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Library Employee News, October 2026

Published October 14, 2026

2 Minute Read

Retirements

Cynthia Hughes

Cynthia Hughes retired in May after 12 years of dedicated service with UW Libraries. Cynthia served as Cataloging Librarian in the Collection Management department and was passionate about supporting rural and small libraries throughout the West. Her efforts describing our materials have made our library collections more discoverable and accessible to our campus and beyond. Particularly true of materials with a focus on Wyoming. Cynthia was a professional and kind colleague whom we appreciated for her sense of humor and team spirit.

Awards & Recognition

sHADOW aBBOTT

Shadow Abbott, library specialist for UW Libraries’ Digital and Distinctive Collections, received the 2026 UW Libraries Outstanding Staff Award in recognition of her contributions in 2025. Abbott has created more than 1,300 publicly accessible 3D models of fossils, archaeological materials, historical artifacts and other collections, helping expand access to UW’s unique collections.

Wyoming Library Leadership Institute Newbie Institute

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A group of motivated library professionals, including the UW Libraries team members, took part in the
Wyoming Library Leadership Institute (WLLI) Newbie Institute in Thermopolis, Wyoming, September 16-18, 2026.

Three members of the UW Libraries team completed the Wyoming Library Leadership Institute (WLLI) Newbie Institute in Thermopolis Sept. 16–18. The three-day program brought together emerging library leaders from across Wyoming for learning, conversation, connection and leadership development. UW Libraries participants included Sarah Rhodes, Emily Woolley, and Amanda Bugbee.

NEW HIRES & APPOINTMENTS

Jessica Rardin

Jessica was appointed Chair of Public Services in July. She serves as the Public Services Librarian. She coordinates services for in-person walk-up research help and develops programming and engagement initiatives to support undergraduate student success. As chair of Public Services, Jessica supports work in interlibrary loan, shelving, the mailroom, branches, and service points.

 

UW Libraries

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  • Laramie, WY 82071
  • Toll Free Phone Number: (800) 442-6757
  • Fax: (307) 766-2510
  • Phone: (307) 766-3190
  • Contact Us
Carnegie R1 University LogoUW Libraries logo

The University of Wyoming has earned its Research Level 1 (R1) status from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing Wyoming's only four-year university among the top research universities in the United States.

The University of Wyoming Libraries has been a Federal Depository Library since 1907. The collection comprises approximately 1.5 million print and microfiche items in Coe Library and Library Annex, as well as maps, aerial and infrared photographs, and geological publications housed in the Brinkerhoff Geology Library. The Federal Document Library Program is changing from physical to digital distribution of government information; UW Libraries provides access to online publications available from the Federal Depository Library Program through the library catalog.