Library Staff Profile: Leisa Walter
Posted: January 22, 2025
The library is beginning a new series for you to get to know our staff across all three campuses. For the month of January, we are starting with our longest-serving staff member, Leisa Walter, who works on the Kirksville campus. She has been with the library for over 38 years!
Position title: Library Assistant
What made you want to work in libraries?
To be honest, I needed a job. I saw this listed and decided to apply. I wanted something other than fast food or factory work. I knew nothing about working in a library.
What do you like most about your job and about working for ATSU?
I knew nothing about working in a library, I have learned so much. I started out doing stacks maintenance, getting/sorting the mail and typing the catalog cards. I then moved on to the media center part of the library. Now I do interlibrary loan and acquisitions. I really enjoy doing ILL, I have learned about different databases, programs, etc. You sometimes really have to search for a title and I enjoy the challenge.
What is a fun job you had before ATSU?
I worked in the hospital in the central supply department. I enjoyed working there, you re-stocked the supply carts for the hospital floors each morning and ran stuff to them if something was needed quickly. We also did the auto-claving of the surgical instruments that were being used in surgery for that day.
What is a fun/unique/exciting tidbit to know about you, or how do you spend your free time?
I love baseball (Cardinals) and softball. I often took my granddaughter to softball tournaments in several different states. I have 6 grandchildren ranging from 23 years old to 19 months old. I spend lots of time with my family and I love to read.