I began my career at the University of Regina Library in 1985 when I was appointed Fine Arts and Humanities Librarian. Along with liaison, collection development, and teaching duties, I was responsible for the overall management of the Fine Arts Branch Library that was, at that time, located at the College Avenue Campus. Fortunately, for a brand-new librarian, I had a well-seasoned and amazing library assistant who was the true manager and who took care of the actual day to day running of the branch.
Following my initial appointment, I moved on to hold several other positions: French and French Education Librarian, Collections Librarian, Head of Collections Services, Communications Librarian, cataloguer, and Head of Access Services. In 2011, I was appointed Associate University Librarian, Academic Liaison and User Services and served in this role until December 2022. I also served a 1-year term as interim University Librarian from July 2015 to July 2016.
I have had the opportunity to participate in various university-wide committees over the years. This has given me a great understanding of the campus and the role the Library can play. Additionally, I have been involved in professional association work both provincially and nationally throughout my career, often taking on executive roles. Through this involvement, I was able to meet and be inspired by many interesting people. I was often comforted by the knowledge that we at the U of R were never far behind, and in fact, we were often ahead of the curve in many ways, as our size allowed us to try new things without getting bogged down in bureaucratic red tape.
This year, 2023, brought a huge honour with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal Award for my work on the Saskatchewan Library Association’s “One Book One Province” initiative. Previously, in 2018, I received the Frances Morrison Award outstanding service to Saskatchewan libraries, but in all fairness I believe that honour should be shared with all the people with whom I have been privileged to work alongside.
38 years have passed since 1985 and I am still here, though currently on Administrative Leave from my position as Associate Dean. I may not have traveled far over those years, but I didn’t need to. The Dr. John Archer Library and Archives has allowed me to grow professionally and personally, constantly providing me with opportunities to try new things and take on new roles. I am proud of what library has accomplished - we have become a campus leader in areas such as Open Access, copyright, and data management. Many feared that the arrival of new technologies and the internet would render libraries obsolete, but fortunately this has not come to pass. The Archer Library remains a vital hub and a true “heart of the campus.”
“Colleen was a treat to work with! What I appreciated about her the most was her true collaborative nature. The Consortium of Academic and Special Libraries of Saskatchewan (CASLS) was newly formed with new players at the table. Colleen made sure everyone had an equal voice and that one institution was not dictating a direction for the group. She followed Bill Sgrazzutti as the University of Regina representative on CASLS and the transition for the consortium was seamless. She was well-informed and freely shared her knowledge.”
- Susan Baer, Saskatchewan Health Authority
“Colleen’s leadership over many years has been integral to the Library’s reputation as an essential support for teaching, learning, and research at the University of Regina.”
- Cara Bradley, Archer Library
“It is an honour to have the opportunity to express my gratitude and appreciation for Colleen Murphy’s contributions to the library community in Saskatchewan. In addition to her work at the Dr. John Archer Library, Colleen volunteered for the Saskatchewan Library Association and helped steward the Association’s One Book, One Province program. She also helped guide the Consortium of Academic and Special Libraries of Saskatchewan during her time as Acting University Librarian. Colleen’s commitment to libraries, expertise, and good humour have brought vitality and positive outcomes for our library community. Many thanks to Colleen!”
- Melissa Bennett, Legislative Library
“I deeply appreciate the opportunity to work closely with Colleen. She was always supportive and encouraging whenever new ideas or initiatives came forward. She prioritized the student experience and had a clear vision for the library’s place in the educational mission of the University. Most importantly, Colleen cared for those she worked with and not only valued everyone’s unique contribution but was flexible in accommodating our unique circumstances.”
- Brad Doerksen, Archer Library
“Colleen’s guidance, candor, and personable nature have been truly appreciated throughout her time as Associate Dean - Teaching, Learning and Research. I will especially miss her sense of humour and the random conversations we’d have about so many different things. I wish her the best in this next chapter!”
- Dean Mulhall, Archer Library