A 1990 UCI graduate with a bachelor's degree in history, Michael first began working at the Main Library as a student assistant in 1988. He later enhanced his skills by obtaining a master's degree in library and information science from UCLA in 1995. That's probably the most rewarding aspect of my job. One thing on everybody's mind is time, Michael says, so he keeps searching for ways to make the library services more efficient. To that end, Michael helped implement the automated checkout systems at the Main Library and Science Library.
Patrons insert their library card, scan the book, get a receipt and off they go.
Another rewarding aspect of his job is working with library student employees, and sometimes offering informal academic or career guidance. I enjoy being able to assist the students. Some of them are now doctors, dentists, optometrists or have gone on to postgraduate studies. An increasing percentage of Michael's day is spent in front of the computer, as he helps UCI expand its online offerings. It will be like a 10th campus library that will enhance and run parallel to the existing library system.