Information & Technology Services

Debra Morrow

Preservation & Bibliographic Specialist

What does a mechanic have in common with a library preservation and bibliographic specialist? A lot more than you might think. It takes a while to explain, so read on for the answer...

Here's your first hint: Thirteen years ago, Debra Morrow applied for and got a job in Mortvedt Library as a bindery specialist because she knew libraries, was mechanically-minded, and could trouble-shoot equipment problems. She acquired the core of this set of skills from her father, who had an auto repair service. Unlike her brother, who didn't like to get dirty, Debi laid into the work, got dirty, and learned a lot in doing so. She even took a high school course in transmission repair.

To this day Debi has an ability to see problems, lay into them, and end up solving them. She worked a few years in the library at McChord air base, long enough to become their chief trouble-shooter for the automated library system, before bringing these abilities to PLU in 1990. Since her arrival Debi has rebuilt, extensively repaired, or begrudgingly replaced every piece of equipment in the bindery.

Even her marriage to Bob began over something mechanical -- a 1971 Chevelle 454, which Debi was the first female to drive. Whatever may have been the chemistry of that first encounter, it seems to have worked. Debi and Bob have been married for 29 years and have two grown children, Troy and Trisha. Together Debi and Bob maintain an acre of vegetable and flower gardens, fruit trees, a house, and an RV "garden" in Spanaway by Bethel.

"Enjoy what you do and understand what you enjoy doing," is Debi's advice on finding productive and satisfying work.

So what do a mechanic and a preservation & bibliographic specialist have in common? A nice combination of manual and mental challenges, the need to figure out problems, a measure of independence, precision, and variety in both special projects and routine tasks. Cooperative spirit, commitment to service, cheerfulness, and eagerness to help don't hurt either. Especially at PLU.