Introducing new Products Coordinator Dana Kocienda

Hello! I’m Dana Kocienda (Koh-shen-dah), and I am thrilled to step into the role of Products Coordinator here at Minitex. I will be working alongside Tim Peters on Cooperative Purchasing of library products until he retires November 1, 2024. 

Having devoted over 16 years to our organization within the Communication and Organizational Support (C+OS) unit, I am excited to embark on this new journey where I can further contribute to strengthening libraries, cultural institutions, and the communities they serve.

My journey at Minitex has been driven by a passion for service and a dedication to supporting libraries big and small. As I transition into this new role,  I’m eager to deepen our connections with libraries across the region and foster relationships that empower them to better serve their communities. My previous experience at Minitex has not only deepened my understanding of the diverse needs of libraries, but also fueled my passion for ensuring that these vital institutions have access to the best resources to effectively serve their communities.

Our vision at Minitex is "Connected libraries. Empowered communities. Enriched lives." As your new Products Coordinator, I am committed to reinforcing this vision by enhancing our connections with libraries of all sizes and types. I believe in the power of these connections to transform communities, making them stronger and more resilient through enriched library services.

In this role, I am dedicated to upholding our core values:

• Inclusiveness: I am passionate about ensuring equitable access to resources for all libraries, celebrating the diversity within our network. 
• Service: I am committed to maintaining the high standards of service that you expect from Minitex, and I am always looking for ways to improve how we serve you. 
• Partnership: I value the strong partnerships we have built over the years and am excited to strengthen these collaborations and forge new ones, amplifying the collective impact of our work. 
• Expertise: I bring my years of experience and insights from within Minitex to this role, aiming to provide leadership that is both knowledgeable and forward-thinking.

I am truly looking forward to the opportunity to connect with both our longstanding and new library partners. Getting to know your needs, challenges, and goals will enable me to serve more effectively and ensure that Minitex continues to serve as a supportive resource in the library community.

When I'm not fully engaged in my work, you'll often find me exploring new destinations or scootering alongside my husband, Ted, or simply relishing in cherished moments with our family. Our grandsons, in particular, fill our lives with immense joy and laughter, and every moment spent with them is truly precious. I've always cherished taking my children, and now my grandchildren, to the library and seeing their excitement as they choose books, movies, games, or simply enjoy playing. These personal experiences serve as a source of enrichment and inspiration, reinforcing the importance of community and familial values that libraries so wonderfully cultivate.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, suggestions, or comments you may have. I am here to support you and look forward to building meaningful relationships with each and every one of you.

Here’s to a future of thriving libraries and enriched community lives! I am excited to embark on this journey with you!

Dana Kocienda
Products Coordinator

Direct email: danak@umn.edu
Products email: minitexproducts@umn.edu
Products 612-625-9527 or 800-462-5348
FAX: 612-624-4508 

To order, visit the Shop Minitex website or email minitexproducts@umn.edu