Editorial Revision 9/22- The original article wrongly stated that Kim Ranger was employed by the University for over 20 years, instead of over 30 years.
Grand Valley State University librarian Kim Ranger announced their retirement after over 30 years of service at the University’s libraries. Ranger is expected to finish their employment at the end of the Fall 2024 semester.
Ranger initially started at GVSU on Jan. 2, 1990 as a visiting librarian, and in April of that same year, accepted a tenure track position. Originally working as a government documents and liaison librarian, Ranger worked with many departments over the years. Currently, Ranger focuses on journalism, broadcast news, theater and Spanish documents.
“My favorite thing about being a librarian is the variety of tasks we do, helping with curriculum, getting library resources to support classes (and) teaching students to do library research,” Ranger said. “I learn something new every day.”
One of Ranger’s favorite memories from their employment is when they took sabbatical to Australia in 1999 to learn about information literacy. Upon returning from the trip, Ranger became the information literacy coordinator at GVSU for a few years before transitioning to a general liaison librarian again.
In 2017, Ranger spent another sabbatical in Australia writing a book, titled, “Informed Learning Applications: Insights From Research and Practice.” Ranger said they continued their love of travel by attending several professional conferences in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. Ranger said they hope to continue traveling as much as they can.
GVSU’s libraries offer quiet and comfortable spaces for students and staff to relax and get homework done. The first library on GVSU’s Allendale Campus was in Zumberge Hall, and held space for 5,000 students. The old library building has now been converted into administrative offices by the University. Built in June 2013 and holding space for nearly 25,000 students, the main library on the Allendale campus now is the Mary Idema Pew Library.
GVSU currently has four libraries, including the Mary Idema Pew Library, Pew Campus’ Steelcase Library, the Frederik Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors also located on the Pew campus and the Seidman House, which holds the GVSU’s Special Collections and University Archives.
The Mary Idema Pew Library features multiple outdoor areas on its third and fourth floors. Ranger highlighted that these areas, along with other natural spaces on campus, like the arboretum and Ravine Nature Trails, have been huge pluses of working with the University.
Ranger said their professional relationships that have developed over the years at GVSU have been incredibly impactful to them.
“Every interaction can benefit from kindness, respect and willingness to be open to learning from other people,” said Ranger.
Ranger said that after retirement, they plan to read for pleasure, take art classes, play viola and classical guitar and take hikes in the nature preserves around the Kalamazoo area.
Ranger’s colleagues have begun the process of filling the position Ranger will leave behind in December, and expect a new liaison librarian to start in January 2025.
