ALLUNY – Association of Law Libraries of Upstate New York

Corie Dugas
Title: Executive Director
Library: NELLCO Law Library Consortium
Location: Albany, NY
Website: www.nellco.org

1. How long did it take you to become a librarian? From the time I had my first paid position in a library, it took me sixteen years to become an official librarian. I started as a shelver in the public library and moved on to a position as a work-study student at my undergraduate library. I held library staff positions at three universities after I graduated and before I went back to school and got my MLIS. In my first full-time job at the University of Kansas I remember watching the librarians in my department and thinking: All they ever do is go to meetings. I enjoy doing the actual work. Many years later I had a conversation with longtime law library director Eileen Searls in which she delicately but forcefully encouraged me to go back to school. It took me three years while working full time and serving as a teaching assistant in the program to finish. Once I did moved into my first “librarian” position. And yes, I attend far more meetings now, but I still do actual work too.

2. What inspires you most? I read a charming story recently about people helping each other out, and it was mentioned that we all should “do good recklessly.” That phrase struck me. I am constantly inspired by people who are doing good for others in their personal and professional lives. I try to implement that motto in my daily life. When I am thinking about new ideas for work or communicating with colleagues, I attempt to think about how it is creating a positive experience or a helpful idea for others. In my personal life I attempt to be compassionate and helpful when I can.

3. Favorite thing about living in upstate New York? This is a toss-up between the gorgeous natural beauty and the summer weather! I was raised in rural Kansas and lived in St. Louis for many years before moving to Albany in the summer of 2017. There is a certain beauty in the Great Plains, but upstate New York has it all: mountains, lakes, forests. The first few times I went hiking or for a scenic drive, I couldn’t stop smiling at how beautiful it all was. The summers here are lovely as well. I had grown accustomed to dashing from one air conditioned building to the next during July and August for most of my life, and I have loved being able to comfortably be outside in the evenings all summer long upstate.

4. Favorite book series from childhood? The Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner. I grew up near several sets of train tracks in an era where children were allowed to run free. My brother, our friends, and I spent a lot of time climbing around on the train cars and imagining a thrilling life away from our (wonderful, I swear!) parents.

5. Last photo you took with your phone? Like most of the photos on my phone it is a slightly blurry picture of my cat, Fatty McButterpants. In this shot she is doing her best impression of a circle.