BlogsAcademicsLibrary ServicesFaculty/StaffUpper School
Through the Eyes of a Tiger: An Interview with Ms. Hall
Nov 11, 2014 10:56 AM
By Joy Boakye '15 - '15
Michael Hall has been assistant librarian at the McCallie-Kennedy Library since 2012. She holds a B.A. in English from Berry College and a Master of Library and Information Studies from the University of Alabama. She worked a combined four years in academic and public libraries before coming to Darlington. Michael is a member of the American Library Association's American Association of School Libraries and Young Adult Library Services Association divisions.
You have been here since my sophomore year of high school. What is it that makes you keep coming back to Darlington?
It has a lot to do with the people I work with—I really love that my coworkers are genuinely my friends as well. Students are also a big part of the reason I love my job. There's a core group of them that seek me out because they like being around the library and I am an extension of that. I, in turn, like being around them and the cycle of mutual affection just goes on from there. I also think that for a long while my place of residence at the school will be the prettiest location I can call home.
You have been here since my sophomore year of high school. What is it that makes you keep coming back to Darlington?
It has a lot to do with the people I work with—I really love that my coworkers are genuinely my friends as well. Students are also a big part of the reason I love my job. There's a core group of them that seek me out because they like being around the library and I am an extension of that. I, in turn, like being around them and the cycle of mutual affection just goes on from there. I also think that for a long while my place of residence at the school will be the prettiest location I can call home.
What is you favorite book in the Upper School library, and why?
There is a fantastic book I discovered last year when I was simply walking through the non-fiction stacks entitled "Gnomes." To borrow the description from the catalog, it is a profusely illustrated account of the lives and history of gnomes, presented as though the information were factual data. I really can't imagine a book I would like more than that, honestly.
There is a fantastic book I discovered last year when I was simply walking through the non-fiction stacks entitled "Gnomes." To borrow the description from the catalog, it is a profusely illustrated account of the lives and history of gnomes, presented as though the information were factual data. I really can't imagine a book I would like more than that, honestly.
You are also the advisor for book club. How has that influenced your time at Darlington?
Book club for me is just this lovely excuse to hang out with students, eat food, and talk about our favorite books. I do pride myself on being able to pick out some really great books they've never heard of, and I have to yet to hear that they haven't ended up really liking whatever they've read. The goal is not to make reading a chore, but rather an excuse to do something you've been wanting to do, but never had the time.
Book club for me is just this lovely excuse to hang out with students, eat food, and talk about our favorite books. I do pride myself on being able to pick out some really great books they've never heard of, and I have to yet to hear that they haven't ended up really liking whatever they've read. The goal is not to make reading a chore, but rather an excuse to do something you've been wanting to do, but never had the time.
Besides seeing my wonderful, shining face every day in the library, what do you think is one of the highlights of your day?
Professionally? I think my little artistic contributions to the décor and displays for library programs are my favorite things to unveil and install. I spend an obscene amount of time creating some of them, but that first look at a finished product is always my favorite. Personally? Every day there is always some highly ridiculous and endlessly amusing conversation I have with students, or sometimes just overhear. Things that make me laugh are always my favorite.
Professionally? I think my little artistic contributions to the décor and displays for library programs are my favorite things to unveil and install. I spend an obscene amount of time creating some of them, but that first look at a finished product is always my favorite. Personally? Every day there is always some highly ridiculous and endlessly amusing conversation I have with students, or sometimes just overhear. Things that make me laugh are always my favorite.
Also, what is it like being a duty teacher in the dorms?
Being a duty teacher in many ways is like being a surrogate parent. When I'm on duty, I am a supervisor; a coordinator; a driver; a communicator; the permission-giver; the dole-r of punishments; a friend; a confidant; and a whole host of other things that I can't quite put into categories. There can be some pretty late nights, but I don't have to do them in business attire. Sweatpants all the way.
Being a duty teacher in many ways is like being a surrogate parent. When I'm on duty, I am a supervisor; a coordinator; a driver; a communicator; the permission-giver; the dole-r of punishments; a friend; a confidant; and a whole host of other things that I can't quite put into categories. There can be some pretty late nights, but I don't have to do them in business attire. Sweatpants all the way.
Is there anything that you'd like to say before this interview is over?
Here's a piece of advice for everyone: Your thoughts are limited by your vocabulary.
Here's a piece of advice for everyone: Your thoughts are limited by your vocabulary.
