The JKM Library Blog

February 2024

The library is delighted and proud to see our long-time colleague Dana Mastroianni promoted to the position of Library Manager & Head of Public Services. Dana has done a wonderful job guiding the library through massive changes over the past few months. Dana joined the JKM Library team in 2003, back when the library was managed by Library Systems & Services (LSSI). Her first position at Chatham was Reference Librarian, which later became Reference & Electronic Resources Librarian. In ’22 she was promoted to Head of Public Services. With the elimination of the Library Director position in August, a new position was create to fill the leadership gap in the library. In August of ’23 Dana was promoted to Library Manager &  Head of Public Services. Dana received her undergraduate degree in English from West Virginia Wesleyan College and her Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Before joining the JKM Library she worked as the Social Work Librarian at the University of Pittsburgh’s Hillman Library. Prior to that, Dana worked as a student worker in Wesleyan’s library during her entire undergraduate career. At Chatham, she has led the way on such initiatives as electronic resources, instruction, and Open Educational Resources(OERs). “Advancing and advocating for OERs for student affordability is something I’m proud of,” Dana commented. “While the workshops Becky Borello and I have done over the past three years have been received well by faculty, working towards a wider institutional effort and acknowledgement of course text affordability for students would be useful.” Dana has also long served on UPC and was an adjunct instructor for IND175 Introduction to Library Resources for the nursing program for several years. Navigating the library through tumultuous times is nothing new for Dana. When she joined the JKM Library, Chatham was in a restructuring process that meant huge shifts for the library. Part of that was the immense task of rebuilding the library’s reputation among the greater campus as a place that could serve faculty and student’s information needs again. This demanded a huge amount of outreach and communication with faculty and other departments across the university. “From that work and those discussions, I was able to understand what faculty and students needed, was able to advocate for resources that met those needs, and also develop and refine library services that best leverage librarians’ skills while serving the Chatham community,” Dana commented. “I’m very proud of being a part of that rebuilding process and having a role in what the JKM[Library] is today.” Dana has been a constant source of thoughtful and pragmatic support for the library and the Chatham community at large. We are delighted to see her lead our team into this new phase. “Looking ahead, I believe there are other collaborative opportunities across campus where the librarians can bring value and insight. Becoming more intentional about those opportunities (which is already in progress) is important. Promoting an understanding of the library as a multifaceted space, the building, our collections, and our services is more important than ever as Chatham looks to move forward with furthering academic excellence and student success.”
Please join us in congratulating Dana in her new leadership role here at Chatham!

March 2022

We at the JKM Library know how difficult COVID-19 has been on our Chatham community. Many of us have never had the opportunity to meet, when in normal circumstances there would have been plenty of moments for librarians and library staff to meet you, help you personally, and put faces to names. Now that we are mostly back on campus, and some faces are being revealed, we decided to put together a fun “Staff Picks” book display and Spotify playlist to help you get to know us a bit better! Stop into the JKM Library in March to browse our physical book display showing off some of the library staff’s favorite books from our collection, and visit our Spotify account to listen to a playlist of some of our favorite songs. We have a broad range of tastes, and we’re always delighted to talk to you about books, music and more! If you’d like to get in contact with one of the librarians, you can find our emails on our Staff Directory page of our website. All books included in the display are available for you to checkout and read yourself. Perhaps you’ll discover a new personal favorite. Keep reading to learn more about your library staff, our areas of academic expertise (that we’re more than happy to help you in), fun facts and interesting hobbies about each of us, and then the book and song we each picked!

Jill Ausel
Job title: Library Director
Favorite part of job: I really enjoy my job, and the
best part is helping students and making the library a place of learning and fun.
A fun fact: I’m an Ancient Greek History nerd!
My book pick: The Amazons: Lives and Legends of Warrior Women Across the Ancient World by Adrienne Mayor
My song pick: “In These Shoes?” by Kristy MacColl

Kate Wenger
Job title: Head of Access Service
Liaison areas: Accounting, Business, Economics, Criminology, Psychology, Social Work
Favorite part of job: Working with students, including our wonderful student workers!
An interesting hobby: I enjoy vegetable gardening,
and I love the snow and am excited to use my new cross-country skis again soon!
My book pick: Think Again by Adam Grant
My song pick: “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker” by O.A.R.

Dana Mastroianni
Job title: Head of Public Services
Liaison areas: Health Sciences, Art & Design, Communication
Favorite part of job: Being a practical help to students. Helping them discover, think and rethink,
and successfully fulfill their information needs. And my fellow librarians are pretty awesome
An interesting skill: My car karaoke skills are on point.
My book pick: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
My song pick: “Where the Streets Have No Name” by U2

Daniel Lincoln Nolting
Job title: Head of Technical Services
Specialty areas: Data and materials management.
Favorite part of job: Stickers! Putting call numbers on books! Never gets old…
An interesting skill: Along with an MFA in painting, while in NYC, I also learned an old Japanese woodcut method.
My book pick: These Truths: A History of the United States by Jill Lepore
My song pick: “Keep It Comin’ Love” by KC & The Sunshine Band

Molly Tighe
Job title: Archivist & Public Services Librarian
Academic expertise: Archives, preservation, and museums
Liaison areas: History, Political Science, Policy Studies, Bio, Chem, Math, Physics
Favorite part of job: Sharing and discovering (or helping others discover) Chatham history and how it informs campus activities today.
An interesting hobby: I sew my clothes! While I still
wear a fair bit of ready-to-wear, I try to include a me-made in every outfit.
My book pick: Ramp Hollow: The Ordeal of Appalachia by Steven Stoll
My song pick: “Jolie Holland” by All the Morning Birds

Jocelyn Codner
Job title: Reference & Outreach Librarian
Liaison areas: Food Studies, Sustainability,
Environmental Science, Education, English, Creative Writing/MFA
Favorite part of job: Working one-on-one with students!
An interesting skill: I play Irish flute.
A fun fact: I used to DJ my high school dances.
My book pick: The Diviners by Libba Bray
My song pick: “No Quiero Saber” by Selena

Carina Stopenski
Job title: Access Services Associate
Academic expertise: Gender and cultural studies, media studies, comics
Favorite part of job: Getting to see all the
interesting titles that patrons request!
A fun fact: I love to collect natural curios, like rocks, herbs, crystals, and resins!
My book pick: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi
My song pick: “Calamity Song” by The Decemberists

Jennifer Langilotti
Job title: Technical Services Assistant
Favorite part of job: Learning from more experienced librarians.
A fun fact: Good at Tetris!
My book pick: A Lost Lady by Willa Cather
My song pick: “Dennis Quaid” by Taylor Janzen

Alley Lindner
Job title: Reference Associate
Specialty areas: English Literature with a focus in Queer Theory
Other areas of interest: Juicy pop culture takes!
Favorite part of job: I love working with students–helping with research, talking through book recommendations, etc.
A fun fact: I was named after my grandmother’s three-legged dog.
My book pick: Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
My song pick: “Motion Sickness” by Phoebe Bridgers

Chelsea Gabrielson
Job title: Reference Associate
Specialty areas: Health Sciences and Children’s Literature
Favorite part of job: I love when I can help students with research!
A fun fact: I once did a 185-mile bicycle ride down the coast of Oregon.
My book pick: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
My song pick: “Dark Red” by Steve Lacy

Amy Melnyk
Job title: Reference Associate
Specialty areas: Social Sciences
Favorite part of job: Definitely helping students!
A fun fact: I have 51 tabs currently open.
My book pick: Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong
My song pick: “Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige

Jackson Adkins
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Management Information Systems, Data Science minor
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Getting journals and scanning them from the basement!
A hobby: I have been snowboarding for 12 years.
An interesting skill: I can clap with one hand!
My book pick: Kaffir Boy: The True Story of a Black
Youth’s Coming of Age in Apartheid South Africa by Mark Mathabane
My song pick: “Footsteps in the Dark” by The Isley Brothers

Trai BreenLusen
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: English, Creative Writing and Studio Arts minors
Area of academic interest: Animation
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Pulling books for EZ Borrow and packing mail.
Something interesting about me: I’m an artist hoping to start my own business.
My book pick: The Hobbit: There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkin
My song pick: “Hey Look Ma, I Made It” by Panic! At The Disco

Riley Hurst Brubaker
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Journalism and Film
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Shelving and interacting with staff and fellow students.
An interesting skill: Arranging flower bouquets.
My book pick: A Black Women’s History of the United States by Daina Ramey and Kali Nicole Gross
My song pick: “Highway Unicorn” by The Highwomen

Leyla Fevola
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Mathmatics and Secondary Education
Favorite task at the JKM Library: I love helping and creating projects with other staff members!
Something interesting about me: I am a dual citizen, I am a citizen of the USA and Italy!
My book pick: Beautiful Boy by David Sheff
My song pick: “All For Us” by Labrinth and Zendaya

Becca Pennington
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Exercise Science
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Stack searches (searching for missing books)
A hobby of mine: I run cross country and track
My book pick: Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
My song pick: “Runaway” by Linkin Park

Jolie Phan
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Human Biology
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Checking books in and out to patrons
A hobby of mine: I love playing the piano and violin
My book pick: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
My song pick: “Heroes” by David Bowie

Stephanie Spano
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Area of Academic Interest: Genetics
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Stack searches
(searching for missing books) or helping patrons at the desk!
A fun fact about me: I’ve been to 25 out of 50 states in the US!
My book pick: Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
My song pick: “Oh My God” by Adele

Julia Windsheimer
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Interior Architecture, Music minor
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Shelving books
A hobby of mine: I like playing the flute
My book pick: The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
My song pick: “Rock and Roll” by The Velvet Underground

Savannah Wood
Job title: Access Services Aide
Major: Psychology
Favorite task at the JKM Library: Doing inventory
An interesting skill of mine: I can twirl batons and was the majorette captain at my high school.
My book pick: Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur My song pick: “Thelma + Louise” by Bastille

April 16, 2018

Name: Ryan Woodward
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m a reference associate on nights and weekends.
What made you choose your current profession?
I have always been a fan of the library. As a graduate assistant in my master’s program, my office was in the library where I helped students find resources for their papers and projects and found the library to be a natural fit for helping students reach their research goals.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Either a carpenter like my dad or a veterinarian because I loved animals. Both required math and science skills far above my abilities in those areas.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Occasionally, I am able to help a student in an area of particular interest to me (music, history, the humanities) and I’m able to have conversations about their research, make recommendations on sources, or just discuss their interests beyond just helping them locate a book or article.
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library- with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?
Maybe have in-house IT help to assist students some of their technology issues. I can help a bit, but sometimes if they’re coming to me with tech questions, it is likely on an issue that is best addressed with the Help Desk.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I spend a lot of time with cats and dogs, and when possible, supporting live music and the arts. On weekends, I am a fan of seeking out good, no-frills diners for breakfast, of which Pittsburgh has several that are pretty great.
What’s the last thing you checked out?
From JKM, I checked out the DVD From Pittsburgh to Poland (2005), produced locally by WQED. This was a nicely done documentary detailing a group of Pittsburgh area teachers traveling to Poland with three Holocaust survivors and touring historic sites from World War II. (You can currently find this item on the Holocaust Remembrance display on the first floor of the library.) Having studied this subject and made a similar trip a few years ago, I can attest to the impact visiting historical sites can have. There is an enormous layer of perspective gained when you are able to view artifacts up close, walk in places where events occurred, and fully take in the dimensions of buildings, spaces, and the contemporary culture. This appreciation of perspective is evident in the educators who are interviewed throughout the film. The diversity of the of the three survivors’ experiences underscores how the Holocaust should be viewed and studied not as a single event, but rather a period when millions of lives were affected differently, even if major elements of each constitute a shared experience.
Among the survivors, we meet a ghetto escapee who later joins the partisans to fight the Nazis and their collaborators, a child hidden and cared for by a Gentile family, and a laborer rescued by being included on Oskar Schindler’s list. Highlighting the experiences of survivors who would later settle in Pittsburgh makes a deeper connection for local viewers of the film. Each person could very well be a neighbor or co-worker, reinforcing the idea that the Holocaust did not happen in some alien dimension nor did it occur in ancient history. It can happen anywhere and to anyone.
From Pittsburgh to Poland runs 60 minutes and is available at the library’s Media Shelves when not included in displays. It is an asset to the collection due to its thoughtful portrayal of historical events as seen by local citizens.
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) might seem like a generic answer of a go-to classic, but the novel remains legendary for good reason. Regardless of time, the themes found in small American towns, particularly in the south, are relatable to a lot of people whose own upbringings may resemble those in the story. Themes of racism, poverty, gender roles, and justice are unfortunately still hot topics today, but everyone has the capacity to read about attitudes and events of the past and apply them toward making a better future.
What are 5 or so of your favorite books or movies that we have here in the JKM Library that are available for checkout?
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain (2012): Invaluable for those with introverted personalities and helpful for anyone who will manage diverse groups of employees, work with students, or cultivate meaningful interpersonal relations.
Orchestral works [sound recording] by Richard Strauss (2000): Specifically, the piece Tod und Verklärung (Death and Transfiguration), a tone poem that lasts over 20 minutes. I played this with my college orchestra and it was one of the most challenging yet satisfying music experiences ever. Amazing piece!
Fun home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel (2006): I read this just this year for a book group at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. It turned me on to graphic novels, which I had not read many of before and offers some great universal coming of age themes as well as experiences unique to LGBTQ+ people.
Nine and Counting: The Women of the Senate by Barbara Mikulski [and others] (2000): While the number of women in the U.S. Senate has grown, only three of those profiled in this book remain in Congress. It’s interesting to see the diverse paths each took to become some of the most powerful people in the world and how some issues such as family and medical leave or funding for women’s health research held little priority until women were elected to high office.
Batman [DVD] (1966): The 1960s Batman movie and television series are ridiculously fun. I met Lee Meriwether (Catwoman) several years ago. Super nice and a class act.
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s rich zombie-film heritage, OR, at least appreciate the region’s popularity with filmmakers. I am a horror fan and have been excited during my year and a half in Pittsburgh to have tracked down filming locations for some of my favorite movies. There are a number of festivals, screenings, and conventions to attend throughout the year and the city is lucky to have several small, independent theaters that routinely show independent films, art house cinema, and documentaries.
Tell us some surprising things about yourself:
1. I’ve lived in 4 states, have traveled to 8 different countries.
2. I work with a non-profit organization that creates opportunities and advocates for increased participation of women and girls in all areas of baseball.
3. I helped create a music camp for student string players as an undergraduate for my university, which will celebrate its 14th year next year.

January 22, 2018

Name: Andrea Georgic
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m a Reference Associate. I help students find the information they’re looking for.
What made you choose your current profession?
Two things made me want to be a librarian. The first was all the time I spent with my grandma in the children’s section of our public library while growing up. The second
was discovering how much I enjoy finding and managing data and information.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A vampire slayer!
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy helping students learn how to use the library’s many resources.
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library- with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?
Expand the modern fiction selection.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I love to create. Any free time I have is spent knitting, spinning wool, quilting, dying fabric, or learning new textile arts.
What’s the last thing you checked out?
The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui. It’s a beautifully illustrated memoir, that explores the emotional and potentially heartbreaking experience of immigration. I’ve
recommended it to almost everyone I know!
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
Women, Race & Class by Angela Y. Davis. I think everyone should read this because it examines the racist and classist biases in the history of the Women’s Movement in
America, highlighting the importance of intersectionality in achieving equality.
What are 5 or so of your favorite books or movies that we have here in the JKM Library that are available for checkout?
Movies:
1. Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet – this one’s my favorite
2. Blackfish (documentary)
Books:
1. Breath, Eyes, Memory by Edwidge Danticat
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
3. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?
Eat a Seitan Pittsburgh “steak” sub from Spak Brothers in Lawrenceville and follow it up with a cupcake from the Oakmont Bakery.
Tell us some surprising things about yourself:
1. I have the first 18 lines of the Canterbury Tales Prologue, memorized, in Middle English.
2. I’ve been to the Bronte Parsonage in Haworth, England, where Charlotte, Anne and Emily Bronte lived.

May 4, 2016

Christine:
Wanted to be a veterinarian when she grew up
Her favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh is the friendly people
Likes to watch bad TV with her teen-aged kids
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I am a Reference Associate which means I help you find the information that you need when you stop by the reference desk at the library, call or use the Ask-A-Librarian feature.
What made you choose your current profession?
I am still in graduate school earning my Masters of Library Science at the University of Pittsburgh. I have chosen to become a librarian because I love to connect people with the information that they need. I was a paralegal for many years and my favorite aspect of that job was researching. Add that to my lifelong love of books and learning, and becoming a librarian was a no-brainer.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A veterinarian. Instead, I have two dogs and two cats.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is teaching people how to find information. Sometimes that means showing them a new search strategy or a new database. It’s fun to help
them advance their learning and by searching unfamiliar topics, I learn something new every day!
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library- with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?
I would add an internet free lounge where students could go to concentrate on work without being interrupted by texts or social media. This would be a room where you
could take your laptop, but would be unable to receive any WiFi due to special blocking technology. It would be great if it had a mix of seating enabling people to work or even just relax.
What do you like to do on your days off?
Not surprisingly I guess, I like to read. If I have the time, I like to cook long involved meals that dirty every pan in the kitchen and watch really bad TV with my teenaged kids.
What’s the last thing you checked out? (Brief reviews are appreciated)
The last thing I checked out was Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff. A dense book that starts off slowly, but picks up well in the second half. Really good character
development. You may not like the characters, but they are written, as is the book, incredibly well.
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. This book is a classic because it deftly explores issues of race and justice through the eyes of a child Everyone should read (and reread!) To Kill a Mockingbird because it helps us to remember the essential kindness of people.
Some of our student workers update the popular reading display and are always looking for recommendations. If you could please list 5 or so of your favorite books that JKM has, that would be great!
The Handmaid’s Tale Margaret Atwood
A Visit From The Goon Squad Jennifer Egan
Middlesex Jeffery Eugenides
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao Junot Diaz
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
My favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh is the friendly people!
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city? (This includes restaurant recommendations, of course)
Go to one of the amazing museums, walk along one of the river trails, see a play or a sporting event and have a Primanti’s sandwich with as many fries as you can stuff on there!
Tell us some surprising things about yourself (2/3 would be great):
I start every morning with a diet coke. Or two.
I played the flute for seven years. I was never very good, but I enjoyed it!
For two years in college I worked as an international operator connecting US numbers to countries that had outdated equipment. Remember those old pictures of operators with headsets who would plug a cord in a wall to connect a call? I did that!
 

April 19, 2016

Lyra:
Is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle expert
Is usually planning her next trip abroad to somewhere fascinating
Is 100% on board with having a library cat
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m a part-time Reference Associate.
What made you choose your current profession?
I worked in higher education since graduating from college myself and I love the atmosphere of a college campus! I’ve also always loved the atmosphere in libraries
(thanks to my mom who was a teacher and volunteered at our local library) so when I decided to go to graduate school I chose Library Science.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An architect! Then I realized a lot of math was involved so I gave that idea up – but I do still love looking at houses and I still have many of the floor plans (likely completely unrealistic) that I dreamed up as a kid.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Helping people realize all the great resources (for work, school, and for fun) that the library has.
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library- with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?
I am 100% on board with having a library cat. Also, I think it’s a great idea to have a jigsaw puzzle out for people to work on when they need a break from studying!
What do you like to do on your days off?
I like taking a run outside on a nice day or fitting in some yoga if I have time. I’m also taking French classes now and I actually enjoy doing the homework because it’s something I’m doing just for fun. I love reading (obviously), baking (and eating), and hiking. I also love to travel so I’m usually planning a trip (that may or may not happen).
What’s the last thing you checked out? (Brief reviews are appreciated)
I’m almost always reading more than two books at a time – two I recently finished are Mosquitoland by David Arnold (great!) and Ways to Disappear by Idra Novey (the
main character is from Pittsburgh – Shadyside is mentioned once or twice) and I also check out a lot of French language movies – the last one I watched was Ernest &
Celestine (lovely and cute).
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
This is a hard question!! But the first thing that comes to mind is Sweetland by Michael Crummey. I read this book more than a year ago and I still think about it and it’s characters regularly. Some characters just stick with you, as if they were real people you knew. But I just thought of something else I’d recommend too – anything by James Michener. He writes long sagas based around a specific geographic region. Some might find his books a little dry and boring but I love them – my favorite is Chesapeake. When I finish one of his books I feel like I intimately know a place and its history even if I’ve never been there (ahem … Hawaii).
Some of our student workers update the popular reading display and are always looking for recommendations. If you could please list 5 or so of your favorite books that JKM has, that would be great!
I don’t know that many of these could be termed “popular reading” but:
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides,
Living Poor by Moritz Thomsen (one of my favorite Peace Corps-related memoirs – I’ve read almost every Peace Corps memoir that I know of so I can always give more
recommendations on this or memoirs in general – my favorite genre!)
The Cider House Rules or The Hotel New Hampshire by John Irving
something by Willa Cather (like Shadows on the Rock, O Pioneers!, or My Antonia)
something by Bill Bryson (like the Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid)
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
The landscape, hills, rivers – and the neighborhoods.
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city? (This includes restaurant recommendations, of course)
Walk through Allegheny Cemetery.
Tell us some surprising things about yourself (2/3 would be great):
I am a bit of a jigsaw puzzle expert.
I love clothes and fashion but HATE shopping.
I got my nose pierced about 5 years before I got my ears pierced. In fact, I only got my ears pierced because my friends thought it was weird that my nose was pierced but not my ears and took me to get them done!

April 15, 2016

Megan:
Is a fan of Pittsburgh’s hills (to look at, not climb)
Likes a good thrifting trip on her days off
Is a secret trekkie
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m a Reference Associate! Which means… I help you find and retrieve the right books, articles, and other media to fulfill your research needs. I can help check-out
materials for you or let you know about a resource that you might not have known about before. I do a variety of things and usually know the right person to ask if I don’t know the answer myself.
What made you choose your current profession?
I’ve always fancied myself a detective, so reference work is right up my ally. I’m also trained as an archivist and have an affinity for primary resources and preservation.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A cartographer and interior designer.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love hearing about what other people are into, what they get excited about. I also enjoy learning about how information systems, like the library catalog and databases. Being able to work around a bunch of books doesn’t hurt either.
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library—with no worries about time or expense—what would you do?
I know there’s been a theme in answers to this question involving a library cat, which would only improve all of our lives. We could even get one that is hypoallergenic. I’d also like to see a pop-up library somewhere outside elsewhere on campus or a seed library.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I love spending time outdoors, riding my bike or walking around town. A good thrifting trip or checking out an art museum or gallery are also high on my priority list on my days off.
What’s the last thing you checked out? (Brief reviews are appreciated)
Women of Steel. This short documentary was made by a group of former female steelworkers in the Pittsburgh area in 1984. In it, they discuss their experience finding
work in the steel mills and subsequently getting laid off due to mill closings. There is a theme song and it’s amazing.
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
I’m interested in first-person narrative and autobiographies. I really like Revolution from Within by Gloria Steinem. This book of essays on the theme of self-esteem
connects external, social revolution to an internal revolution of spirit and consciousness. Several of the essays include parables from the lives of individuals such as Wilma Mankiller and Julie Andrews as well as observation from Steinem’s own experiences. I don’t know if I think everyone should read it, but it has certainly been meaningful to me. Some of our student workers update the popular reading display and are always looking for recommendations. 
If you could please list 5 or so of your favorite books that JKM has, that would be great!
Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy
Everything Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer
How to Save Your Own Life: A Novel by Erica Jong
Art 21: Art in the 21st Century (DVD). Any season.
Anything by Octavia Butler.
Contesting Archives: Finding Women in the Sources ed. By Nupur Chaudhuri, Sherry J. Katz, and Mary Elizabeth Perry
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
The hills! (Looking at them, not so much traveling on them.)
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city? (This includes restaurant recommendations, of course.)
Ride an incline, kayak on the rivers, eat pierogies, and visit an art museum. That’s four things.
Tell us some surprising things about yourself (2/3 would be great):
I moved from Arkansas to Pittsburgh about a year and a half ago.
I’m a Trekkie.
 

July 7, 2015

Kiera Mudry:
digs Pittsburgh’s music scene
can tell you all about Buffy
probably has a restaurant recommendation for you
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
As a Reference Associate, my job is to help you track down any and all information that you would need help finding when you’re in the library or Asking-a-Librarian
from home. I’m like the Sherlock Holmes of the library.
What made you choose your current profession?
It might be cliché to say that I have always wanted to be a librarian because I love reading, but my love of reading was what helped me find my passion for research. I chose this profession because nothing makes me happier than to help someone find that hidden piece of information that they have been searching for.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
An actress – I always loved an audience 🙂
What’s your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of working with reference is the fact that I get the chance to help others find what they are looking for, as well as learning more about the subject areas myself! It’s cool to be able to help someone out and to expand my own knowledge base.
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library—with no worries about time or expense—what would you do?
I think a mobile food cart in the foyer or something along the lines of a small café on the first floor would definitely be a great addition to the JKM library. Especially because some people view their coffee as going hand in hand with a long night of studying in the library.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I am a huge television series person. I love to tackle full series of shows when I have time off from school and work. One of my favorites that I have finished this year is Buffy the Vampire Slayer 🙂
What’s the last thing you checked out?
I’ve been doing a lot of research in my History of Children’s Literature class so the last book I’ve checked out was the Oxford Handbook of Children’s Literature. It’s a good read for those interested in authors and aspects of early to modern day children’s literature.
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
I’m going to suggest The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. The story is chilling, raw and honest. I definitely would recommend any title by Lamb, but this one has
just always stuck with me.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
My favorite thing about living here is the variety of food that you can try out in and around the city. I love having so many different options and because Pittsburgh has so many different neighborhoods, you can always find something new to eat. Also, the music scene! 🙂
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?
Visit all of the museums that Pittsburgh has to offer – especially the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Anything touristy is actually really cool to go visit or try out. Pittsburgh is always surprising me and I’ve lived close to the city my entire life! You should also go to the Proper Brick Oven and Tap Room in downtown and try their bacon candy with a margherita pizza.
Tell us some surprising things about yourself:
I was active with voice and piano lessons when I was young and even starred in a play as Sara Crewe in A Little Princess at 11 years old.
I completed my undergraduate Capstone project on the “Paul is Dead” hoax regarding The Beatles and the infamous rumor that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and
was replaced by a look-a-like. (I was a Communication major with a focus in Media Studies.)
I’ve seen a lot of really excellent concerts, featuring artists such as Steely Dan and Hall & Oates. I love to catch as many shows as I can for fun. 🙂
 

April 12, 2015

Molly Tighe:
-likes classical music
-has a history of sneaking into libraries
-is in favor of having a library cat
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m the Archivist & Public Services Librarian, so there are two aspects to my role in the library. As Archivist, I manage all aspects university Archives and Special Collections including acquiring, cataloging, and preserving documentation of the university with long-term historical and cultural value. As Public Services Librarian, I
work with students and faculty to ensure that their research and educational needs are met.
What made you choose your current profession?
In many ways, a career in Archives is a logical choice for a former history major and I’ve found it to be a wonderful way to explore how the past has shaped the present. I was also inspired to choose career in the library field after spending many hours in the Harold Acton Library in Florence, Italy while I was a nanny for an Italian family. I
would sneak into this then-private library, which is housed on three floors of a 16th century palazzo, and tip toe down a spiral staircase to the literature section, where I would relax into the ease of my native tongue.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A Las Vegas Chorus Girl. I love glitter.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
It’s always a pleasure to be contacted by an alumnae about their time at Chatham or to work with Alumni Affairs to help former students and faculty reconnect to their time here. Since I’m fairly new to Chatham, I’m doing a bit of research on the history of the university and I’m enjoying learning about all the amazing men and women
who have played a role in the development of our school. I also really enjoy helping students learn about the resources available to the library to further their academic and research goals.
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library, with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?
This is totally impractical, but it would be great to have a resident cat. On a practical level, I’d love a cold storage environment to help preserve our film and photograph collections.
What do you like to do on your days off?
I’m a classical music fan, so I attend Pittsburgh Symphony concerts pretty regularly. I love to practice yoga and the weekends are great time to take classes with Pittsburgh’s many fantastic teachers or with a visiting “yoga-lebrity.” I like to go hiking with my husband and we often make road trips to small historical societies or
history sites.
What’s the last thing you checked out?
The Martian by Andy Weir. This science fiction thriller is as heavy on the science, as it is on the thrills. It is being made into a feature film starring Kate Mara, Jessica Chastain, and Matt Damon due in theaters in November.
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
Whichever book I’m reading so that we can talk about it!
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
I love the geography and exploring all the neighborhoods tucked into the hollows and the runs. The cultural amenities, restaurants, and all the friendly people are also high on my list of favorite things about Pittsburgh.
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?
Go to a Pirates game! See the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra! Rent a kayak downtown (especially nice on hot summer days)! Buy cheese at Penn Mac!
Tell us some surprising things about yourself:
I did a cultural exchange with Norway when I was a teenager and lived in Trondheim for a month. It is an amazingly beautiful country.
I catalogued a Christmas card sent from John Lennon and May Pang to Andy Warhol when I worked in the Archives of the Warhol Museum.
I take gift wrapping very seriously.
 

March 2015

Gesina Phillips:

-wanted to be a marine biologist when she grew up
-DJ at WRCT-FM, Carnegie Mellon’s radio station
-is a Reference Associate here at the JKM Library!

What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m a Reference Associate, which means I’m one of the people you might talk to if you contact Ask a Librarian or email/call/stop by the Reference Desk at the library.
What made you choose your current profession?
I’m still studying for my Master’s in Library Science at the University of Pittsburgh, but I’ve chosen to become a librarian because I love teaching and learning.
Collaborating with people to find answers to their questions is fulfilling for me both as a people person and a researcher. Plus, my previous degrees are in English literature, so it sure is nice to be surrounded by books all the time.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A marine biologist. I grew out of that sometime during high school biology, but I still really like whales.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I really enjoy helping people through the research process. It’s great to be able to point people toward new resources or search strategies so that they’ll be better equipped
to find things in the future. I also love the range of research topics that I encounter—I always learn something new!
If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library- with no worries about time or expense, what would you do?
I would love to put in a cozy and inviting space for collaboration, like a cafe or a commons, and fill it with tons of supplies (whiteboards, interactive technologies) and
leisure reading materials (magazines, newspapers). The library has a lot of these things already, but I would love to combine them all in a more casual open space.
What do you like to do on your days off?
When I’m not at the library I enjoy reading, getting out & exploring the city, finding new music to listen to & revisiting old favorites, playing video games, and making
baked goods.
What’s the last thing you checked out?
The last book I checked out–and I’ll be honest–was Volume 3 of Mike Mignola’s Hellboy (a compilation which includes The Conqueror Worm and Strange Places).
Mignola’s use of shadows is gorgeous, and who doesn’t love a good comic book halfway through the semester? I got it from CLP Main, which has a great collection of comics, graphic novels, and even zines!
What book do you think everyone should read? Why?
I think everyone should really read Douglas Adams’ Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. It’s funny, it’s important, and it’s light enough sci-fi to be a potential gateway to some really nerdy stuff.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
I’ve heard it described as “the biggest small town” and I tend to agree. People love living in Pittsburgh, talking about Pittsburgh, and getting excited about all things related to Pittsburgh. I think that energy is great and above all quite infectious.
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?
Everyone will tell you to take the Incline, but they’re right! It’s a great thing to do because a) it’s part of the transit system, which is weird, and b) you end up with a lovely view of the city. Also make sure to take advantage of both the world-class venues and the little hole-in-the-wall spaces in the city that cater to art, music, and more.
Tell us some surprising things about yourself:
I’m a DJ at WRCT-FM, Carnegie Mellon’s radio station.
I’ve been cited in an academic publication…for talking about Viking Metal.
I’m on a constant search for the best burger in Pittsburgh.
 

February 3, 2015

January 8, 2015

November 15, 2014

October 25, 2014

October 15, 2014

October 5, 2014

October 5, 2014

September 20, 2014

September 10, 2014

August 20, 2014

July 22, 2014