We recently welcomed three new full-time staff to the William H. Hannon Library team. As it happens, all of them are 2021 graduates of Loyola Marymount University! Circulation Evening Supervisor Asia Jones, Main Stacks Supervisor Jonathan Davila, and Receiving Assistant Julianna Dunivin were all hired earlier this year and, as it happens, all worked as student assistants during their years as undergraduates at LMU. We are delighted to welcome each of them back to the library. We asked if they would share some information about themselves and their new role.
What drew you to the world of libraries, in general, and LMU Library in particular?
Asia: During undergraduate orientation, my o-leader mentioned working in the library’s Collections Management Department. I found that interesting at the time and when I began looking for a campus job, I saw that Collections Management was hiring and applied. After getting sent home in spring 2020, I found myself really missing the library space and working with the books. Now, I’m looking to strive as a dynamic team member and I knew Hannon Library would be a good place to grow some of those skills. Hence my return!
Jonathan: When I was a kid, my mom would take my younger brother and me to a nearby library after school instead of going directly home or staying at an after-school program. We would finish our homework, pick a book to read for the week, and then head home. This was an inspiration for my first job, a shelving assistant at my high school. At LMU, I also applied to be a shelving assistant as my work study job, and I’ve been here ever since.
Julianna: There are probably two main things that drew me to the LMU Library. First is the obvious: I love to read. Second, the science behind libraries: I have always been intrigued by the organization and process behind running an academic library.
What about this new role are you most excited about?
Asia: After spending a lot of time at home, I’m excited to be back in a more active space. I spent about a year and a half away from small interactions and exchanges so it’s nice to have those again with students, coworkers, and patrons.
Jonathan: I’m very excited to learn more about the back-end details of the Collections Management Department, which is kind of funny since this department is a back-end function of the library.
Julianna: I am excited to see a different side of library dynamics than what I saw as a student! I am also thrilled to be a supervisor, and uphold the same experience for LMU students that I had when I was a student.
What is the last show you watched or book you read (or podcast or album)? Would you recommend it to others?
Asia: Literature wise, I read “One Hundred Years of Solitude” recently. I’m not sure that I would exactly recommend it; there are quite a few disturbing events in that book that are treated without the severity they deserve. However, I think Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s world-building was pretty spectacular. The ‘reappearing yellow butterflies’ are a personal favorite of mine. As an animation + film enthusiast, I’ve been watching quite a few things. Most recently, a close friend finally dragged me onto the “Attack on Titan” train. I’ll admit I was skeptical at first because of how excited everyone’s been about it, but it deserves all the hype in my opinion. The animation quality and complexity is out of this world. Students taking figure drawing classes know how difficult it is to draw humans accurately, Wit Studio has their draftsmanship skills set to 110% with this one! Now I’m just trying to stay spoiler free and catch up before the final season starts.
Jonathan: I just finished the latest season of “Land of the Giants,” a podcast that goes over the big tech companies that have influenced our world over the past decades. It goes into depth on the struggles these companies faced early on, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in that industry. I also finished reading “The Martian Chronicles” and have moved on to “The Illustrated Man,” both written by Ray Bradbury
Julianna: I have been trying to catch up on a stack of books I have collected over the past few years, and am almost finished with “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” I am always a fan of classic, old school literature and this book has so much personality that is just exciting to read.
What is something about you that we would be surprised to learn?
Asia: Not sure if this is surprising but I enjoy skating. I got my first skateboard here as a first-year and I’ve taken my fair share of tumbles around campus. LMU has a lot of great spots so I’m looking forward to getting some time in between my work shifts.
Jonathan: After work, I love playing board games. I would say my favorites are some that have some luck, skill, and some deception involved, so games like Monopoly, Coup and The Red Dragon Inn are perfect.
Julianna: I have a horse, chickens, and a turtle along with my dog and cat at home. When I was younger we even had a pet turkey (don’t worry, we kept him very safe around Thanksgiving time).
How do you think being a student at LMU will inform your work at LMU Library?
Asia: I know a few library tips and tricks thanks to my time as a student here! My background in collections management has helped with knowing how materials are processed and where items might be hiding in the library. Other than that, I am the Circulation Department’s work study supervisor, meaning most of my work is done with our student workers. My alumni status has definitely facilitated connecting with everyone over shared classes, professors, or campus experiences in general.
Jonathan: Since my work study job as a student was here at the library, its layout and organization are already familiar to me. In a way, I see this role as a promotion of sorts. I hope that my experience can enable me to be a better supervisor and pass along some tips if I see some students struggling at the job.
Julianna: Even though I am now officially staff, I still think and feel like a student. I think this helps me both in supervising students, and in helping guide the library in ways to encourage student engagement with the library. I think this especially plays a role as we navigate the challenges of the pandemic.
Thank you all for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us!
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