Meet the JKM Library Staff: Kiera Mudry

Kiera Mudry:

• digs Pittsburgh’s music scene
• can tell you all about Buffy
• probably has a restaurant recommendation for you

What do you do here at The Jennie King Mellon Library?

As a Reference Associate, my job is to help you track down any and all information that you would need help finding when you’re in the library or Asking-a-Librarian from home. I’m like the Sherlock Holmes of the library.

What made you choose your current profession?

It might be cliché to say that I have always wanted to be a librarian because I love reading, but my love of reading was what helped me find my passion for research. I chose this profession because nothing makes me happier than to help someone find that hidden piece of information that they have been searching for.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An actress – I always loved an audience 🙂

What’s your favorite part of your job?

My favorite part of working with reference is the fact that I get the chance to help others find what they are looking for, as well as learning more about the subject areas myself! It’s cool to be able to help someone out and to expand my own knowledge base.

If you could do one thing to change/improve the JKM Library—with no worries about time or expense—what would you do?

I think a mobile food cart in the foyer or something along the lines of a small café on the first floor would definitely be a great addition to the JKM library. Especially because some people view their coffee as going hand in hand with a long night of studying in the library.

What do you like to do on your days off?

I am a huge television series person. I love to tackle full series of shows when I have time off from school and work. One of my favorites that I have finished this year is Buffy the Vampire Slayer 🙂

What’s the last thing you checked out?

I’ve been doing a lot of research in my History of Children’s Literature class so the last book I’ve checked out was the Oxford Handbook of Children’s Literature. It’s a good read for those interested in authors and aspects of early to modern day children’s literature.

What book do you think everyone should read? Why?

I’m going to suggest The Hour I First Believed by Wally Lamb. The story is chilling, raw and honest. I definitely would recommend any title by Lamb, but this one has just always stuck with me.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?

My favorite thing about living here is the variety of food that you can try out in and around the city. I love having so many different options and because Pittsburgh has so many different neighborhoods, you can always find something new to eat. Also, the music scene! 🙂

What’s one thing you think everyone should do while they live in the city?

Visit all of the museums that Pittsburgh has to offer – especially the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Anything touristy is actually really cool to go visit or try out. Pittsburgh is always surprising me and I’ve lived close to the city my entire life! You should also go to the Proper Brick Oven and Tap Room in downtown and try their bacon candy with a margherita pizza.

Tell us some surprising things about yourself:

• I was active with voice and piano lessons when I was young and even starred in a play as Sara Crewe in A Little Princess at 11 years old.
• I completed my undergraduate Capstone project on the “Paul is Dead” hoax regarding The Beatles and the infamous rumor that Paul McCartney died in 1966 and was replaced by a look-a-like. (I was a Communication major with a focus in Media Studies.)
• I’ve seen a lot of really excellent concerts, featuring artists such as Steely Dan and Hall & Oates. I love to catch as many shows as I can for fun. 🙂