A “Jill of All Trades” describes Diane Hutchins. But, not only is she capable, she’s willing to help wherever needed!

Need help hosting and producing First Tuesdays, or any other webinar? Ask Diane. How about helping out with the Institute of Museum and Library Services outcome-based assessment Measuring Success project? “Sure,” and just like that Diane became the State Library’s representative.

Trustee Manual needs updating?  Diane is currently in the process of revising the document, adding web links, and making it available in a wiki format. Other states have already expressed interest in the State Library’s wiki version (there was a leak) and it has not even had a soft rollout! Diane has showcased her editorial skills through grant reviews, planning documents, grant proposals, contracts, and serving as the editor to WSL’s weekly WSL Updates. “We are grateful for her analytical and research skills,” notes Program Manager Jeff Martin.

Diane joined the Washington State Library in 1999. Caught in the “Great Layoff of 2010” when Diane’s program, Preservation and Access Services, was eliminated, Diane accepted a position in the Library Development program.

Managing an early learning project, Connecting the Dots, became her primary role. With no expertise in the subject area, but thanks to Diane’s ability as an incredibly dedicated and fast learner, she picked up on the complexities of early learning in Washington State and the role of libraries in supporting early learning. Her colleague Martha Shinners states, “Diane’s ability to process and gather information, make connections, and put it all together in a manageable format has allowed the Washington State Library to develop a proposal for Race to the Top funding from the Department of Early Learning. Without Diane’s help, the proposal wouldn’t have happened.”

Oh, by the way, Diane continues to support libraries around Washington State with preservation advice and still occasionally presents The Conservation Kitchen which speaks to basic tools for preservation of library materials.

Acting State Librarian, Rand Simmons, notes, “Diane is a joy to work with – agreeable, unflappable, and so competent that we don’t know what we would do without her.” We are fortunate indeed to have Diane as part of our Library Development program.