Katalin Ormay: Lifelong Love for Learning
Friday, November 3rd, 2023
NWP Library Technician Katalin Ormay
Katalin Ormay, a Library Technician at Northwestern Polytechnic, grew up in a small town in Hungary. From a young age, Katalin had a deep fascination with rocks and the natural world and was always curious and ambitious. On family hiking trips she would collect rocks, much to her father's amusement. "You can only bring back as many rocks as you can fit in your pocket," he would say.
As she grew older, Katalin's passion for geology only intensified. She dreamed of becoming a geologist and exploring the wonders of the Earth. Her determination led her to pursue a degree in geology at the Eotvos Lorand University in Budapest. She met her future husband on a trip to Canada, and she soon joined him in Fairview, Alberta. To perfect her English sills and to learn more about Canada, Katalin completed the Office Administration program of Fairview College. Later, when their three children started school, she worked in the Fairview Public Library for about 5 years.
After Katalin’s husband got a new teaching position at the Composite High School, they moved to Grande Prairie. Katalin applied to a four-month temporary Library Technician position at NWP’s Grande Prairie campus. That was 22 years ago.
Katalin has an impressive knack for organization and drive to assist others in their quest for information. With her educational background, working as a Librarian Technician may seem like an unexpected career choice, but for Katalin, it is the perfect fit.
“Libraries have always held a special place in my heart,” said Katalin. “I enjoy the opportunity to assist students and researchers looking for more information.”
During her time at Northwestern Polytechnic, Katalin has witnessed numerous changes within the institution and the library. She saw the transition from print journals to online resources, the evolution of library spaces, and the importance of data-driven decision making. Katalin's role as a Library Technician has also expanded to include cataloging, assisting students with digital design projects, and data visualization - one of her favourite responsibilities.
“I believe in the power of data-driven decision-making and enjoy presenting information in a format that is easily understandable and persuasive,” she said. Her expertise in cataloging, data collection, and statistics, makes Katalin another great resource at the Learning Commons. With her work experience at NWP spanning over two decades, paired with her creative thinking Katalin can direct both students and faculty to the resources of the NWP Learning Commons, our institute and wider community.
More recently, she was also involved in paleontological research in the Grande Prairie area, and the establishment of the Phillip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. Her geological background allowed her to contribute to the study of dinosaurs and work alongside renowned scientists from around the world. The experience broadened her perspective and taught her valuable lessons about collaboration and scientific exploration.
As she reflects on her path, Katalin can’t help but feel grateful for the unexpected twists and turns that have led her to where she is today. While she may not have envisioned herself working in a library when she first started university, she cherishes the diverse experiences she has had throughout her career.
Katalin's desire for knowledge and her passion for helping others have made her an invaluable member of the Northwestern Polytechnic learning community. “I have found fulfillment in my work, helping students navigate the world of academia and fostering a love for learning,” And while she misses her homeland of Hungary, she recognizes that life is a balance of appreciating what one had and embracing the opportunities that lay ahead.
And so, Katalin continues her work as a Library Technician at Northwestern Polytechnic, always curious, always eager to learn, and always ready to assist those in search of knowledge.
