Name: Patrick Roth
Title: Head of Systems and Technology
Email: rothpa@gvsu.edu
Organization: Grand Valley State University
Website: www.gvsu.edu/library

Born and Lived: I was born in Toledo, OH and grew up in two small Ohio towns (Swanton and Liberty Center). I moved to Allendale, MI to attend Grand Valley State University in 1999.  I loved GVSU so much I never left.

Professional Career and Activities: I’ve worked at the GVSU Libraries since 1999. I started working at the circulation desk, and then I moved to course reserves, and finally moved into our systems and technology department. I received my MLIS from Wayne State University in 2012 and have been managing the Systems and Technology team since then.

Family: I’ve been married to my wonderful wife for 9 years.  We have a 7 year old daughter (Grace) who already thinks she knows more than me, a 3 year old daughter (Ella) who has more attitude than a 13 year old and still manages to be a sweetheart, and a 1 year old son (Elijah) who is absolutely crazy.

In My Spare Time: I enjoy playing with my kids and rooting for the Chicago Bears.  I’ve also learned to tolerate running (notice I didn’t say enjoy) and completed my first 5K last July.

Favorite Books: The Stand (Stephen King), Hatchet (Gary Paulsen), The Lord of the Rings (JRR Tolkien), Two for Survival (Arthur Roth), and Smelly Bill (Daniel Postgate)

Pet Peeves: People who double click on everything and slow drivers.

Philosophy: I don’t know if this is a philosophy, but I just treat everyone and every request/question with respect.  If someone is asking a question it’s because they don’t know not because they are trying to be a pest. I see each question as an opportunity to teach someone something.  I know I ask a lot of questions and I’ve been lucky enough to have people take time out to teach me new things.

Most Memorable Career Achievement: Being part of the great staff that won the 2012 ACRL Excellence in Academic Libraries Award was awesome. It’s an excellent reminder that I work with amazing people at an amazing and supportive University.

Goal I Hope to Achieve Five Years from Now: My personal goal is to bring MC Hammer pants back in style within the next 5 years. Professionally I hope that my team continues to seek ways to introduce new technologies to our students, that we keep GVSU pushing the boundaries of what’s expected from libraries, and that we keep having fun doing our jobs.

How/Where Do I See the Industry in Five Years: As budgets continue to shrink collaboration in all areas of libraries will be more important than ever.  Sharing resources and expertise between libraries will allow us to be cost effective and continue to accomplish more with less money.