James Yergin

About James Yergin

I am passionate about empowering people through knowledge and technology, with a deep-rooted love for libraries and their vital role in our communities. My journey in the library world began with volunteer work in elementary and junior high school, leading me to a position at the Wayne County Public Library. There, I gained invaluable experience in various departments, including Technical Services, Film, Bookmobile, and Circulation, ultimately fostering a comprehensive understanding of library operations. My career advanced at Lee College (now Lee University), where I started as a Student Assistant to the Director, managing acquisitions and transitioning to a Junior Level Cataloger. My expertise grew as I took on the role of Senior Level Cataloger, specializing in both Dewey and Library of Congress cataloging systems. As the Technical Services Coordinator and then adding Serials to that position, I engaged in copy and original cataloging with OCLC, while also troubleshooting hardware, software, authority control, and MARC record issues. At The Sage Colleges, I explored my interest in media technology, working with video recording and campus media equipment to enhance educational resources, particularly for nursing students. Currently, I serve as an Adult Education Outreach Specialist at the Wayne County Public Library. In this role, I work at the Reference desk, assisting patrons with a wide range of technology—from smartphones to tablets and computers. I collaborate with community organizations to extend the library’s mission, ensuring that all members of our county have access to the resources they need. In addition to my professional pursuits, I am passionate about video editing and preserving the history of our county for future generations. I believe that by merging technology with community engagement, we can create a more informed and connected society.

Experience

1. Adult Education Outreach Specialist

   Wayne County Public Library

   Sep 2023 — Present · Wooster, OH, US

Education

• University of Tennessee, Knoxville

  Coursework (Acquisitions & Dewey Cataloging), (Master level) Library and Information Science

  1990 — 1990

• Lee University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Sociology, with an emphasis in Social Work

  1983 — 1990