Meet the JKM Library Staff: Amanda Miller

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Amanda MillerAmanda

  • Completed a semester abroad in Oxford, England
  • Gave a presentation at the Modern Language Association (MLA) Conference in 2014
  • Loves the TV show Firefly and am a devoted Browncoat!

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

I am a Reference Associate.  You’ve probably see me at the reference desk in the evening hours!

What made you choose your current profession?

I’ve been volunteering and working in libraries since high school.  While the original plan was to get a PhD in English Literature, I realized during my Master of Arts program that the place I really belonged was libraries!  I love the fact that I can combine my love of books, literature, and academics in one profession.

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

When I was little, I wanted to be a teacher or a spy (like Harriet the Spy!).  I’ve always loved reading though, so becoming a librarian seems like it was always in the cards for me.

What’s your favorite part of your job?

I love when I am able to help a student to take the next step in their research, finish up a project, or find their next book to read.  Namely, I like when I am able to help a student out, whatever their need!

What do you like to do on your days off?

I like reading and watching TV shows.  I also enjoy playing with my Nintendo 3DS or trying out crafts such as loom knitting and cross-stitch.

What’s the last thing you checked out?

I recently checked out the graphic novel Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me by Ellen Forney as it is a book of the month for to the CLP Main Graphic Novel Reading Group.  I am liking it so far—it is an autobiographical story about the author’s struggle with being diagnosed as bipolar.  I have also recently picked up Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James.  I am reading it partially because I am a huge Jane Austen fan and partially to get ready for the PBS mini-series event based around this book.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Pittsburgh?

I actually grew up in Pittsburgh, so there’s many things I love about the city!  I really like all of the small neighborhoods and the friendliness of the people living here.  I also love the Pittsburgh Penguins and try to get to at least one game a year.  The independent restaurants and shops are also a plus, as are the farmer’s markets and of course the Carnegie library system!

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

Tickets can be expensive, but I recommend going to at least one Pens game!  The CONSOL Center is a really neat arena and the energy from Pens fans is infectious. If you don’t want to buy a ticket, there is an option to watch the game outside of the arena on a big screen during the playoff season as well.

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