Tulsa

 

With more than 80 books under her belt this year before August, you could say OSU-Tulsa Library operations assistant Vanessa Greco enjoys some occasional light reading.

“I’ve been aggressively suggesting for other staff to come in and read books too,” she joked.

 

It may not be surprising that a library staff member loves to read – after all, her love for libraries led her to this career. But it’s her love for the OSU-Tulsa Library, her diligence, her creativity and her friendliness that have earned her the OSU-Tulsa Orange Pride Award for Employee Excellence.

 

A LOVE OF LIBRARIES

 

When Greco started her undergraduate education at the University of Oklahoma, she studied theater. She was always comfortable in theater tech – keeping moving parts organized as a stage manager, for example – but in her classes, something wasn’t quite hitting the mark.

 

Once she got a part-time job at a library, everything clicked.

 

“I was like ‘Oh! This is where I’m meant to be,” she said.

 

After moving back home to Tulsa, she started looking for full-time positions at libraries, ultimately leading her to OSU-Tulsa.

 

Her current position at the library has proved to be a good fit, allowing her to flex her logistics and organizational skills while helping others bring their visions to life.

 

“I’m not necessarily a ‘big idea’ person,” Greco said. “I prefer to do the work, to make the ideas happen. I like to produce more, and just be happy with what I’m doing.”

 

TACKLING ANY CHALLENGE

 

As the operations assistant of the library, Greco works closely with the library’s director to keep the place running with a friendly, creative and personal approach by creating unique displays, signage and online content. She enjoys the variety of her job, being flexible to take care of what needs to be done.

 

“Vanessa’s strength is looking at any problem or challenge with a can-do attitude and providing a positive solution,” said Lynn Wallace, director of the OSU-Tulsa Library. “The library is a better place thanks to her committed investment in time and energy.”

 

In her four years working at OSU-Tulsa, Greco has earned her bachelor’s degree – an interdisciplinary studies degree from OSU-Tulsa – all while also working part time at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. She’s also one semester away from finishing grad school at OU, where she’s double majoring in both Library and Information Studies and Museum Studies. 

 

“Vanessa represents the library well while balancing her school commitment and working on her master’s degree,” Wallace said. “She excels at helping students and serving on departmental committees like the Staff Advisory Council. She’s helped hire, welcome and train new staff members. She has worked numerous customer service hours at circulation – even at night and on Saturdays.”

 

Greco’s hard work and attention in keeping the library running smoothly is not only important for her job, but also for her personally.

 

“Libraries are for everybody,” Greco said. “It’s a place where people come to do what they need to do – or do nothing, and just be safe.”

 

Her advice for students, staff and faculty is simple:

 

“Use your library,” she said. “We’re here for you. We’d love to see you.”

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To recommend an OSU-Tulsa staff member for the Orange Pride award, complete a nomination form. Orange Pride recipients are selected quarterly and receive a framed certificate and $100.