University Communications and Marketing

MSU Billings Alumna Darlene Hert selected to lead MSUB Library

Contacts:

MSUB Library, 657-2262

University Relations, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Montana State University Billings has announced Darlene Hert as its new Library director.

Hert, an MSU Billings alumna, has served as the technical and access services librarian/City College librarian at MSU Billings since 2008 and will transition later this month.

Hert has an extensive background at the Eastern Montana College/MSU Billings Library.

From 1995 to 2008, she worked at the MSUB Library as its acquisitions and access technician. Her background also includes serving as a micrographics technician for the Bureau of Reclamation and cataloging technician at the Eastern Montana College Library.

She graduated from MSU Billings with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1981 and earned a Master of Library Science from Texas Woman’s University in 2007.

Hert replaces Brent Roberts, who left the MSU Billings Library Position in August 2016.

She is excited to continue to serve the library in her new role, especially since she learned about, “serving in the trenches learning about libraries literally from the bottom up.”

“I started my career over three decades ago when library processes were all manual so I have seen a lot of changes over the years; especially where technology is concerned,” Hert said. “Technology is impacting how libraries operate so technical skills for staff are extremely important.”

Hert began her library career as a work-study student in the library while earning her B.S. After graduating from MSUB, she started a full-time job at the Library in technical processing, giving her a well-rounded knowledge of the library and how information displays to users. Over the years, she would work in various departments, making her realize how much she loved libraries and her passion for the career.

The Billings native said, “I am looking forward to collaborating with other libraries; especially the recently formed TRAILS consortium of 24 academic libraries working together in the state of Montana to bring expanded user access to resources and affordability of resources for all member libraries participating.”

College of Business Dean Barbara Wheeling and search co-chair states, “The search committee, including representatives from MSU Billings as well as community representatives, were diligent during the search process and I am confident Darlene will serve MSU Billings well in this role.”

Dr. Bob Hoar, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at MSU Billings, who oversees the Library said, “The Library is at the core of the academic mission of MSU Billings and we are excited to have Darlene leading the charge. Her education and experience prepared her for success in this role and her connections on campus and in the community will be of value as we increase our outreach efforts.”