Alert Collector: Building Collections

Abstract

I had no idea supplementing my archaeological grad school funding (or the lack thereof) with a part-time library job would completely change the trajectory of my life. I’d applied on a whim because libraries were always special to me. Certainly I submitted my application thinking, “I love to read! This will be perfect!,” but it also had me remembering how safe and understood librarians made me feel throughout my childhood. As a new adult I was more of a used book store connoisseur because forking out the money ahead of time was easier to plan for than risking fines for a late book. In fact, I almost didn’t apply at all because I knew I had some fine—probably massive—that had kept me away from the library for months because I never had cash on me. (Note: it ended up being 25 cents I paid on my first day of work.)