Gary Marks, Jr.

Reference & Outreach Librarian

David & Lorraine Cheng Library

William Paterson University

Legislative Representative for NJLA CUS/ACRL-NJ

1. How did you get involved in NJLA CUS/ACRL-NJ/VALE?

My first involvement with VALE was as an MLIS student at Rutgers. I did an independent study focused on archiving and assessing the physical and digital assets of VALE. This was just prior to VALE’s transition to its new location and partnership with NJ EDGE. It was a great experience and really provided me with great insight on the history of VALE. I also felt a real sense of pride in helping VALE assess its holdings and sharing its history.

I became involved with NJLA CUS/ACRL-NJ when I first saw a call for the Legislative Representative position. I was hesitant to throw my name in as a candidate because I was working as library support staff, not in an official librarian title. The Executive Board welcomed me with open arms, and I hope that anyone working in an academic library will also feel welcome and take the step to becoming involved with the organization.

2. My first job ever was….

Paperboy. I was 11 and used to ride my bike around the neighborhood throwing the Bridgeton Evening News onto front porches. 

3. What is a piece of advice that has helped you as a new librarian, and/or what advice you would give a new librarian?

The most interesting advice I received was from an interview I conducted with a reference librarian as an assignment during MLIS coursework. “Always check your teeth before working the reference desk”. To this day I keep a box of mint flavored flossing sticks in my desk drawer.

4. What are some other interests or hobbies that you enjoy?

Running, biking, swimming, doing triathlons, coaching soccer, camping, and hiking. 

5. When you were young, what did you want to be when you ‘grew up’? 

President. In fifth grade I memorized the U.S. presidents, terms of office, VPs, and significant achievements. I really was a social studies and history nerd (still am and can still recite all the presidents) and I really wanted to be President. I’ve studied politics, history, and public policy in my academic path and still have public office in the back of my mind. In fact, I wrote myself in for President in the 2016 election, I felt I was a better option than the candidates on the ballot. I didn’t win.