Jill Ausel
- Alternative dream jobs from childhood include an archaeologist, ballerina, or President of the United States
- Loves many things about living in the great city of Pittsburgh!
- Outside of the library, Jill enjoys shopping (especially for shoes!) and going to the movies
What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?
I’m the Library Director
What made you choose your current profession?
As with many librarians, I have a life-long love of books and places where I can get them – for free!! While in college I discovered I very much enjoyed research – writing, not so much. When I learned I could become a librarian and work in an academic library and stay in college, it was a complete “Aha! This is perfect” moment.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Oh a great variety of things. I wanted to be an archaeologist, a lawyer, the President of the United States and a ballerina.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love to see people grow and learn.
What do you like to do on your days off?
No surprise I love to read. I also enjoy going to movies, Pirate games, the symphony, shopping (shoes!!) and hanging out with friends.
What’s the last thing you checked out? (Brief reviews are appreciated)
The Ancient Oracles: Making the Gods Speak by Richard Stoneman
I have been interested in ancient Greek history since I was 8. It stuck.
What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?
Everything!! I love the sports and the theater. The symphony and the opera and the ballet. The museums, the restaurants and the amazing music scene. I love the rivers and the parks and the Phipps Conservatory. The strip district and Mt. Washington and Carson St. It’s just a great city to live in. (No, the Chamber of Commerce did not pay me for the endorsement)
What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city? (This includes restaurant recommendations, of course)
Depending on one’s interest of course, but I think touring the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning on Pitt’s campus is a must. Each room represents a nationality with a presence here in Pittsburgh. From those groups we get not only great restaurants, but that neighborhood feel that is so remarkably Pittsburgh.