employees, and visitors to Milner Library and makes physical materials available to them. His technical knowledge of library systems and support for access to teaching and learning materials is consistently excellent. His curiosity and commitment drive him to go above and beyond the requirements of his position to identify and test new practices and solutions. Ridinger has developed innovative services to support university students and personnel, including curbside checkouts and on-demand digitization of course materials.
He is currently working to merge service points within the library and brings to the task a strong commitment to university students and personnel, a deep knowledge of the work of his team, rich expertise with library systems, experience serving diverse users, and a desire to continually improve Milner Library and make it welcoming to all.
Ridinger has represented Milner Library on university committees including the Learning Management System (LMS) Selection Taskforce and Canvas Advisory Group. He participates in new faculty orientation and advances university initiatives on textbook affordability. As Milner Library’s liaison to the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries of Illinois (CARLI), Ridinger facilitates the ongoing professional development of library workers throughout Illinois.
