Cameron Duff
Cameron Duff, Director of the Sheridan County Library System, is leaving the library to accept a new position in local government. The Sheridan County Board of County Commissioners has announced that he will serve as the new Administrative Director for Sheridan County. His appointment will be effective on April 24.
Cameron has worked in libraries for over 26 years across Missouri, Texas, Colorado and Wyoming in multiple roles — Circulation Supervisor, Database Librarian, Collection Development Librarian, Collection Resource Manager, and Library Director. He’s been Director of the Sheridan County Public Library System since 2010. Prior to his library career, Cameron worked in the software industry in Mexico and Vancouver, British Columbia. He has an undergraduate degree in economics, an MA in information science and learning technologies, and graduate coursework in managerial accounting. He’s active in the community and with his children’s activities, and is a director on the Whitney Benefits Board of Directors.
“It’s difficult to look back and acknowledge personal accomplishments during my tenure with the library,” he said. “In fact, I would say that nothing would have changed without the dedication of library staff who work together to achieve library goals. So when I say that I am proud of the work done at the library, it’s all about teamwork. We worked together to raise funds for a new roof, emergency generator, new technology, remodel of our meeting rooms, and tween section. The support from the community was instrumental to ensuring that library service remained strong throughout the county.”
When a retirement opened up the Administrative Director position, he said he knew he had to apply. He wanted to stretch himself in a new way by changing career paths, while still remaining in the Sheridan area. “On behalf of myself and my family, I want to thank the Commissioners for this wonderful opportunity to step into the role as the new Administrative Director,” he said. “I’m the first to acknowledge how challenging this role will be. However, I’m thrilled to use my education and work history to help the County in a new way. I am looking forward to the opportunity to work alongside Renee to learn as much as I can before her retirement.”
Cameron said the library is in a solid position moving into the next budget cycle, meaning its next director will come into a stable system and have a little time to become involved in the community. “Beyond that, there are so many opportunities to expand library services and to take it to the next level over the coming decade. Support from the Library Board, Library Foundation, and Friends of the Library are solid. Support is strong from local Foundations which is vital to the success of the community as a whole. Change may be difficult at times, but there are opportunities for some amazing things in the future for the library system, staff, and the residents of Sheridan County.”
In addition, “The Sheridan County Public Library System has tremendous support from residents. The community is fully vested in their libraries and want it to succeed. That strength of community is what drew my family to Sheridan and is why I enjoyed my time working at the library.”
During his time as Director, Cameron enjoyed getting to know other librarians from across the state, and he’ll miss that. However, he added, “I’ll have the opportunity to watch libraries expand services, and I’ll remain involved — but now only as a customer!”