Megan Thomas, 33
Interim Library Director & Reference and Assessment Librarian
Billings, Montana
February 10, 2017
By Blair Koch, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2269
Megan Thomas always kind of knew she鈥檇 be a librarian.
Her passion for knowledge, books and a belief in equality and freedom of access to information makes the library a sanctuary, and a place where her career is blossoming.
Thomas, 33, was named the 麻豆官网首页入口免费 interim library director in early September after the departure of Brent Roberts, who had served as director for six years but accepted a library dean position in Virginia. Thomas worked as the library鈥檚 administrative associate from 2008-2010 and then as its reference and assessment librarian.
She will serve as interim director for a few more months, until the University completes its national search for Roberts鈥� successor.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been such a great experience,鈥� Thomas said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been challenged, in a good way, and have learned a lot 鈥� like managing people. I hadn鈥檛 done that before.鈥�
In addition to flexing her skills, she said, 鈥淚鈥檝e learned a lot about myself and what I can do.鈥�
The library has a staff of eight people and a number of work study positions.
Even though Thomas isn鈥檛 throwing her hat into the ring for the permanent director鈥檚 job, she鈥檚 excited.
After graduating from Billings Senior High School in 2002 (as the class valedictorian), Thomas attended Montana State University Bozeman and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 2006.
Upon returning to Billings, Thomas began her career at MSUB. Her first role was as an administrative assistant with the Office for Community Involvement.
She began working at the library, as an administrative associate in 2008 and was promoted to reference and assessment librarian in 2010. That same year she graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master of Library Science.
She helps manage important projects at the library, like the lecture series and digital collections.
鈥淣o two days are alike,鈥� Thomas said of the library. 鈥淭he most challenging and rewarding is working at the reference desk. Anybody can ask you any question and you never know what to expect. It鈥檚 always fun to see what the students are researching.鈥�
In the future, Thomas said she may go for the library director role.