The University Libraries faculty and staff are honored to have worked with Yolande Wersching, head of Lewis Library located at the Water Tower Campus. Wersching arrived at Loyola as a reserves and reference librarian in 1971. After serving in a variety of roles in technical services, cataloging, interlibrary loan, bibliographical projects, and interdepartmental liaison work, she went on to complete her doctoral degree in 1985, focusing on comparative and international education at Loyola. After 50+ years of service this autumn 2024, Wersching announced her retirement. We wish her all the best in her new endeavors and want to celebrate her words of wisdom by featuring this recent Q&A, which was published in our 2022 Impact Report.
Why Loyola?
I arrived in Chicago to study at Loyola and needed a part-time job. The dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Richard Matre, called the head of Lewis Library, Christine Saletta, and asked her to hire me. That’s
how I ended up in the library.
In what ways have you tried to fulfill Loyola’s mission and what do you love about your job?
I have always tried to help people, whether it be for research or other needs. And I love the people I work
with as well as former colleagues who left for other opportunities. The students who work at Lewis
are so dedicated. Many have gone on to library careers. The university has changed so much over the last 50 years.
What stands out to you?
I have always been at the Water Tower Campus, so the changes I have seen are in the new buildings. Did you know Lewis Library was originally part of Lewis Towers? When the Corboy Law Center was built in the early 90s, the library moved into floors 6–11. The student residence, Baumhart Hall, completed in 2005, and more recently, the Schreiber Center for the Quinlan School of Business, completed in 2015, have also been great additions to this campus.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Loyola?
I have many favorite memories, but one is attending Mass at the start of the school year. It used take place at Holy Name Cathedral with students carrying banners from the organizations they belonged
to. There were always many Jesuits presiding, and we would have a lovely lunch afterwards in Marquette Center, which is now the site of The Clare.
What is an important lesson you’ve learned in your time here?
Kindness matters.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not working?
I love to read and watch old TV shows such as Perry Mason and McHale’s Navy.
Is there advice you give new colleagues or anyone looking to get into the world of libraries?
Go for it! Working in a library is a great career—and has been great for me.
