Katy Webb
About Katy Webb
Katy Webb serves as the Director of Yale Access Services and Bass Library at Yale University, where she focuses on user experience in libraries and the burnout of library professionals. With a background in quality assurance at Sony and extensive experience in academic libraries, she possesses strong technical skills and a commitment to enhancing library services.
Work at Yale University
Katy Webb serves as the Director of Yale Access Services and Bass Library at Yale University since 2020. In this role, she oversees library access services and manages operations within the Bass Library. Her responsibilities include enhancing user experience and implementing innovative solutions to improve library services. Webb's experience in library management and her focus on user experience contribute to the effective functioning of the library in supporting academic needs.
Education and Expertise
Katy Webb holds multiple degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in German and Art History from 1998 to 2002, followed by a Master of Arts in Germanic Linguistics from 2002 to 2003. She later obtained a Master of Library Science (MLS) in Information and Library Studies from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, she studied Spanish Language at Madison Area Technical College from 2005 to 2007. Her educational background supports her expertise in library sciences and user experience.
Professional Background
Before her current position at Yale University, Katy Webb worked at East Carolina University as the Head of Research and Instructional Services from 2011 to 2020. She also held roles at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including Reference Assistant at the MERIT Library and Teaching Assistant. Prior to her academic library career, she worked at Sony as a Quality Assurance Engineer, where she was responsible for testing software materials in the Client Applications Group.
Research Focus and Interests
Katy Webb's research interests include user experience in libraries and the challenges faced by library and information professionals, particularly burnout. She also explores the use of creative spaces in academic libraries, such as digital humanities labs and makerspaces. Her work aims to enhance the functionality and accessibility of library services, reflecting her commitment to improving the academic environment.
Skills and Experience
Katy Webb possesses strong audiovisual and technical skills, enabling her to adapt to new technologies swiftly. She has extensive experience in planning and coordinating special events and festivals, along with expertise in meeting planning and technical documentation preparation. Webb is proficient in multiple languages, including German, Dutch, Spanish, and Italian, and has over ten years of experience in circulation and reference management within library settings.