Alison Verbeck, Librarian, Washington University

Alison Verbeck, Librarian, Physics Library, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Q: Why did you decide to become a librarian?

A: I've always loved books and libraries. I actually helped out in my elementary school library and my junior high library. When I got to high school, I got a job at my local public library. I decided then that I wanted to be a librarian, but I enjoyed the sciences and math as well, so I got a degree in Physics before getting my master's degree in Library Science.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: Currently, I am reading Einstein 1905, by John Rigden. Normally, however, I'm reading a good mystery. I love Janet Evanovich and Mary Higgins Clark.

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

A: I feel that there are many people out there in the world who do the best they possibly can and who am I to say that one is better than another. I admire the average working person who works hard for an honest living and makes the best life possible for their family.

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

A: First was a Carpenters album. Most recent was probably a Five for Fighting CD.

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

A: Probably a computer type job. I love working with computers.

Q: If you could have dinner with any 3 people, living or dead, who would they be?

A: Truthfully, I don't pay much attention to who is famous. I would just want to surround myself with people who make me laugh. Pick out some good comedians for me - preferably live ones. Dining with dead people would make me lose my appetite.

Q: Money no option, where would you like to go on vacation?

A: Somewhere in the Caribbean with a nice breeze and Raoul the pool boy bringing me fancy drinks with little parasols in them. One of the best vacations I ever took was a Windjammer Cruise through the West Indies.

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