Unless you've worked at McFarlin, you might not realize how essential the phrase "I'll ask Amanda" is to our smooth operations. Amanda Ferguson is one of those invaluable staff members. She primarily works behind the scene to ensure our website functions flawlessly. Without its highly accessible website (among other resources), McFarlin would be just a building with books. In addition to being our webmaster, Amanda also serves as one of our ILL associate librarians and is a wizard at finding resources. Enjoy this interview where Amanda shares her favorite aspects of McFarlin and her itinerary for a perfect day.
How long have you been at McFarlin and what roles have you had during your tenure?
I did my undergrad here at TU and had a work-study at the library. One of the staff members reached out a while after I’d graduated to let me know somebody'd retired and there was an opening. I’ve worked full-time at McFarlin for thirteen years now. I started in the circulation department and moved over to interlibrary loan. I’m also one of the people that work on the library’s website.
Why librarianship? What made this career appealing to you?
I enjoy getting to interact with people and help with research. I like hearing about new and interesting topics and helping problem-solve. One of the biggest draws to working here though was the staff. I met some amazing people when working on my bachelor's and I knew that it was a team that I would enjoy working with.
What is your non-library training and/or degree, and how does it help you as a librarian?
I started as an MIS major but eventually decided to switch to a history major. It has helped me learn how to research different areas of study and showed me how there can be multiple approaches to solving a problem.
What’s your favorite spot in McFarlin Library and why is it your favorite?
There are a few spots in McFarlin that I enjoy, but my favorite at the moment is by the windows in the tech wing. It’s a cozy space to sit with lots of natural light and a great view.
Can you tell me about a memorable interaction you have had with a patron?
I’ve had quite a few memorable interactions. It is great when you can find that one book or resource that you can tell has made someone’s day. Some of my favorites are from students that have thanked us after finishing their theses or dissertations, but I also really enjoy the look on a student’s face the first time I tell them how many things they’re allowed to check out.
What is your favorite media to consume and what makes it your favorite?
I usually have a tv on at home, but most of the time it's for the background noise. I would say that I spend most of my time reading. Mysteries of any genre, thrillers and fantasy are my favorites. I also read a lot of fanfiction. I love reading original works with new worlds and characters, but I also love the opportunity to reach beyond canon and read the what-if scenarios that can come from transformative fiction.
What’s the best (non-human) resource at McFarlin?
The website. You can find information on all our resources and services there including the best ways to reach out to the staff.
Tell me the most bizarre thing you have seen while walking through the book stacks.
I’ve found students asleep at the tables in the stacks. This wasn’t in the stacks, but I did have a couple of students give me a jump scare in their Halloween costumes back when the learning studio was still the media room.
If you could go back in time and talk to one of the designers who modified the building, which phase would you jump to and what would you tell them?
Back in time immemorial (pre-2007), we had what was called the Cyber Café. It was on the main level right where the main staircase is. It was a computer lab with a couple of vending machines, a kitchenette, and tables that you could sit and eat at. The computers and vending machines have since been moved and we have Starbucks upstairs now. (It has way better seating, atmosphere, and coffee) I do miss the little kitchenette though...and the carpet. Book carts and tile are not a good combination with the library’s acoustics.
You’re trapped in McFarlin for the night: what do you do when no one else is around?
Hang out on the browsing floor with my laptop and all the lights on. This building is creepy when it’s empty.
What is an exciting project you are currently working on, or a future endeavor you are anticipating?
I like getting to add the new library events to the website as they come up. We’re also doing an update of a lot of our written procedures since we migrated to a new system last summer.
What is your idea of THE perfect day (where you could go anywhere/meet with anyone)?
I’m a bit of a homebody so my perfect day would be at home with the windows open. I’d be playing the newest update to one of my video games or getting to read the next book in one of my favorite series with no interruptions. If I had to pick something outside of the house, then I’d visit a museum I haven’t been to yet or go to a con with some of my favorite actors.