Tim Peters
Associate Dean of University Libraries
Central Michigan University
MiALA Public Library Representative
I just finished reading White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide, by Carol Anderson. In the CMU Libraries we have given ourselves goals to pursue DEI learning opportunities and this will be one of mine for the year. It’s an interesting book which put a number of historical events in American history into new perspective for me. I recommend it.
What are your research interests?
I find the study of leadership interesting and dip into this topic again and again. In 2017 I earned a Masters in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education (HALE) from Michigan State and I enjoyed it is because the coursework focused on big picture topics which will impact us all in the future, such as higher education history and trends and what the digital transformation of education means for its future. I find such topics very interesting.
Do you have hobbies or interests outside of the library?
My wife and I have done a lot of renovation work on our house and our yard and we’re always thinking about our next projects. I used to list cooking and baking as hobbies but I do both so regularly any more they’ve just become part of my daily routine. Must keep the family well-supplied with breads and soups, and (most importantly) desserts. Three plus years ago I took up bass guitar. It’s been a great learning experience and a lot of fun.
What drew you to the library profession?
I have many fond memories of going to the library in the small Wisconsin town where I grew up. When I got old enough I would either walk or bike downtown and spend a lot of time there; it was an old Carnegie building (complete with tall windows and creaking wooden floors) and I loved the atmosphere of the place. Vast college libraries were a revelation, though not as atmospheric. After my undergraduate days I was trying to figure out what to do with my life and decided I should probably be getting paid for all the time I spend in libraries.
What do you value about MiALA?
I especially appreciate the connection MiALA facilitates between Michigan’s academic libraries. Over the years it has been so helpful to me to be able to contact colleagues at other institutions to ask them how their library handles this or that. It’s a great way to get a different perspective and some very good ideas.