Welcome Carlos!

Carlos Duarte recently joined the staff of College Library as a Resident Librarian. The residency provides entry level librarians from diverse backgrounds an opportunity to develop skills and experience in academic librarianship. He will spend his first year at College Library becoming well-versed in a range of responsibilities, from instruction and reference to collection development and programming.

We asked Carlos a few questions to introduce him to our patrons.

College: So, tell us a little about yourself.
Carlos: I am a member of the Pascua Yaqui tribe and was born in the Mesilla Valley in southern New Mexico where I was raised on a steady diet of green chile, tacos, and B-grade horror films. Later I moved up north to Albuquerque, NM, where I studied History and Biology at the University of New Mexico.

College: What happened after you graduated?
Carlos: After an extended period of time working in kitchens, I decided to go back to school and received a Master’s degree in Information Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. That decision eventually led me here to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I am a Resident Librarian at College Library.

College: What do you think of the city? the library?
Carlos: I am really enjoying my time here in Madison. I enjoy working with students at the reference desk, and have found my co-workers at College Library to be incredibly friendly and supportive. Living in Wisconsin is quite different than the Southwest, but overall I have really enjoyed the change of pace. As an avid cook I am looking forward to learning more about the local food scene. I have yet to have a bratwurst. I hope to change that soon.

Janice Rice serves as supervisor for the resident librarians in this program and notes, “It’s been a refreshing experience to introduce Carlos to the undergraduate life and public services. He has raised so many good questions about librarianship, academia, communities and students. I look forward to hearing more from him as he helps us spread the word about our learning spaces, services, and resources.” During the second year of the residency, Carlos will likely leave College Library and focus on an area that most interests him, since the program is designed to meet both the professional goals and interests of the resident as well as the service and operational priorities of the library. Until then, however, we are delighted to welcome him to Helen C. White Hall.