Libraries are a fixture of college campuses. They are places to study, to gather with friends, to learn. But according to the newest Dean of the Dacus Library and Pettus Archives, libraries are more than physical spaces.
Kaetrena Davis Kendrick took over in July 2020, following the retirement of Mark Herring. Kendrick, who graduated from Winthrop in 1995, wants to create a “vision for a 21st century library.”
“A 21st century library revolves around the things people perceive of when they think about libraries. I also reimagine libraries as a place where people are gladly received. So my goal is to make sure people feel welcome in our space,” Kendrick said. “We are a place that you can come and have a sense of comfort.”
Kendrick began studying business at Winthrop College in 1991, but quickly changed course once she realized it was more than “addition and subtraction.” During her time here, Winthrop College became Winthrop University. She graduated from Winthrop University with her Bachelor of Arts in English in 1995.
Kendrick, who is from Richland County, knew she wanted to attend Winthrop because it was far enough away from home that she could be independent, but close enough that she could easily go back home if she needed to. She also liked the proximity to Charlotte, North Carolina and that she would be part of a smaller student body compared to other colleges.
“I didn’t want to be a number and I didn’t want to be in these huge rooms where they didn’t know who I am,” Kendrick said.
Kendrick was engaged in many areas of student life, including pledging Delta Sigma Theta and writing for The Johnsonian.
The Winthrop alumna-turned-dean also worked at Dacus for three years while she was at Winthrop. However, she did not start working in libraries as an actual librarian until 2004, after earning her Master of Science in Library Services from Clark Atlanta University.
“I started working in libraries as a librarian at that point, but I had always been working in libraries. When I decided to do what I really liked, that’s what I decided to do, to get this master’s. I started in public libraries but I always knew I wanted to be in academic libraries,” Kendrick said.
Libraries are more than just buildings, Kendrick said. She wants students to see that even if the library is not physically accessible, the services offered are still of great value.
“[Libraries] are concepts and a lot of the things we will be doing are not necessarily tied to the library as a building to let people know that the work we do is outside of the building,” she said. “The things that libraries, workers and employees do, are not necessarily tied to a building. That’s why you’re able to get the services that you have during this time.”
“Part of my vision is to help people understand that libraries are accessible and open even if the doors on the building are locked,” she said.
Kendrick encourages students to reach out to her and the library staff to voice their needs. She said the library is just as important as any other student organization on campus.
“I really want to hear from students because the library is your space. The archive is your space. I perceive these spaces as just as important as deciding what sorority you’re going to join, if you’re going to play intramural games, if you’re going to join the Ebonites this semester, if you’re going to write for The Johnsonian, if you’re considering what student activities and what campus activities you want to engage in,” she said.
“The library, people who work in the library, we’re just managing the space for you. You tell me what you want in the library. I’m really here to advocate for the students, faculty and staff,” Kendrick said. “Please tell me what you want so we can advocate for you to get it…I need your help to make the space what you want it to be.”
Photo courtesy Winthrop University
