Intern Interviews: Rob Strauss
August 5, 2016
At the Leatherby Libraries, we have an interview series
hlighting the work our amazing librarians accomplish each day. These interviews help inform the community about all the different areas of the library and all the services we have! Now, we’re doing the same with our hard-working interns. Rob Strauss, our Special Collections Intern, was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
1. What is your name?
Rob Strauss
2. Where are you from/where is your hometown?
I live in Montclair, CA.
3. Where did you get your undergraduate education?
University of La Verne but I am currently in grad school at San Jose State University, through the online Master of Library and Information Science program.
4.How long have you been an intern at Chapman University’s Leatherby Libraries and how long are you staying?
I have been an intern since June 2016 and my internship ends later in August 2016.
5. What were you hoping to learn when you took this internship?
I was hoping to learn more about archival practices, particularly correspondence collections. I am also hoping to learn more about the ArchivesSpace program.
6. What inspired you to become a librarian?
I have loved libraries since I was a child. I also enjoy learning. I started my career as a public radio news producer. In that position, I was always learning about various topics: from state and local politics to local history. During my time at the Leatherby Libraries
Center for American War Letters
, I have learned a lot about wartime correspondence and the various methods that soldiers have used to keep in touch with loved ones over the years. I also enjoy helping people find information that they are seeking: whether it’s in my job at a public library or in the Center for American War Letters’ reading room.
7.Where are you getting your degree?
8. Is there a special track of librarianship you are pursuing?
I am interested in archives and special collections libraries.
9. What are your passions/interests outside of work?
I love listening to music (all kinds: from 1950s gospel to current songs). I also love collecting historic newspapers.
10. What would you like to do with your studies?
I hope to explore opportunities in an archive or in a special collections library.
11. What has surprised you most during your internship?
I don’t know if there is anything that has really surprised me. I’ve really appreciated the experience I have gained during the internship and enjoyed knowing the staff.
12. What is the last book you read and would you recommend it?
1776 by David McCullough and, yes, I would recommend it. It includes some fascinating stories about events that occurred during the Revolutionary War.
13. Any fun facts about yourself?
I am a certified scuba diver (although I haven’t been on a dive for a couple of years!) .
