Getting to Know Mallory DeBartolo

You probably heard that we have a new member of the Resource Sharing Functional Committee. Mallory DeBartolo is the new liaison to the Chancellors Office and she is bringing a wealth of knowledge about Alma to the team. The I-SPIE Web Committee felt that you all might want to get to know Mallory, and Priscilla managed to snag this exclusive interview! 

Priscilla: If you didn’t have to sleep, what would you do with the extra time? 

Mallory: Read, exercise and learn to play an instrument. I have big plans for that extra 8 hours. 

Priscilla: If you could turn any of your job activities into an Olympic sport, what would you have a good chance at winning medal for? 

Mallory: List-making. Pretty sure I’d score gold for that one with top marks for substance and style. 

Priscilla: What do you wish you knew more about? 

Mallory: Where do I start? History, coding/automation, crafting, cooking, travel… the list is too long. I love learning about almost anything. 

Priscilla: What are some small things that make your day better? 

Mallory: hot beverages, sun, laundry straight from the dryer, crossing something off my to-do list, just the right song at just the right time. 

Priscilla: Who’s your go to band or artist when you can’t decide on something to listen to? 

Mallory: George Clinton Parliament Funkadelic is always good for anything. 

Priscilla: Why Resource Sharing? 

Mallory: I love anything that requires problem solving and exploring new territory. I also like figuring out how to get the most use out of a system like Alma. I have had my hands in almost every aspect of Alma, our new ILS platform. I’ve learned how different parts of the system work over the last couple years on this project and the one thing that is consistent across the board is that everything is mixed together and related in ways it was not in the previous systems libraries have used. I’d like to bring my understanding of other parts of the system to make Resource Sharing as efficient and user-friendly as possible. 

Priscilla: What is the most annoying question that people ask you? 

Mallory: When they learn I’m a librarian/in the library business: “aren’t libraries becoming obsolete since everyone has access to the internet?” I haven’t figured out my elevator speech for that one. 

Priscilla: What’s the best thing that happened to you at work? 

Mallory: I love working one on one with each library and working with so many people who are passionate about what they do. Visiting each campus and having the opportunity to see people work in their “native environment” has been great fun. I haven’t made it to all of them but maybe one day I will! 

Priscilla: Why did you decide to do the work you are doing now? 

Mallory: I like the unpredictable nature of support and the freedom to define the day-to-day aspects of my job. I also enjoy bringing organization to new situations and helping groups navigate uncharted territory. 

Priscilla: What’s your favorite color? 

Mallory: I think right now it’s green. 

Priscilla: How long have you been working in your current job? 

Mallory: Just over 2 years. 

Priscilla: What is your favorite T.V show right now? 

Mallory: I’m currently mainlining The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. 

Priscilla: Where would you like your next vacation to be? 

Mallory: Somewhere with an unpopulated beach and free babysitting.