STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Get to know Mariel Murray, new Access Services Technician at Scott Library
If you visit Scott Memorial Library’s Access Services Desk (on the 2nd floor) to borrow a resource, reserve a study room, or ask a library-related question, chances are you’ll see a new, friendly face behind the desk! Mariel Murray (she/they) joined our Access Services team late last year, just around the same time that Tommy Pickering joined our Access Services team on at the Gutman Library on the East Falls campus.
We sat down with Mariel to learn about her position and what interested her in Jefferson and Scott Library. And, it turns out Mariel is also very musically talented. A library-themed soft rock album may be in the works in 2024.
When did you start working at Jefferson’s Scott Memorial Library?
I started working at the Scott Memorial Library in December— I’d say I’m new but getting old fast.
What’s your title, and what does a typical day look like for you? What types of work are you responsible for in Scott Library?
I’m an Access Services Technician. I think of access services as a sort of hub where a lot of different working parts of the library come together: circulation, course reserves, space/technology/resource management… It’s a forward-facing role that provides general support for using the library. If the printer is acting up, you need to check out an anatomical model, or you’re looking for a consultation with a librarian, among a million other things… I’m here for it!
So, you’re really a problem solver and connector! Where can library visitors find you if they need help?
You can find me at the Access Services Desk on Scott Library’s 2nd floor. We’re also available via the library website’s “Live Chat.” Just hit the blue Chat button on the homepage at library.jefferson.edu/scott.
Have you worked in a library before? What made you interested in getting involved in the world of libraries and higher education?
Yes! I worked in a school library and really loved it! I was starting to think about applying to Masters of Library and Information (MLIS) programs and decided I should probably experience a different kind of library environment before committing to the field.
How do you like working at Jefferson and Scott Library so far? What is something that has surprised you about the library and/or working at Jefferson?
It’s great! Sometimes, I’m surprised by the scope of information within the stacks on the fourth floor, where there’s currently construction going on/the space is pretty compressed… Sometimes I’ll search the catalog for a relatively obscure topic, wondering if anything will come up at all, and there will be three or four entire texts devoted to the topic in the stacks… pretty neat.
Are there any projects, tools, events, etc. that you’re looking forward to working on or learning about in this new role?
I can’t wait to see the Siegman Archives! The 4th floor has been closed since I started working here, so I’ve gotten to see the vision of the layout, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it in action.
What is something you’re binging right now? (this could be a TV show, podcast, book series, music album, etc.)
I usually don’t think to turn on the TV, but I get intrigued and tune in when someone else does. I don’t know if I’d say I’m binging the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, but I’m moderately tuned in.
I just made my first Blended playlist on Spotify with some former bandmates. It’s got Lucinda Williams, Mitski, Joanna Sternberg, Beach House, John Prine… it’s a good mix.
Former bandmates? Now we have to know: what was the band name, and what instrument did/do you play?
You know, the name was something we never got a consensus on… I wanted to be “The Dewy Bodies” (this came from a slippage while trying to say “lewy bodies.”). I really like to sing— I play guitar and the keys, too.
Welcome to the team, Mariel!