Jane DeWitt
Library Assistant I
Fogler Library
Jane has always been an extremely dedicated Library employee for whom University students, faculty, and staff always come first. In acquisitions, she is responsible for receiving and processing new books, including myriad details relating to record management, invoicing, and cataloging. Her goal is always to get the books out on the shelves as quickly as possible so people can check them out----as well as making sure the online catalog records are correctly entered. She has managed to excel over the years despite the trials and tribulations brought on by new programs and procedures, like electronic ordering, the Millennium library catalog system interface, and automated cataloging and invoicing records from library vendors and OCLC. Jane also impresses her co-workers by walking more than a mile to and from work every day without fail, regardless of the weather. And usually with a heavy backpack, filled with several library books so she can keep up on a variety of intellectual pursuits!
Beyond work, Jane is involved in many things. She has formed genuine friendships with her colleagues and always knows exactly what to ask for an update, be it one’s children, social life, hobbies, or health. She is known as the “keeper of birthdays” in her department, ensuring everyone gets a card and special coffee break on their day. She has a great love for all animals, and holds dear the memory of Taffy, her golden retriever. She will always ask you about your own pets and probably knows their names by heart. Jane continues to work hard preserving the legacy of her father, Antarctic explorer and scientist Paul Siple, who may be best known for developing the concept of the wind-chill factor. In recent years she has traveled annually to the Byrd Polar Research Center in Ohio, the Smithsonian, and other institutions to meet with historians and donate artifacts and important papers. Jane also continues work at the University of Maine with researchers on campus, organizing the fish collections and data left by her late husband, Dr. Hugh DeWitt, Professor of Oceanography and Zoology. And for many years Jane has been seen courtside keeping statistics for the Black Bear men’s and women’s basketball games.
Fogler Library and the University of Maine thank you, Jane, for your continuing service and your 27 years of outstanding commitment to the University community. Best wishes in your retirement.