FSU College of Information alumnus Jeffrey Smith (MLIS 2004) has been named manager of the newly opened Virrick Park Branch, Miami-Dade Public Library System.

"When I was driving from library to library making deliveries during the 1980s, I never dreamed I would manage one, said Smith, but learning about the community services that libraries perform inspired me to follow this career path."

Smith earned his associates and bachelors degrees while working for 15 years as a library attendant. In 2002, he was accepted into the online masters in library and information studies (MLIS) program at FSU. He was one of the first to enter the Miami-Dade intern/trainee recruitment program in 2003.

"I would like to mention that Dr. Maria Chavez-Hernandez was very instrumental in providing me with the tools and guidance to complete the master’s program," said Smith. The late Dr. Chavez-Hernandez directed FSU College of Information internship programs and has been celebrated for her impact on the lives of others, such as by a named award from the Florida Library Association. "I am grateful for having been one of her students," he said.

The Virrick Park Branch Library is located in Coconut Groves West Village Community and is designed with large windows and movable lower shelving to take advantage of the natural lighting and visual aesthetics provided by its park side location. The Miami-Dade system plans to open additional libraries based on this design within the next year.