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DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY
Ryan Johnson, who joined the Libraries this past August, worked as a librarian for three years before he became a librarian. When asked about this he replies with a grin, "I like to do things backwards." Commenting further he explains that he spent three years employed as a librarian at Georgia Southern University and then moved to New York City to pick up an MLS at St. John's University. Before that he had done doctoral work at Ohio University and received a Masters degree from Villanova University, both degrees in history. Being originally from western Georgia, he also spent some time as an archivist for the Georgia Historical Society.
Here at WSU Ryan does reference work in the humanities and social sciences and serves as the Electronic Resources Librarian for Holland. In these capacities he has responsibility for collection development in sociology, psychology and human development while evaluating and trouble-shooting all electronic products for use in of Hum/Soc.
BOOKS, MUSIC AND SMALL TOWNS
Not surprisingly, Ryan likes to read. "I read," he says, "rather vociferously." He particularly recommends the books of Kenneth Roberts, who writes historical fiction, especially from the U.S. Revolutionary War period. He also likes the books of Jerry Pournelle. Asked about other interests he points out that he sings bass in the newly formed Idaho-Washington Chorale. As for music recordings, his current favorite is "Under a Violet Moon" by the ensemble Blackmore's Night. This is music, he explains, in the style of 16th to 17th century European folk music.
Asked about living on the Palouse after so recently having lived in New York City he candidly replies, "It's like every other small town in the middle of nowhere [where] I've lived." But he adds there is an appeal to living here as well. "There is a certain sense", he says, "a mixture between being kind of rustic coupled with an intellectual vigor." That intellectual vigor certainly benefits his work environment. "I'm very impressed with the people I work with", he says. "They're all different, but they're all outstanding."
jash 02/00
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