Title: Staff Assistant
Library/Department: David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Administration
Location: Rubenstein Library, West Campus
Years at Duke: 6 months
In a nutshell, what do you do at the Duke University Libraries?
My role at DUL is to support all the programming and services that arise from the lovely Rubenstein library crew, in both an administrative/planning role and as the go-to person for any financial transactions and needs. We have an array of diverse curatorial centers, and we serve students, faculty, and researchers both locally and internationally.
If you had to pick one thing, what’s the best part of your job so far?
I’m interested in a career in the library science field, and hope to enroll into an MLIS program in the near future. The best part of my job is learning all the different ways that librarians serve the community, and all the possibilities open to me in my future. Additionally, I love looking at collections in the University Archives and all the different exhibits.
What the best thing you’ve read/watched/listened to recently?
I’ve been reading significantly more books recently, since I only semi-recently finished up my undergraduate career. I even discovered a series of mystery novels about a small-town Southern library assistant turned detective! But the best book I’ve read recently is This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub. It’s a different take on time-travel and I recommend it – even if you’re not normally into magical realism.
What do you like to do outside work?
In a past professional life, I was a sous chef and worked in restaurants, bakeries, and in food marketing. I love learning new recipes, especially the home cooking of my childhood. My family is South Asian and Southeast Asian, two cultures that aren’t prone to written recipes. But it’s so fun to experiment! I have an energetic dog that loves going on walks, and I like going on local hikes with her. The Confluence Natural Area off the Eno River in Hillsborough, NC is a favorite spot.
