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

  1. 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.
  2. Any genres you won't read? Romance novels. I am not a fan of mushy stuff.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Have you ever "shh" -ed anyone in a library before? I have been "shh" -ed many times back in junior high.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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!"