David Bigwood, The Lunar and Planetary Institute, USA

David Bigwood, Lunar and Planetary Institute,Texas, USA

Q: What led you into your chosen profession?

A: I had been in retail management for several long years. The hours were brutal and the job stability non-existent. I began to research other careers. I read What Color is Your Parachute and the Three Boxes of Life as well as many other titles. At that time I was dating a woman who was a librarian and she brought to my attention the varied types of library careers. All my research seemed to indicate that I would be a good fit in the profession.

Q: What book are you reading right now?

A: XHTML and CSS Essentials for Library Web Design by Michael P. Sauers and Neotopia by Rod Espinosa. I tend to read one professional title and one book for pleasure at the same time.

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

A: My wife, Cora. She is so talented and has such endless energy. She is an elementary music teacher. She also teaches some middle and high school private flute students. In the summer she teaches other teachers at the university. She also performs on her instrument, the flute for churches, weddings, choral groups, folk bands, community bands and community orchestras. She is currently a vice president of the Texas Music Educators Association. Cora is also one of the nicest people I've ever met.

If I'm limited to someone inside the profession, I'd have to choose Betsy Anderson. She is the best reference librarian I've ever known. I had the pleasure of working with her part time for several years. Modeling her taught me more about reference than I'd ever learned in class. I'm not a reference librarian but what little skills I possess in that area have been improved by my association with her.

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

A: The first record was Revolver by the Beatles. It has been over 20 years since I bought a record, so I don't remember the last one. Maybe the Beethoven string quartets by the Guarani String Quartet. The last CDs I bought were How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb by U2 and Home by the Corrs.

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

A: If skill and training were not a barrier, a cartographer. I find maps fascinating, I'm always glad to catalog a map.

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

A: My wife, Cora, Igor Stravinsky and Mozart. That would be a party.

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

A: Greece and Iceland for the history and scenery/geology. Saint Petersburg, Budapest, Prague and Paris for music, food, and culture. Then the Cayman Islands and the Baja Peninsula to relax.

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