New Kid on the Block

Hello Readers!

My name is Erin McAvoy and I am the Bindery and Preservation Review Coordinator.  As of a few months ago, I relocated from the basement of the Wells Library to the Preservation Lab, which is about a mile away in our Auxiliary Library Facility (ALF).  I’m still a relative newcomer to working full time, and I have a lot to learn.  And since I have a habit of overthinking things, this blog will be a good outlet for some of those work-related topics.

Unpacking the first bindery delivered to Bindery Prep’s new Preservation Lab location.

First, I never expected to be here: my plan was to get exposure to a broad range of subjects in library school so I would be prepared to go anywhere and do anything.  Instead, I stayed in Bloomington and continued to do the work I did as a student employee while in library school.  The job has changed in plenty of ways, not the least of which was the move.  But I like it a lot (both the job and the location).  It is nice to finally work in the same building as those in my department.  Everyone has been so welcoming and I finally feel like I am part of the library.  Also, the parking situation is probably the best on campus, so that is a nice perk!

Being in the same location as my preservation colleagues has given me many more opportunities to learn.  They all come from different backgrounds, and all have fascinating experiences to share.  The diverse skillset they represent is incredible; I could probably spend an entire day listening to each one of them talk!  I feel so lucky to be starting my professional career surrounded by these individuals.

So, I am very happy to be here: physically at the Lab and starting a presence on this blog.    I already can’t wait to get started on my next post, but that one will require some research.  I feel a little like Bilbo Baggins, starting a journey.  I don’t know where I will end up, but that is part of fun.