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Student Worker Spotlight

Posted 8 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023

Haley Krishka and Emily Poisl

Meet Emily Poisl and Haley Krishka, circulation desk student workers and Genie Award winners

Murphy Library wouldn’t be able to get by without the help of our awesome student workers! This includes Emily Poisl and Haley Krishka, two of our circulation desk workers and winners of the 20th annual Genie Award.

Keep reading to learn more about the award and this year's recipients, as well as hear from Dwayne Webb, Access Services Library Assistant, about why Emily and Haley were deserving of this year's award.

About the Genie Award

The Genie Award is given each spring to circulation student workers who exhibit some or all of the following characteristics: 

  • Make customer service their top priority. 
  • Take pride in doing a good job. Work carefully and efficiently in order to avoid mistakes. 
  • Take an interest in expanding their knowledge of policies and procedures in order to offer quality service. 
  • Take the initiative in accomplishing whatever extra tasks need to be done during their work shift. 

The Genie Award takes its name from two sources: First, it is a nickname of Eugene Murphy, for whom the library is named. The award’s name is also derived from the word “genie” which according to the World Book Dictionary, 1974 ed., means, “a brilliant person.” Although there is no tangible reward that goes along with the Genie, recipients will have their name temporarily displayed on the Genie trophy. 

About Emily

Emily Poisl and her parents at a Badger football game

What is your major and year? 

Psychology and junior  

How long have you been working at Murphy Library? 

I have worked at Murphy Library for 3 semesters.  

What do you do at Murphy Library? 

Circulation desk  

What has been your favorite part about working at Murphy Library? 

Meeting and making friends with all the other employees.  

What are your future plans (after leaving UWL)? 

At the moment, I am planning on going to graduate school for a degree in occupational therapy. 

What do you like to do outside of being a student? 

I enjoy playing intramurals. 

What might surprise us about you? 

I enjoy sewing and making blankets, clothing, and stuffed animals.  

From Dwayne Webb

“This is Emily Poisl’s 3rd semester working as an Access Services desk assistant. Emily’s commitment to quality customer service and positive attitude are what qualify her for the Genie Award. Emily is exceptional with her listening skills and knowledge of the department procedures. She is a helpful co-worker who goes out of the way for patrons to have a positive experience at the library.” 


About Haley

Haley Krishka on a trip up to Door County, watching the sunset over Green Bay

What is your major and year? 

Biomedical Sciences (Pre-Med) and I am a sophomore. 

How long have you been working at Murphy Library? 

This is my second year working at Murphy Library. I started in October of 2021. 

What do you do at Murphy Library? 

I am a circulation desk assistant. 

What has been your favorite part about working at Murphy Library? 

I like being able to meet new people, whether it's those that I work with or those that ask me questions.  

What are your future plans (after leaving UWL)? 

I plan to go onto medical school and become a doctor in the future.  

What do you like to do outside of being a student? 

I like to spend time with my friends and family, and I enjoy being outside. I love to go on hikes or go kayaking. In addition, I love going on coffee runs and exploring new places! 

What might surprise us about you? 

Last semester, I traveled to all four sides of Wisconsin (La Crosse & Eau Claire, Superior, Green Bay & Milwaukee, and Whitewater). 

From Dwayne 

This is Haley Krishka’s 4th semester working as an Access Services desk assistant. If you have been fortunate to work with her, you will notice her friendly greeting, “Hi,” and her commitment to serve the patron and help her co-worker. Haley’s interest in work and constructive attitude makers her an efficient, confident desk worker. Her dedication to exceptional customer service has earned her the Genie Award. 



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