Camp RFID Summer Diaries: Daniel Tyler

Our summer staff share their experiences on spending the summer days in the Swem stacks, placing RFID tags on over a million books!

Name: Daniel Tyler

Year: W&M Fall 2020 Graduate

Pronouns: he/him, they/them

Department/Position: Circulation, RFID Team

What do you think about the upcoming RFID project?

I’m really excited to be a part of it. This project feels like the biggest change in accessing library materials since libraries stopped using card catalogs. The RFID tags will help make the collection more accessible to patrons than ever. It’s going to be a lot of work to tag all the books, but it’s going to be worth it.

Describe what it has been like to be a part of the RFID team.

I’ve always found libraries calming. Swem is a low-stress workplace – but don’t confuse lack of stress for lack of work ethic! There’s always a lot to do in a library this big, and our RFID team works hard. Even though we have a large staff this summer, I really feel seen and valued in the workplace here. The library is big, but each team members’ contributions matter.

What has been your favorite experience with the RFID team so far?

Going book-by-book through the collection is a reminder of just how many books the library has on every subject. Any subject you could imagine. Like, there’s literally a whole shelf on alchemy. It’s cool to be around more books than any one person could ever read – like the world is just in this building!

What is the most interesting new thing you’ve learned about the library?

I never knew the stairwells were the safest place during a fire (shout-out to David’s safety training).

What is your favorite part about working at the library?

The books! Without them there would be no Swem, no staff, and no patrons. Also I like reading them.

Do you have any fun plans for the summer?

I’m moving to Richmond in August!