Library IRL is a monthly series that highlights the people behind the books, spaces, and services at HPU Libraries. Each feature offers a closer look at one member of our team, sharing insight into their work, interests, and the many ways they support students, faculty, and campus life. It is a chance to show the real people behind the library and tell the stories that do not always fit neatly into job titles or service descriptions.
This month, we are featuring Brian Carter!
About Brian
What is your title and how long have you been at HPU Libraries?
Late Night Library Supervisor and Collection Manager ; As of March 19, I have been here 13 years and 7 months.
What does a typical day look like for you, or what do people think you do vs what you actually do?
“Well, I generally come in at least fifteen minutes late… I use the side door – that way Lumbergh can’t see me – and after that I just sorta space out for about an hour…Yeah, I just stare at my desk; but it looks like I’m working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch, too.”
The Work
What part of your work feels the most meaningful to you?
When someone really enjoys a book I suggested.
What is something about your role that most people might not realize?
That it even exists. That’s not snark…most people don’t know that the library is open 24 hours during the week. Including people who should know better – like security and campus enhancement.
What is one project or accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
All the stuff to do with leisure reading – the popular fiction section, the genre sections in the Readerspace, the graphic novels, the new non-fiction on the 3rd floor
The Human Side
What is your favorite spot in any HPU Libraries space and why?
The Readerspace in Smith Library. B/c that’s where all the newest sci-fi/fantasy/graphic novels are.
Coffee, tea, or something else?
Whichever caffeine delivery vehicle is physically closest to my hand.
What is something on your desk or in your workspace that says a lot about you?
“My Zorg Industries ZF-1. It’s light. Handle’s adjustable for easy carrying, good for righties and lefties. Breaks down into four parts, undetectable by x-ray, ideal for quick, discreet interventions. A word on firepower. Titanium recharger, three thousand round clip with bursts of three to three hundred, and with the Replay button – another Zorg invention – it’s even easier. One shot and Replay sends every following shot to the same location! And to finish the job, all Zorg oldies but goldies: rocket launcher, arrow launcher, with exploding or poisonous gas heads, our famous net launcher, the always efficient flamethrower -my favorite – And for the grand finale, the all-new Ice Cube system!”
What is a skill you have that is not in your job description?
This is obviously a trap designed to create more work and responsibility for me and I am way too smart to fall for that.
Library Culture
What is a library resource or service you love that more people should know about?
Alexander Street Press/Academic Video Online. Tons of fascinating documentaries, including most of Ken Burns’ catalog and PBS nature/science shows.
If you could magically add one thing to the library, what would it be?
Most genres of literature have a trade association of some kind (i.e. the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America) that recognizes certain authors as “masters” of that genre. I would like for us to have a special collection that included every work by those authors.
Just for Fun
Favorite book, movie, or album right now?
Favorite book = Lord of the Rings trilogy (if it’s bound together it still counts as one book); Favorite Movie = Star Wars: A New Hope; Album = Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness.
A book you love but rarely get to recommend?
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh. Award winning sci-fi that I think gets overlooked b/c of its YA-aesthetic cover.
If your job had a theme song, what would it be?
The theme song from “Insomniac with Dave Attell.”
If you see Brian at the Circulation Desk, say hello!
By Gerald Ward, Assistant Director