What is your position? I am the Library Systems Administrator for the W&M libraries but I prefer the title of Systems Librarian, which I think sounds a bit more elegant. I work with library staff to help make the library software a bit more user-friendly so they can effectively meet the needs of our user community. I don’t necessarily get to work directly with our students and faculty, but I view my work as positively impacting our end-users by providing benefits to the librarians and staff who have direct engagement with those we serve.
Background? I grew up in Maryland, just north of D.C., and spent all my summers in Ocean Grove, New Jersey, where my grandparents owned a 200-year-old cottage near the beach. I went to college in North Carolina and met my wife in Oregon. We’ve been in North Carolina for the last 24 years and look forward to many new adventures in Virginia.
Where did you study? I earned my Master of Library and Information Science from UNC-Greensboro in the early aughts and my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from High Point University back in 1993. I also learned some great lessons working in construction and various service industry positions in MD, NJ, NC, and OR, in between my official studies.
Why W&M? I was fortunate to receive invitations from Laura Morales and Lisa Nickel to apply for the Systems Librarian position soon after I was laid off from my previous job. I also had the good fortune to have been the executive account manager for the W&M Libraries in that previous position before the libraries migrated to Alma. I became enamored with Swem Library when Mack Lundy gave me a tour during my first visit, and now I’m overjoyed to be a part of this dynamic team.
Fun Facts: I’m in Guinness World Records 2022 for winning the 2020 National Beard and Moustache Championship. I currently have the 3rd best Garibaldi beard in North America, as judged by the North American Charitable Beard & Moustache Alliance, and the 9th best Garibaldi in the world based on my recent showing at the World Beard & Moustache Championship (WBMC) held last summer in Pittsburgh, PA. I’m hoping to do a little better next year when I attend the WBMC in Blackpool, UK.
Most frequently checked out library book: I’m a bit of a fantasy and sci-fi nerd, but it’s been a while since I could read much for enjoyment. I’m reading mostly white papers and training manuals nowadays, but I think the book that I’ve checked out the most was The Rook by Dan O’Malley; not because it’s my favorite, but I had to renew it numerous times in my attempt to finish reading it.
Listening to right now: I'm listening to Girl in Red radio on my Pandora app which includes so many great artists, like Santigold, the Sugar Cubes, Goth Babe, Broncho, and the station’s eponymous artist. I lump my varied musical tastes under the description of Shoegaze Emo.