Jesse Carson Interview

What is the most interesting thing you’ve worked on at the AU Library?

I worked with one of the Archives’ donors to create an exhibit featuring some textual records and artifacts from our Helen S. Petersen Bentley fonds. Helen was a fascinating woman who worked as an educator and artist in the fields of home economics and interior design. Showcasing her life through the records that have been donated to the Archives was an informative and unique experience.

What is the coolest thing about the Library?

Our Inter-library Loans program. It allows our students’ research to reach beyond our Library’s holdings, which I think is incredibly valuable. It's also interesting to me because the Archives has faxes and letters from the early days of Athabasca University (the 70s and 80s) wherein Thomas Edge, the University Librarian, is advocating for this type of program. If only you could see it now Tom!

Any advice for people wanting to go into your line of work? 

Do your research before you commit to a degree program. I have a Master of Library and Information Studies, but people in my field also have degrees in Archival Studies, History, Conservation, or other related fields. While there is a lot of crossover between the degrees, knowing what each offers is important for making the right decision for yourself.

Library employees and cats are a common pairing, what is your pet of choice?

Allergies and a preference for reciprocated affection have always driven me to prefer dogs. I have a Chihuahua named Steve who I wouldn’t trade for any number of those clawed feline menaces.

What is something people may not know about you? 

I had a pacemaker implanted about three years ago. The real rub is that I don’t actually need it, my doctor mistook epilepsy for a heart issue. But who knows, maybe in a few years I will develop heart problems and already have the equipment pre-installed!

What is the best book you’ve read lately?

I recently finished A Study in Scarlet, the first Sherlock Holmes novel written by Arthur Conan Doyle. It was my first encounter with the original Sherlock Holmes as imagined by Doyle, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Doyle brings Holmes and Watson to life vividly, and the threads of reasoning that Holmes follows are part ingenious, part perplexing, and completely entertaining. I’m looking forward to reading more!