Starting a new chapter

Andrew Sherman is excited to turn the page and start a new chapter at the Sidney Public Library as the library director.

Originally from Omaha, Neb., Sherman began his adventure at the Sidney Public Library on April 13.

"I was born and raised in Grand Island and went to Hastings College," Sherman said. "I was actually a computer science major and had a long I.T. career."

Sherman said that after years spent doing banking I.T. he started to get burned out with that.

"I wanted to pursue something new, so they say what are the two things you're passionate about?" Sherman said. "I'm a home brewer, so beer is big on my list and I've always been a big reader and book person, so when I left the corporation and banking world I was doing I.T. for Budweiser distributor in Omaha for six years."

When Sherman crossed the occupation with beer off of his list, he decided that he would try to find an opportunity working with books.

"This is my first director's position," Sherman said. "In Omaha, I was the I.T. coordinator for the Papillion Public Library before making the move to Sidney."

Sherman said that he enjoyed being in the library community so much that he decided to start pursuing a master's in library science with the ultimate goal of becoming a library director.

According to Sherman, being able to help people further their education and assist them with technology while working in the library system has been personally rewarding.

"Before, when I was in the banking industry doing credit card processing, there was not a lot of personal satisfaction in that," Sherman said. "At Sump Memorial Library I assisted a lot of people during the economic downfall who were coming into the library for the first time. Some of these people didn't have computer skills and they needed help getting a job. Being able to help the staff and the public take advantage of the technology that we offer is something that I find very rewarding."

"It brings a lot of satisfaction, especially when someone who you helped out comes back in to tell you that they got the job," he said. "That feeling is just absolutely amazing."

As for plans for the library in Sidney, he says he is still unsure of what changes will be made.

"I just started (April 13), so right now I'm just keeping my ears open and listening and taking everything in to see what needs to be addressed," Sherman said. "I am working on a list of questions and to-dos that I will be going over with the staff and the board so we can discuss the prioritization and costs of what needs to be taken care of. One of the things that they were excited about was the fact that I have an I.T. background, so we can review the technology in this library and see where we need to go from here."

"I'm really looking forward to making an impact and making sure the library is progressive in meeting the needs of the community," Sherman said. "Hopefully through that we will be able to keep the community at pace with all of the technology changes in society that speeds up on a daily basis."

When Sherman isn't spending time at the library he enjoys beer, books and bicycles.

"I'm kind of the "B" guy when it comes to hobbies and employment," Sherman joked. "I enjoy riding my bike, I rode 11 miles to work in Omaha, but in Sidney I might get in a mile if I'm lucky."

Sherman said he is excited to be in western Nebraska and in a small town.

"My wife is actually from Scottsbluff, so everything fell into place perfectly when I got the position here," Sherman said. "I like Sidney, we are excited to be back in a small town."