At the Leatherby Libraries, we have an interview series highlighting 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! David Carson, our Brandman University Distance Education Librarian, was kind enough to answer some questions for us!

What is your name and title?

My name is David Carson and I am the Brandman University Distance Education Librarian.

In what department of the Leatherby Libraries do you work?

I work in Brandman University Library Services, which is on the first floor by Interlibrary Loan.

How long have you been at Chapman University?

I started working for the Leatherby Libraries back in 2014 as a cataloging assistant, where I worked primarily on adding music to the library’s collection. While working here full time, I earned my MLIS degree online. Upon graduation in 2018, I left to work as a librarian elsewhere, but I am very happy to be back at Chapman! This is a truly special campus community.

What is your job in a nutshell?

My primary focus is helping the online students of Brandman University with their research. I use video conferencing software to do remote instruction sessions and research consultations, as well as answer questions via e-mail and phone. I’m also the subject liaison for Chapman’s psychology program.

What projects have you worked on since you’ve been at Chapman?

I have worked on the used book sale, collection management projects, and several LGBTQ Campus Pride Month displays for the library over the years.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently researching ways to incorporate active learning—a practice widely incorporated into traditional classroom instruction—into my online instruction. I’ve also been getting involved with the wider campus community by diving into the LGBTQIA+ Staff & Faculty Forum.

Have you held any jobs at other universities or libraries?

Yes! I started my library career as a student worker in the music library at Bowling Green State University in northwest Ohio. I loved working in a library so much as a student that I applied for library jobs after I graduated, which led me to my cataloging assistant job here at Chapman. Last year, I worked as a Public Services Librarian at AMDA College of the Performing Arts in Hollywood.

What are your passions/interests outside of work?

To offset my academic life, I enjoy watching The Real Housewives (Beverly Hills & NYC) and RuPaul’s Drag Race!

Where did you get your degree?

I earned my BA in Music and MLIS from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. I also have a MM in music history from Bowling Green State University.

Where is your hometown?

I’m originally from New Baltimore, Michigan, which is a small town north of Detroit.

What is the last book you read, or the last book you loved?

The last book I read was The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.

Any fun facts about yourself?

While working in Hollywood last year, I had a few fun celebrity sightings (most of which occurred in or near a Starbucks): Lisa Vanderpump, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Michael Douglas, Terrance Howard, Angelyne, and Jane Fonda!