Stella Ota, Physics Librarian, Stanford University, USA

Stella Ota, Librarian, Physics Library, Stanford University, CA, USA

Q: Why did you decide to become a librarian?

A: I didn't want to become an electrical engineer. So I was in the university's career center, trying to figure out what else I could do with the degree. Fortunately, the "information science" section in the careers binder was right next to "electrical engineering". Reading the description, I felt the pieces falling into place. Just another example of how important good classification is in bringing together related topics.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: I'm never reading one book at a time. I blame it on school: one is always reading six or more texts simultaneously. Here's what I'm eyeing now: YOU: The Owner's Manual by Roizen and Oz; Bob Laughlin's A Different Universe; and PC Annoyances by Steve Bass. And I just received The Best of Oprah's 'What I know for Sure', a supplement to O, The Oprah Magazine for their 5th anniversary issue... perfect size to keep in one's handbag.

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

A: One of my friends since grade school. Fate has conspired to send a number of personal and family tragedies her way. Rather than turn bitter, resentful, and venomous as a result, she has remained a kind, caring, open, and honest soul. She courageously keeps giving life another try with a quiet grace that cannot but be admired.

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

A: The first may have been a 45 of Dust in the Wind by Kansas. The last was probably an LP of Howard Jones' called Dream Into Action.

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

A: Green home builder.

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

A: Lord Peter Wimsey (fictional character created by Dorothy L. Sayers), my first paternal grandmother (died very young, so I know nothing of her), and Leonardo da Vinci (not the Ninja Turtle).

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

A: Bali. Although, if both money AND time were not an issue, then just hand me one of those around-the-world, travel-in-the-same-direction airline tickets.

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