Mary Page, Rutgers University Libraries, USA

Mary Page, Head of Acquisitions, Rutgers University Libraries, USA

Q: What led you into your chosen profession?

A: I had a work-study job at my college library. This was a long time ago, and my responsibilities included shelving books and filing cards into the card catalog. My card filing was strictly 'above the rod'. A regular staff member reviewed student work before cards were permanently 'dropped' into the catalog. Those tasks seem so primitive now!

In any case, I loved my student job, and I went to library school mainly because I wanted to be in a service profession and work in a bookish environment with smart people. I still believe that library people are among the smartest on the planet, but the work has changed tremendously over the years. We work in a fast-paced environment and technology rules. Some of our core values have been challenged, in a good way, I believe. A project is finished now when it's good enough, not when it's perfect. No one has time for perfection anymore, and we've learned that 'perfect' doesn't necessarily result in good service. Perpetual beta is the new perfect.

And by the way, I still love my job!

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: When the World Was Steady, by Claire Messud.

Q: Who do you admire the most (past or present) and why?

A: Eleanor Roosevelt, for her vision, compassion, and leadership. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, for her grace and style, and for raising her children to be good citizens, not celebrities. Aung San Suu Kyi, for her courage and her devotion to the people of Burma.

Q: What was the first and last music record you bought?

A: I'm not certain about my first album. Maybe Yellow Submarine or Abbey Road? The Beatles were definitely among the first records I bought. Most recently I've purchased The Decemberists, The Shins, and Hem. Oh yeah, I just downloaded Girlyman's new album Joyful Sign.

Q: If you could have any career other than your chosen profession, what would you choose?

A: I'd have Myles Brand's job as president of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). If that didn't work out, maybe I'd be a photographer or journalist.

Q: If you could have dinner with any three people, past or present, who would they be?

A: Yoko Ono, Princess Diana and Margaret Mead.

Q: If money was no option, where would you like to go on vacation?

A: A round-the-world trip that was semi-planned and lightly scheduled. I'd stay in different cities as long as I wanted, and perhaps decide on the spur of the moment to go see the aurora borealis. If money were no object, my private jet could get me there before dawn!

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