Staff Spotlight: Andrew

Our staff are our pride and joy! They keep this place running smoothly; making sure our community has the materials they need while offering original programming and library services for our treasured patrons. We’re excited to share more about the amazing staff who work at Wood Buffalo Regional Library in our blog feature: Staff Spotlight!

One of our Library Resources staff, the lovingly detail-oriented, sitcom-adoring, and voted “most likely to have a quip for any situation”, Andrew Williams, sat down with us for our next staff spotlight interview.

WBRL: What is your role at our library and how long have you been working here?

Andrew: I am Page, which means I shelve, scan, and check in items, making sure they aren’t damaged before they are returned to our collection. When there are too many items on the shelf, I do shifting projects where we move large parts of the collection to make more space. I also search the library for missing, lost or claimed return items, I help to withdraw books, and I help sort donations and prepare the sale shelf.

On top of that I use the DLA scanner (picture to the left) to scan the RFID tags in each of our books to see if they are placed in the correct order on the shelf and if they may be unlocked for our security gate. I have been here for seven years.

WBRL: What is your educational or professional background?

Andrew: I went to Lethbridge College and got a diploma in Digital Communications and Media. After that I went on to Toronto Film School and got my diploma in Writing for Film and TV.

WBRL: What is a library project that you are working on that excites you?  

Andrew: It’s kind of odd, but I get most excited about shifting projects. It’s so satisfying when its done. Also, anytime I get to dress up in our mascot costume, Wylie Wordsworth, or I get to help our courier, it’s a great day.

WBRL: Describe a library memory or moment that has brought you joy. It doesn’t have to be from WBRL, it can be from when you were a patron at another library!

Andrew: I briefly worked on the reference desk and liked conducting the readers advisory questions and helping our patrons find what they were looking for. Chatting about books with people is always fun.

WBRL: Do you have any talents that don’t get a chance to shine at the library?

Andrew: I have creative writing skills that don’t get a chance to shine here. I write a lot of comedic or dramatic stuff, usually scripts or short stories.  

WBRL: Is there a random subject that you are so knowledgeable about that you could write a whole book on it?

Andrew: Sitcoms and their history or the best version of a peanut butter and jam sandwich.  

WBRL: What is your current or last read?

Andrew: The Antique Hunters Death on the Red Sea by C.L. Miller, it was a light and interesting read.

WBRL: What is your favourite genre to read or watch?

Andrew: Comedy mostly, with a bit of drama sprinkled in here and there.

WBRL: What was your favourite movie when you were a child?

Andrew: Kindergarten Cop.

WBRL: Oh a classic! What a great pick!

WBRL and Andrew in unison: It’s not a Tumaa!

WBRL: Last question, name a book or film that you wish you could experience for the first time again.

Andrew: Planes Trains and Automobiles.

Keep an eye on our blog to read more Staff Spotlight interviews!