And, just like that, we're into September! Break out the pumpkin spice and Halloween decorations. (Too soon? I don't think so, either.)
This month's staff spotlight is talking to Mike Check, who focuses on IT services in the library. If you've ever had a problem in the library, there's a good chance Mike has had a hand in fixing it. He's also a rare find in libraries; he's one of the few extroverts on our team. So, let's learn more about him!
The Facts
Name: Mike Check
Title: Library Technologist
Bio: Michael started working at the University of Phoenix back in 2000. He is a jack of all trades, from troubleshooting to web design, and loves working to make the library a technologically positive experience.
The Questions
- What is your favorite book? I can't say I have a favorite book. When I read a good book, I get lost within the story, and it feels like I am not reading anymore but watching what is going on. So, for me, it's more like who is your favorite Author? My favorite Author is Michael Stackpole, and I have read just about everything he has written.
- Any genres you won't read? Romance novels. I am not a fan of mushy stuff.
- What is your favorite hobby? I love to play video games. Growing up in the '80s and going to the arcade every Saturday really instilled the love of videos games in me.
- What activity do you find incredibly boring? Listening to lectures. I am a hands-on person, so sitting in one place for hours on end listening to someone droning on is not my cup of tea.
- What sound or noise do you love? The sound of an original modem connecting to the internet. It always reminds me of the first time I connected to the internet that has changed the world forever.
- What sound or noise do you hate? I can't stand the sound of breaking glass. That usually means I have to try and find all the glass that just broke into a million pieces.
- Have you ever "shh" -ed anyone in a library before? I have been "shh" -ed many times back in junior high.
- What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? I always thought that being a tester for Consumer Reports would be awesome. Trying to break things and see how long they last would be super fun.
- What profession would you not like to do? I would never be a coal miner. First, it's a super dirty job, and second, they work underground. I am not a fan of dark enclosed places.
- If the library of Alexandria exists, what's the first thing you would read from there? Hard to say. I would have to browse the stacks until something jumped out at me, saying, "I have got to read that!"