Thomas Finley ‘08, M.S. Library Science Frisco Public Library, Adult Services Manager The Frisco community is abuzz with excitement as the Frisco Public Library unveils its newly redesigned space, offering a host of innovative features and a strong emphasis on user experience. Spearheading this transformation is Thomas Finley, an experienced librarian with a deep commitment to community engagement. Thomas Finley’s library career began at the Dallas Public Library, where he worked in adult services before transitioning to youth services and eventually becoming the Branch Manager. He attributes his success to the MS Library Science program at the University of North Texas (UNT), which provided him with a solid foundation to serve the community’s current and future needs. What Thomas enjoys most about his job is the opportunity to interact with community members and understand how to best meet their needs. As we explored the new and beautifully functional space, it was evident that Thomas takes great pride in the accomplishments of the library. To ensure excellence, he and his team embarked on a nationwide tour, studying best practices from libraries across the country to incorporate into the redesign. The focal point of the new space is “Rexy,” a community-selected name for a replica of a female Tyrannosaurus Rex. Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Thomas recalls the excitement surrounding the 2008 merger of the Department of Learning Technologies with the Department of Information Science. This union marked a milestone for the future of library science. According to Thomas, having access to information and organizational skills alone is not enough. The merger opened the door to cross-disciplinary coursework, connecting library science with technology and learning theory. This integration is vital for creating exceptional user experiences, particularly in public libraries. During the tour, Thomas showcased an advanced conveyor belt system that uses technology to efficiently manage and sort returned books. This system has significantly reduced wait times, greatly benefiting library users. Additionally, he highlighted the library’s study and work rooms, a maker’s space where patrons were engaged in 3D printing Pokémon, and a captivating children’s story time area. The library’s design clearly demonstrates careful consideration of optimizing space usage for all community members. Thomas’ decision to pursue UNT’s library science program was influenced by a friend already enrolled in the program. Intrigued by the coursework, research opportunities, esteemed professors, and hands-on practicum experiences, Finley, who has a personal interest in rare book collections, discovered that his passions align with the profession of a librarian. For aspiring librarians, Thomas offers valuable advice. He advises patience while exploring different specializations and available positions in the field. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a passionate drive rooted in their initial inspiration. For Thomas, his background in music and rare book collections fuels his dedication to providing information, entertainment, and essential services to the Frisco community. With Thomas Finley’s visionary leadership and the unveiling of the Frisco Public Library’s state-of-the-art space, the community can anticipate a modern and inclusive hub that caters to their diverse needs.
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