Since 2005 Mary Schaff has been a positive instigator, relentless investigator, and outstanding professional as part of the Washington State Library Public Services group. A native of the Seattle area, Mary brings to her job a love of Pacific Northwest history and desire to get to the bottom of local mysteries, big or small. She says eradicating the words “I don’t know the answer to that” is part of her mission in providing reference service, which also has the side benefit of enhancing her own mental storehouse of factoids.

Mary was instrumental in spearheading the preservation and revival of the online index to the Olympian. This searching tool, now two decades old, was in danger of vanishing when the old platform was becoming obsolete as new technology marched on. Mary’s efforts were key in saving this unique and valuable finding aid.

https://blogs.sos.wa.gov/library/index.php/2012/04/the-new-and-improved-online-index-to-the-olympian-just-released/

Her fellow Public Services librarian Melisa Sevall adds this testimony: “Mary is one of the most thorough reference librarians I have ever met. (I actually think she IS the most…but that might sound overstated.) Many times, she checks a variety of sources and is very curious and inquisitive while she does research. One of the best things I like about Mary is that she’s never afraid to address new questions that might arise in the process of answering the original question. She has a real love for history and stories, as well as helping people find answers.”

Thanks, Mary. You make us look great.

Tags: Mary Schaff; Washington State Library

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