Librarian Interviews: Rand Boyd
October 26, 2015
Last summer I conducted a
series of interviews
with all the student
workers around the Leatherby Libraries. These interviews helped inform the community about all the different areas of the library and all the services we have! Now, we’re doing the same with all our hard-working
librarians. Rand Boyd, ourCoordinator of Special Collections and Archives, was kindly able to answer ten questions for us.
1. What is your name and title?
Rand Boyd, Coordinator of Special Collections and Archives
2. In what department of the Leatherby Libraries do you work?
The Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives.
3. How long have you been at Chapman University?
October 2015 will be eight years.
4. What is your job in a nutshell?
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the Special Collections department, the Special Collections Reading Room, and the California’s Gold Exhibit and Huell Howser Archives, as well as the Center for American War Letters Archives. In addition, I perform collection development for Special Collections and I am also the liaison librarian for the History Department and the Holocaust program.
5. Have you held any jobs at other universities or libraries?
I used to work in the library at the Southern California College of Optometry when I was attending
library school, and when I worked at Disneyland I had set up a maintenance library for the use of the Facilities Division.
6. What are your passions/interests outside of work?
I used to backpack, but haven’t for a while (I need to pick that up again), I golf fairly regularly (not well, but I do love the game), and my wife and I sail on our little sailboat when we get the chance. I am also a cinephile— I watch way too many movies.
7. Where did you get your degree?
My library degree is from San Jose State University.
8. Where is your hometown?
I grew up in Southern California, but we were always moving around so much I don’t think I can claim one; I have lived in quite a few cities throughout Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. I currently live in Huntington Beach and I would say that has probably been my favorite, so far.
9. What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved?
I am finishing up The Bedlam Detective by Stephen Gallagher. Not a bad read.
10. Any fun facts about yourself?
I make a pretty good mojito and I can swing dance (though it has been awhile).