Becky Ryder

Background

About Becky Ryder

I always knew I wanted to be a librarian. I like solving puzzles, connecting the dots and organizing chaos. As a college student I worked in the Music Library at the University of Virginia. That was a great job for me because I love music, and at that time, I especially loved classical music. After graduation, I worked in UVa's main library as a Reference Assistant-an eye-opening experience. I learned deep-dish, dedicated reference skills. Wish I would have had them as an undergrad. I loved giving tours and doing instruction. Time passed, and I found myself working in UVa's Health Sciences Library in the Binding/Serials unit. Talk about detective work! Serials are fascinating, and binding brings all that serial squirelly-ness into proper order. Soon I was a Reference Assistant in Health Sciences and answering urgent "patient care" reference requests using those great dial-up MEDLINE and BRS systems. Next on to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech as the Binding/Preservation Supervisor. Then to Lexington, KY for Library School at UK. Another brief stint in UK's Medical Library, then 18 years as Head of Preservation Services at the UK Libraries. Job of my dreams. Now as Director of Keeneland, all of those experiences, all of the many conversations in committees, task forces, working groups and staff meeting and all of the projects parlay into the solid foundation upon which I build my administration of the Keeneland Library. Once again, I'm working in an environment that supports one of my passions-Thoroughbred horse racing. With renewed energy and great enthusiasm, I approach every day at this beautiful facility.