“Everyone should have the chance to reach new heights.”
Kathrin Johner has been the Head of Customer Service at the Münstergasse Library, located in Bern’s delightful historic center, since 2015. In this interview, Kathrin Johner shares why she appreciates the work culture at the University of Bern, what makes the Münstergasse Library special and how she specifically supports her team’s professional development.
Interview with Kathrin Johner, Head of Customer Service
Since when have you been at the University of Bern, and in which capacity?
I have been the Head of Customer Service at the Münstergasse Library since 2015.
What do you think makes the University of Bern special as an employer?
I especially value the authentic informal culture: We treat each other as equals, and you can truly be yourself here. The rich diversity is also very special. The University of Bern is a comprehensive university and encompasses a wide range of fields of study – a fact that is also reflected in the university’s libraries. No two libraries are the same, and each has its own specific role to play.
How do you personally contribute to the work culture?
A culture of appreciation and of constructive feedback is very important to me. I want my team to grow and thrive. This begins in the recruitment phase already, when I consciously focus on candidates’ strengths, and it continues through their professional development. Everyone should have the chance to reach new heights.
What word do you think describes the University of Bern best?
Diversity describes it best for me – in terms of the people who work here, but also the fields of activity and areas of responsibility.
Which supportive measures were particularly helpful to you?
The CAS Academic Leadership was extremely helpful to me. This course strengthened me in my leadership role and opened up new perspectives on how to support and value my employees.
What does an ideal workday look like for you?
My day starts with a catch-up with my team at the circulation desk – this allows me to get a feel for the mood and I can identify potential issues right away. After that, I do a walk-through of the building to keep track of public use and, if necessary, implement measures for learning space management. In the course of the day there will be meetings with supervisors and heads of department, and following a break spent in the “reading bar”, my afternoon will be focused on project work.
What makes the Münstergasse Library special?
The Münstergasse Library is both a university and a cantonal library. This results in a very diverse group of users – ranging from students and working professionals to senior citizens. We proactively seek and listen to feedback and use it to develop targeted improvements. This diversity is what makes our work particularly interesting and energizes us to initiate change.