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Showing posts with label Meet MLC Monday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Meet MLC Monday. Show all posts

Monday, October 17, 2022

Meet MLC Monday: Zach Burton

Elisabeth Scott
Reference and Social Media Librarian

Meet Zach Burton, Patron Access Coordinator at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Zach helps maintain and circulate the Talking Book Services' digital book collection. He also maintains, circulates, and repairs MLC's National Library Service (NLS) digital book players. Zach holds a bachelor's degree in Anthropology and is currently enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi as he finishes a master's degree in Library and Information Science with an Archival Certification.

Zach began working at MLC in September of 2022. He says, "I love being able to provide a service to the visually impaired community of our state; it is an incredibly rewarding line of work. Furthermore, I’ve greatly enjoyed working with all of my coworkers since I’ve begun here at MLC and look forward to the continued experience."

When asked his thoughts on libraries, Zach replies, "I like libraries for a plethora of reasons. Most simply, I love books and I love learning. More than that though, I believe the institutions of libraries and archives serve as some of the greatest bastions of intellectual freedom within a modern democracy. Within a library, we all have the freedom to explore any set of ideas which interest us, without being limited by economic restraints."

Zach loves to read, but claims that it’s too hard to pick a favorite book. (We understand; we have the same problem!) Two of his recent favorites are East of Eden by John Steinbeck, which he calls an undeniable classic, and Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation, which he says is one of the most important books he's ever read. He also has a recommendation for sci-fi fans: he just completed Gene Wolfe’s The Book of The Long Sun and labels it a literary masterpiece.

When Zach isn't busy working or reading, he spends most of his time with his partner and their dog. He also manages to fit in time hiking and playing bass, drums, and guitar in a few bands, all while juggling his stack of graduate work.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Meet MLC Monday: George Brantley

Elisabeth Scott
Reference and Social Media Librarian

Meet George Brantley, Help Desk Specialist at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! George assists with technical support at MLC's Help Desk by directing the flow of incoming requests and following up on technical difficulties at MLC. He also helps edit the web page design for Mississippi's public libraries. George holds an associate degree in General and Computer Science, as well as certification in Apple Products and Lenovo, Dell, HP, and Chrome laptops.

George began working at MLC in May 2022. His favorite part of working here is our "office culture". He points out, "Work is defined by what the job demands, but it’s the people that make it what it truly is." Technology has always been a passion of George's and he loves empowering people with the tools and help needed to advance their skills in practical ways. He tells us that as a Help Desk Specialist, he can fulfill this role while also learning more about technology.

George loves libraries! He says, "Libraries are an arsenal of knowledge. Whether you need to find information regarding research or simply need to wind down with a good novel, you will always find ways to use a library when it comes to enlightenment or entertainment. In a world filled with digital archives and social media, libraries are the hard copies to which one can fall back on. If the digital world should perish, it will be books on which humanity can rely on for knowledge." 

Reading is one of my George's main hobbies, but he admits to being picky about the books he spends time reading for pleasure. He struggled to pick a favorite book among so many available, but said Ready Player One ranks high on his list. "As an avid gamer, I can appreciate the subtleties that the author, Ernest Cline, touched on: how gaming can be an escape for people, but 'real life' is worth living too." When he's not reading or working hard at MLC, George loves going to the gym. He enjoys editing his form and technique and seeing the results of his efforts. George is also a die-hard gamer. He says, "I love how video games can bring a community together. I think it's great how you can escape into a different world and character, much like reading a book. It can bring that same joy."

Monday, May 16, 2022

Meet MLC Monday: Erin Morin

Elisabeth Scott
Reference and Social Media Librarian

Meet Erin Morin, Administrative Services Assistant at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Erin, a filing and organization wizard, helps MLC's Administrative Services team with various projects. Some of these projects may or may not involve regularly using the Keurig… you know, just to make sure it’s still working. (She's a wizard at this, too.) Erin holds a Master of Letters in Fantasy Literature from the University of Glasgow – if you Google image search it, you’ll see that she basically went to Hogwarts. (Take a virtual tour of the campus for the full-on Harry and Hermione experience!)

Erin began working at MLC in May 2022. She says she loves being a part of an organization that supports some of our state’s most vital resources. Erin's also a fan of the view from her window; she gets to look out across our lawn to the other side of our gorgeous library. When asked what she thinks about libraries, she says, "I was raised in libraries, and some of my fondest childhood memories involve the programming my local library hosted, from Summer Reading events to holiday craft parties." She added, "Libraries are absolutely vital to the communities they serve and society as a whole. They’re bastions of knowledge, custodians of history, and gateways to other worlds."

Erin is a huge reader. She loves books and says her favorite is The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. She's also a huge fan of Neil Gaiman and the Harry Potter series (As an aside, she mentions that this is only right, because she's a Ravenclaw millennial.) When she's not at MLC or checking out the newest reads, you can find Erin gaming. She still owns her very first console, a Sega Genesis. She enjoys single-player, story-heavy RPGs (role-playing games) with lots of player choice and multiple endings, as well as good survival games, simulation games and quirky VNs (visual novels).

Monday, May 2, 2022

Meet MLC Monday: Akeyla Harper

Elisabeth Scott
Reference and Social Media Librarian

Meet Akeyla Harper, Patron Services Librarian at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Akeyla serves as a readers' advisor for the Talking Book Services (TBS) department. This includes selecting books to send to patrons and assisting them over the phone with questions about/requests for specific books. She is also involved outreach activities. Akeyla, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Jackson State University, holds a bachelor’s degree in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation with a concentration in Therapeutic Recreation. She is a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.

Akeyla began working at MLC in April of 2022. She loves the services TBS provides to Mississippians. "My favorite part of my job is being able to assist the patrons who we provide this amazing service to. TBS is a great resource for special populations of people who sometimes believe they can’t do things because of a disability." Akeyla has discovered that she really enjoys advocating for listening to books for leisure, as well as introducing new people to the idea of listening to books as a way to improve overall quality of life. She says that these same ideas apply to libraries. "I like libraries because of all the resources they provide, their peacefulness, and the helpful staff. Libraries are a no judgement space filled with books, computers, and more for people to go to for free to open their minds to something new. Libraries are important because they are for everyone."

Akeyla loves to read, but she doesn't have a favorite book, or even a favorite genre. Instead, she prefers to read a variety of stories: fantasy, sci-fi, drama, anime, current events, adventure, mystery, and crime. Recently, she's begun reading more short stories, just for the quickness of them. 

When she's not busy spreading a love of reading at MLC, you can find Akeyla playing board games with her kids and traveling with her family. She also likes listening to music, swimming, and being outside on a warm day in the fresh air and sun. Akeyla enjoys games, especially word search puzzles and phone and video games. She also spends some of her downtime watching movies, anime, documentaries, and crime shows.

Monday, March 14, 2022

Meet MLC Monday: Amy LaFleur

Elisabeth Scott
Reference and Social Media Librarian

Meet Amy LaFleur, Reference and Archives Librarian at the Mississippi Library Commission! Amy assists patrons with reference questions, whether by phone, text, mail, or in-person. She has also taken on the task of organizing MLC's archives collections. Amy holds a bachelor's degree in English from the Mississippi University for Women, a master's degree in English from Mississippi State University, and a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Amy began working here in January of 2022. She says that so far, her favorite part of working at MLC is the atmosphere. "Everyone is friendly and works together." When asked about the positive things that libraries accomplish, Amy replied, "I love libraries because they allow patrons access to materials and programs they might otherwise miss. Also, libraries provide an excellent atmosphere for research and learning." 

Amy loves to read, but claims to be a picky reader. She says, "I typically like a good thriller or horror novel that moves quickly, but I will ready anything that holds my interest." Some of her favorite authors are Grady Hendrix, Edgar Allan Poe, Ian McEwan, Kealan Patrick Burke, Kate Morton, and Marisha Pessl. (We had to stop her from listing more, so we're pretty sure we can go to her for great book recommendations from now on.) When she's not whipping us into shape at MLC or relaxing with a good book, you can find Amy in her kitchen. She loves baking and learning new recipes, especially hunting down elusive gluten-free recipes that actually taste good.


Monday, January 3, 2022

Meet MLC Monday: Evan Theilman

 Elisabeth Scott
Reference and Social Media Librarian
 

Meet Evan Theilman, Patron Services Librarian and Readers Advisor in the Talking Book Services Department at the Mississippi Library Commission. Evan helps patrons select digital books, as well as responding to any concerns or questions they may have. He also assists in downloading books to cartridges for patrons. Evan holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Mississippi. 

Evan began working at MLC December 1 and says he enjoys working for an organization that's motivated by helping people rather than being purely profit-driven. When asked why he thinks libraries are important, Evan responds, "Libraries provide everyone with access to information that used to be the domain of the wealthy. They're a great tool you can use to better yourself for free."

Evan spends a fair amount of his free time reading, especially science fiction and fantasy novels. Even though it falls into neither category, his favorite book is The Count of Monte Cristo. When he's not reading, you can find him building models, cooking, and playing video games and RPGs like Dungeons and Dragons.

Monday, August 23, 2021

Meet MLC Monday: John Shaman

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator
 

Meet John Shaman, Reference Librarian at the Mississippi Library Commission! John has a variety of job duties, including shelving, assisting with reference questions, and taking care of MLC's large print extended loan program. He holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi. 


John began work at MLC at the beginning of June, and so far really enjoys answering the variety of reference questions that come his way. He says that his coworkers have helped ease the transition into his new position. When asked why he thinks libraries are important, John responds, "Libraries are vital social infrastructure. Everyone deserves free access to books, the internet, and a quiet place outside of home and work." It seems that one of the reasons John got an English degree is his love for reading. He enjoys literary fiction and philosophy, and his favorite books are My Ántonia by Willa Cather and Dubliners by James Joyce. John also likes to write, watch anime, ride his penny board, and take an occasional road trip.

Monday, August 9, 2021

Meet MLC Monday: Keith Thompson

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

Meet Keith Thompson, a Circulation Librarian in the Talking Book Services Department here at the Mississippi Library Commission. Keith does everything from checking in digital books, and cleaning and repairing Talking Book Players to maintaining our braille collection and readying introductory packets for new patrons. He holds a bachelor's degree in Information Technology (Networking) from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Keith started back in June, and says that so far, his favorite part of his job is preparing information for people new to the service. He says, "Libraries are important because they can be a gateway for people to experience new ideas through books. They also provide internet access to their communities, which is key." Keith enjoys reading. His favorite book of all time is The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison, and the last book he read was Anthem by Ayn Rand. When he isn't hard at work or relaxing with a book, you can find Keith exploring one of his favorite hobbies: digital drawing, traditional landscape drawing, and listening to Jazz.

Monday, March 8, 2021

Meet MLC Monday: Jason Walker

A photo of a man is in a circular frame. He is wearing a plaid shirt and glasses and smiling into the camera. He is standing in front of a display case holding books, including Me by Elton John. A quote is beside him, the text is Libraries are priceless, in part because they do so many important things. They educate, they let you escape to new places when reading, and they store information for future generations. Jason Walker systems administrator, MLC logo is below. it says Mississippi Library Commission Leadership Advocacy Service
Meet Jason Walker, Systems Administrator at the Mississippi Library Commission! Jason is one of the helpful voices you hear when you call our Technology Services Help Desk. He also assists with the agency's website. Jason holds a Google Professional IT Support Specialist certificate and has a background in software development. He began working at MLC at the beginning of January.

Jason says he likes his new job because of the new people he has the opportunity to meet and help. "I enjoy working at MLC because I get to educate Mississippians on the technology side of their library systems. I basically get to show them all the things technology has to offer us in order to help our communities grow and prosper."

Jason thinks the fact that libraries provide many, many resources one location is key to their success. "Libraries are priceless, in part because they do so many important things. They educate, they let you escape to new places when reading, and they store information for future generations."

Jason loves to read, and he reads pretty much anything and everything. His favorite book is the New King James Version of the Holy Bible. The last book he read was Introduction to C# for Beginners. In his spare time, Jason spends most of his time with his family and church community. He also likes coding, and is a professionally sponsored RC (remote control) race car driver.

Monday, December 7, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Jessica Parson

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

Meet Jessica Parson, Library Services Assistant at the Mississippi Library Commission! Jessica assists in the Library Services Bureau by shelving, wrapping books, filling in at our front desk, and more. She is a proud 2020 Millsaps College graduate.

Jessica began working for MLC in early November. She says, "Everyone here at MLC is so inviting and understanding. Everyone that I met here has made me feel as if I have been a staff member for much longer than a week!" 

Jessica has a lifelong love of libraries. "The majority of my childhood memories are dominated by my times in libraries. There were moments when my aunt would drop my cousins and I off at the library for a few hours while she would run errands, etc. I would always read to pass the time and, surprisingly, kept the habit. Comfort has always been found in a library for me. Libraries are important to me because they are centers for ideas and understanding another person’s mind and humanity via literature."

Jessica loves to read, so much so that she majored in English Literature at Millsaps. She says, "Literature is a never-ending dialogue between the author and the reader." Her favorite books are The Secret History by Donna Tartt, Othello by Shakespeare, and Peau Noire, Masques Blancs by Frantz Fanon. The most recent book that she finished is The Rover by Aphra Behn and she's currently reading William Wycherley’s The Country Wife. She also likes cooking, meditating, painting, film/anime watching, and writing.

Monday, November 30, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Russell Hawkins

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

Meet Russell Hawkins, Systems Administrator at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC). Russell began working at MLC in early November. He provides ongoing support, monitoring, and maintenance of technology systems and computer equipment, both internally to agency staff and externally to public library staff. He also works on special projects, such as assessing library technology needs and working on library websites.

Russell thinks libraries are important because "libraries allow the average person to 'get into the heads' of the greatest minds to have ever lived." He enjoys reading and is a big fan of the urban fantasy genre, especially Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files and M.D. Massey’s Junkyard Druid. He just finished Garon Whited’s latest book in the Nightlord series, Mobius. Russell also likes to attend church and play the bass guitar. He and his wife have two children.


Monday, November 16, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Lawrence Smith

We have been sharing a closer look at Mississippi Library Commission (MLC) staff with Meet MLC Monday for nearly five years now. Some people stay only a short time period before deciding that working at a library was not what thought it would be. Some, however, stay, evolve, and prosper, like Lawrence Smith. He is this week's Meet MLC Monday staff and he has been at MLC since October of 1996. 

While Lawrence is still our Patent Librarian, he has added a new title since we last featured him in January 2016. He is now also our Collection Management Services Director, taking on a supervisory position and assisting with cataloging our new books and other materials. Working with patents isn't as dull you might think. Lawrence has dealt with a wide variety of inventions over the years, including a vibrating toilet seat and, on one memorial occasion, a patron who wanted to provide a demonstration of his... "business" chair.

Lawrence says, "When I first started working at MLC, we were pulling books from the shelves to view patents and trademarks. Now everything is digitized and web-based. Cataloging was done by card catalog. Now it's digitized, too."

We asked Lawrence some hard-hitting questions about himself. It turns out he is a dog-loving coffee drinker who likes the cold. Who knew?! He also told us that, if he were to set up two characters from different books, he would choose Robin Hood and Cinderella. "Cinderella was very humble and hard working. Robin Hood was more of a villain and Cinderella, I think, could tame the wild side of him."

Stay tuned as we check back in with other long-time MLC staff from time to time here on Meet MLC Monday. Until next time, happy reading!

Monday, October 26, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Sebastian Murdoch

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

Meet Sebastian Murdoch, Patron Services Librarian/Readers Advisor for Talking Book Services at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC). Sebastian assists patrons in finding and receiving digital books from the Talking Book Services program. She holds a bachelor's degree in Literature from Mississippi College and a master's degree in Creative Writing from Lesley University.

Sebastian started at MLC just under one month ago. She says, "I like working at MLC because everyone here is so warm and welcoming, and they all genuinely love what they do." According to her, the best part of her job so far is helping people find the books they most want to read. Of libraries, Sebastian says, "I love libraries because of the possibilities and opportunities they represent. There are so many things libraries do for the community, and without them, the world would feel like a much smaller, lonelier place."

Sebastian loves to read. Her favorite book is a tie between Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie and Bastard Out of Carolina by Dorothy Allison. One of the latest books she read was Luster by Raven Leilani, which she says was "gorgeous and heartbreaking." When she isn't reading, Sebastian likes to write short stories. She is currently working on a novel. She delights in horror and enjoys writing, reading, and watching her favorite genre, especially if it's set in a creepy small town.

Monday, September 21, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Jennifer Todd

 Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

Meet Jennifer Todd, Director of Technology Services at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC). Jennifer oversees MLC's Technology Services Team and the day to day operations of the department, as well as planning, developing, and coordinating technology projects and initiatives for the agency. She holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Mississippi and associate degrees in Cyber Security Technology and Computer Networking Technology from Hinds Community College.

Jennifer returns to MLC after four years at the Hinds Community College Learning Resource Center in Raymond. She says she enjoys the variety in day to day activities and the wonderful staff here at the Commission. She started working in libraries as a shelver during high school and hasn't looked back since. "I enjoy the atmosphere and the people I meet--both staff and patrons."

When asked her opinion on libraries, Jennifer says, "Libraries play a vital role in society: they provide education, entertainment, and opportunities."

Jennifer is a member of the Mississippi Library Association, the professional organization for librarians and library workers in Mississippi. She is the co-chair of the Web Committee. In her spare time, she likes to read, try new recipes, and spend time with her family. Her favorite books are young adult historical fiction, like Copper Sun by Sharon Drake.

Monday, August 17, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Miranda Vaughn

Elisabeth Scott
Reference Librarian/Social Media Coordinator

Meet Miranda Vaughn, Reference/Archives Librarian at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Miranda, who began working at MLC at the beginning of August, answers reference questions and conducts archival projects. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the Mississippi University for Women and is currently a student at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she’ll graduate this December with a master's degree in Library and Information Science with a graduate certificate in Archives and Special Collections. 

When asked what she likes about her job, Miranda answers, "I love the research aspect of this job. When a patron sends in a reference request for me to answer, I get to learn right along with them. Every day is a new adventure." She adds, "I love the environment at MLC. It fosters creativity and growth. You never stop learning."

Miranda knows about the importance of libraries firsthand. She says, "I grew up in a rural area, so the local library was sort of my window to a world outside of my little bubble. I think libraries are important especially for people who live in rural, often impoverished areas. Libraries offer free access to all kinds of resources that a lot of people can’t afford."

Our newest employee says she reads mostly non-fiction, but tries to add some fiction into the rotation. She's currently reading Barracoon by Zora Neal Hurston. Miranda is a huge fan of memoirs, especially those from female comedians like Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling, because they write with such honesty and humor. When she's not busy at work or relaxing reading, she's fulfilling her new duties as a plant mom, a new role since quarantine. She quips, "Only a few of my plant babies have survived though, so I’m literally killing it." Miranda also enjoys exploring old cemeteries and has a cemetery bucket list. She was able to check the Oakland Cemetery in Atlanta off her list, as well as some of the amazing cemeteries in New Orleans.

Monday, July 20, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Nikki Jones

Meet Nikki Jones, Talking Book Services (TBS) Reader’s Advisor at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Nikki began working at MLC at the beginning of July and her main job duty is  assisting patrons with the selection of braille and talking books. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from Temple University and a master's degree in Education from Eastern University. She comes to MLC with public library experience with the Jackson Hinds Library System. She received their Leadership Award in 2011.




Nikki has enjoyed learning about the unique services that TBS offers its patrons. She says, "I like working at MLC because it is an efficient agency that offers library services for all Mississippians."She adds, "I like libraries because you can travel the world, learn a trade, vicariously feed a lion, explore history, dive into the future, and discover the life and experiences of others all under one roof. It truly is an amazing place to learn about the world in which we live!"

She likes to read about people and their life experiences because so many lessons can be learned from them. Her favorite book is the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. She also loves animals and cares for several cats.

Monday, June 15, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Abbe Macoy

Meet Abbe Macoy, Reference Librarian at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Abbe started working at MLC in late May and has been busy learning the ropes. Even under social distancing restrictions, Abbe has quickly picked up some of her new job duties: answering reference questions and shelving large print books. She holds a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Southern Mississippi. Her Honors Thesis was a collection of her own poetry titled To My Room’s Future Tenant for which she won the Honors College Excellence in Creative Activity Award.

3 small picture of MLC at top and at bottom. In middle is a photo of a smiling woman wearing glasses. A wooded area is behind her. Text reads I like libraries because there are so many different worlds on the shelves, and libraries are important because they value, protect, and share these worlds.


Although she's been here such a short time, Abbe has already been impressed by the diversity and harmony of the staff working here. She says the beautiful building is an added bonus. When asked about her interest in libraries, Abbe responds, "I like libraries because there are so many different worlds on the shelves, and libraries are important because they value, protect, and share these worlds." Abbe loves to read; her favorite book is A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. She is also heavily involved in her church, Relate Church, and likes to create Pinterest DIYs.

Join us in welcoming Abbe to the Mississippi Library Commission!

Monday, June 8, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Jayson Bounds

Meet Jayson Bounds, Circulation Services Librarian in Talking Book Services for the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Jayson started at MLC at the end of May, so his introduction to library life has been unusual, to say the least. No matter! He is quickly learning the basics of his job: keeping audiobooks stocked on our shelves and sending them out to patrons. He also checks that the digital cartridges aren't defective when they're returned through the mail. Jayson holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations from Belhaven University.

3 small pictures of MLC Talking book services at top and bottom. In middle is a picture of a smiling man seated outside in front of a tree. Text reads I have always been fascinated by history and libraries hold those books that can act as gates to the past.


Jayson enjoys filling people's audiobook requests because he finds it interesting to see which books are most popular. (It's not always the current bestsellers!) His love for libraries stems from his passion for history. "I have always been fascinated by history and libraries hold those books that can act as gates to the past."

Although he only reads occasionally, recently Jayson was inspired to read his now favorite book, A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin, after watching the Game of Thrones series. Sports are his true passion. He likes rooting for his favorite football team, the Philadelphia Eagles, his favorite basketball team, the Philadelphia 76ers, and his favorite baseball team, the Atlanta Braves. When he has time, he also likes to play those sports with friends and unwind by playing video games, like The Witcher 3.

Please join us in welcoming Jayson to the Mississippi Library Commission!

Monday, June 1, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Kayla Martin-Gant

Meet Kayla Martin-Gant, Continuing Education Coordinator at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! Kayla, who began working at here at the beginning of March, develops, schedules, presents, and coordinates training and workshops for MLC. Since the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic in Mississippi, she has worked to develop, locate, and distribute resources to librarians across the state, both for their own professional development and for sharing with patrons. She has even created a Facebook group specifically for Mississippi librarians and staff to share ideas and resources among themselves.

Kayla holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Belhaven University. She will graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi in December with a master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS).

3 small pics of MLC at top and bottom. Middle left shows a picture of a white woman with short brown hair and glasses. next to her text reads Meet Kayla Martin-Gant.  To me, libraries aren’t just important, they’re vital, because they’re one of the last places left where the bottom line for the people there is you and your needs, not your wallet.

Researching and finding resources for other librarians to use has quickly become her favorite part of working at MLC. Kayla says, "I love organizing information so that it's easy for everyone to navigate and utilize, and I love helping fellow librarians come up with new ideas, workshop old ideas, and solve problems in their libraries."

Kayla thinks that libraries can be a positive force for everyone. "I genuinely believe that libraries are, or should be, the backbone of the community. Libraries, and the people who staff them, are one of the only places you can go in this country where your existence is all that is required for entry. Librarians work endlessly to educate and entertain people of all ages and backgrounds. To me, libraries aren’t just important, they’re vital, because they’re one of the last places left where the bottom line for the people there is you and your needs, not your wallet."

Kayla is a reading enthusiast, too. A few of her recent favorites include Open Borders: The Science and Ethics of Immigration by Bryan Caplan, Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir, This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, and I’ll Be Gone In the Dark: One Woman’s Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara. She also enjoys writing, creating Spotify playlists and Pinterest boards based on characters/stories/aesthetics/vibes, and taking goofy pics of her dog. Kayla listens to a lot of podcasts and the subjects range from history and true crime to science, society, and culture. (She especially loves it if it's something spooooky.) Fair warning: Kayla lives to spread the news about her favorite shows, stories, and podcasts, so be prepared to add to your to read/to watch/to listen lists!

Please welcome Kayla to the Mississippi Library Commission!

Monday, March 2, 2020

Meet MLC Monday: Brian McGee

Meet Brian McGee, Facilities Maintenance employee at the Mississippi Library Commission (MLC)! He helps clean, maintain, and beautify MLC's building and grounds, as well as assisting with any repairs that are needed.

center left an african american man stands next to some sort of equipment center right text says meet brian mcgee Libraries give people opportunities to do things like find jobs and explore the world of reading 3 small pictures of MLC grounds are at top and bottom

Brian started working at MLC in February and says that he enjoys learning new skills here. He also likes the easygoing relationship he has formed with his supervisor that allows him to do the job he was hired to do.

Brian finds libraries very helpful for researching. He also says, "Libraries give people opportunities to do things like find jobs and explore the world of reading." When he's not at MLC, he enjoys being around family and friends.
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