Elizabeth Jayne Urling
Retirement Mugging
December 15, 2010
Office of Commonwealth Libraries
Bureau of Library Development
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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It is my honor and delight to recognize the wonderful Elizabeth Jayne Urling on her retirement from the Bureau of Library Development, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
I will begin with the customary look back to when BJ began her library career—which was as a teenager in 1958 at the NorthwoodHigh School in Silver Spring, Maryland. Her first professional position was in 1965 in Acquisitions at the University of Pittsburgh Library, then Monroeville Public Library and onto the head librarian position asPennState’s McKeesport Campus Library in 1966.
After taking some time off in 1970, BJ returned to work this time as CirculationLibrarian at the McCormickLibrary at HACC and eventually working with SpecialProjects. Actually, she didn't take all that much time off as during those five years she volunteered at HACC.
She went on to serve as Vice President at Martin Urling Company; Librarian at Cumberland County Historical Society, and the Hamilton Library Association; Substitute Librarian and Teacher for ten school districts including Central Dauphin High School, Carlisle Senior High School and Department head at Bishop McDevitt High School.
That collective body of work directed her attention to the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and our attention to her. BJ began working for the Bureau of Library Development in February of 1994 as a Library Development Advisor. She distinguishedherself as competent, attentive, thorough and as having superior mentoring abilities. That skill set resulted in her advancement to a Library Development Supervisor in April of 2004.
BJ had many accomplishments of significance. Her work with institution librarianswas groundbreaking, Not only did she succeed in bringing InstitutionLibrarians together—which in and of itself was an accomplishment—she designed targeted experiences for them which along with her naturalmentoring an leadership resulted in elevating their rank within their institutions.
What I so enjoy from a professional and person perspective are BJ’s reports. I know government has become so dreadfully factual and nearly sterile in its reporting, which made BJ’s reports a welcome relief. Her reports on library visits read like a travel log. IO It was actually better than being there in person because ABJ noticed and recorded more detail than I dare say anyone else would have noticed—like the placement of furniture or color of the walls which was well suited for the lighting of the room, years from now when those reports are read, that generation of advisors will enjoy her fine color commentary as much as her astute program reporting.
Her professional assessment, judgment and wisdom were always reflected in reports as BJ has an innate ability to capture the essential along with the surrounding influences of a situation.
But in the end, BJ is about the person, whether it be the patron experience or the struggle or potential of the librarian, BJ recognizes the person as the center of every of her undertakings.
BJ is poised, influential,always prepared, respectful, insightful, enthusiastic and yes even charming. She also is gifted with a superior intellect and an inexhaustible curiosity which is infectious.
BJ brought to this office a personal dignity, an extraordinary work ethic and someone you could go to with a funny story at which she would always laugh or to share a confidence you know she would hold tight. And what would be we at Christmas without those yummy mixed nuts?
BJ honed her skills along the way to become the extraordinary employee, co-worker and the person she is today. But, as you can expect, BJ started strong as I found out readingthrough her previous employee evaluations. I would like to share an evaluation statement by Kenneth Kitch, Principal of Central Dauphin School District who described BJ in 1988 as follows:
Elizabeth Urling is highly intelligent, hard working, and a person of superior character who earned the respect of students, faculty and this administration. Moreover, she is personable and presents herself in a manner which brings credit to herself and the institution which she represents. I regard her as a mature, sophisticated and sensitive individual.
I can’t improve on that. I will simply add my gratitude for the many jobs well done, my best wishes and those of everyone here and of the full library community for a rich, full, carefree retirement with little ones snuggled on your lap as you re-re-reread their favorite story as only a loving grandmother can.
Thank you BJ for making us better and stronger and happier.
Congratulations on your Retirement.
M. Clare Zales
Deputy Secretary of Commonwealth Libraries