This interview is over 1 year old and may no longer be up to date or reflect the interviewee/interviewees’ positions

by Todd Simpson, Head Editor, INALJ New York City

This is my interview with Christina Bell, Humanities Librarian at Bates College.

Christina Bell – Humanities Librarian

Todd:  How did you find your current job?

Christina: I saw the listing on INALJ.com, at the same time that a librarian friend sent it to me.

Todd:  Favorite library you have been to?

Christina:  I love most academic libraries, landmark and research institutions, but I am also a fan of US presidential libraries. They are a snapshot of a short historical period, and include all manner of library and archival material as well as a museum and educational space.

Favorite book?

Just one?! I love The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and East of Eden by John Steinbeck. Both are great stories about the passage from childhood to adulthood, and what is gained and lost along the way.

Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?

I love the dynamic nature of the industry. The library really is a place for everyone, regardless of what type of material you want or information you need. I really love using new tools and technology in my work. Technology can seem intimidating, and am always telling people not to be afraid to try new things. I like to show students Bamboo DiRT (http://dirt.projectbamboo.org/), as a resource to find digital tools.

Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?

I’m not really a consistent blog reader; I rely on Twitter to keep me connected both with people and developing industry trends. I am involved in the digital humanities community, and love the new projects and tools that come out every day. You can follow me @librarybell.

Best piece of job hunting advice?

Don’t forget to be yourself! Whether in a cover letter or interview, give employers a sense of what your interests are, who you are as an individual, and how you want to grow. When I am reviewing applications, I see so many people using a stock cover letter. That is boring, gives no real information about you, and is likely to land the application in the “no” pile.

Biography, Christina Bell:

I recently accepted the position of Humanities Librarian at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine. I received an MA in Humanities and Social Thought from New York University, an MLIS from the Palmer School at Long Island University, and a BA in History and Classics from the University of Arizona. A lifelong book nerd, my journey to library-land began with a student position at the UA Special Collections Library in Tucson, AZ. I spent several years working on both sides of criminal law before committing myself to the information profession. Throughout graduate school, I worked at a major human rights organization, which gave me a greater sense of compassion and a new perspective on the world around me. I enjoy cooking, baking, knitting, hanging out with friends or my cats, and trying new foods. I can be reached at www.librarybell.com.