Published: February 17, 2025

Elizabeth Ruane is the former library director at Marlboro College in Vermont, which closed in June 2020. Elizabeth co-edited the book Closing a College Library, which explores the challenges and emotional impact of library closures, and offers practical advice for navigating these difficult times.

Essraa Nawar: Welcome Elizabeth. How did you get involved in this book?
Elizabeth Ruane: The idea came from our own closure at Marlboro College. After learning about the closure, we couldn’t find much information on the subject, so we decided to share our experience and create a resource for others in similar situations. Our goal was to provide actionable plans and emotional support for those affected.

Maurice Coleman: What’s the most important lesson you learned from this process?
Elizabeth Ruane: One key lesson is the importance of being human in the workplace. As we went through the closure, we focused on maintaining open communication, offering support to one another, and allowing space for grief. It taught me to be more empathetic and to create an environment where others feel safe sharing their emotions.

Paul Signorelli: What was the community impact when Marlboro College’s library closed?
Elizabeth Ruane: The closure was tough for the community, especially since we served as the town’s library. Many people, including faculty and residents, relied on us for access to resources like the internet and printing. While some felt the loss deeply, the town rallied by starting their own community library, and we helped them get started with collections and systems.

Essraa Nawar: What advice would you give library students and professionals regarding emergency situations?
Elizabeth Ruane: I’d recommend developing strong project management skills, including agile and recursive methods. Start by breaking down big tasks into manageable steps and be ready to adapt when plans change. Also, emergency planning is critical—every library should have crisis management plans in place, whether for fires, floods, or even closures.

Essraa Nawar: How do you suggest building trust during times of crisis?
Elizabeth Ruane: Trust is built through consistent, open communication and by being present with your team. We had regular meetings to share concerns and help each other out. It’s also crucial to be human—don’t just focus on work, but check in on how your colleagues are feeling. This helps strengthen relationships and support systems.

Maurice Coleman: What’s one thing that could help prevent future library closures?
Elizabeth Ruane: I think it’s vital to highlight the value of libraries and ensure they remain central to their institutions. If you notice funding cuts or personnel reductions, it’s time to address these issues proactively. Libraries should always be seen as integral parts of their communities.

Essraa Nawaar: How do you maintain personal well-being in stressful times?
Elizabeth Ruane: I find that long walks in nature, especially with my kids, help me recharge. Getting outside and finding time for quiet reflection is crucial. Also, getting enough sleep is vital—it can be easy to neglect, but it makes a huge difference in maintaining balance and perspective.

Maurice Coleman: What advice do you have for dealing with emotional reactions during such challenging transitions?
Elizabeth Ruane: Allow yourself and your team to express their emotions. Sometimes, starting a meeting with a venting session can be cathartic. Afterward, it’s easier to focus on the tasks at hand. Personally, I relied on quiet walks and moments of solitude to process my emotions.

Paul Signorelli: What is one final piece of advice for those in libraries facing closures?
Elizabeth Ruane: Start by inventorying everything immediately. It will take longer than expected, and it will help you manage the collection, transfer assets, and prepare for whatever comes next. Planning early and systematically is crucial to navigating a closure with control.