Getting to Know You: George Carter ...by Margot McLaren
George Carter is originally from San Bernardino, California, and has lived in southern California all his life. However, he did venture out of state recently to attend the Spring 2009 Depository Library Conference and Council Meeting in Tampa, Florida.
George earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from University of California, Riverside (2007), and is currently pursuing his Master of Library and Information Science (M.L.I.S.) degree from San Jose State University. He is expected to graduate at the end of 2009.
When asked what made him pursue a career in law librarianship, he stated: “I was heavily influenced by Larry Meyer. It became a natural fit as I enjoy serving people and researching. As far as inspiration goes, I am inspired by many things, including the Bible which encourages me to be a better and more reasonable person. I also find inspiration from books, music, people and the like. While inspiration is a good thing, it is not the only thing nor should we have to be inspired to do certain things. We all have responsibilities and commitments which we should do whether we feel inspired to do them or not. Not to mention there are certain things which we may be inspired to do that should not be done at all.”
In April 2003, while George was pursuing his undergraduate studies, he became Reference Clerk for the Law Library for San Bernardino County. He was responsible for assisting patrons with their research, processing mail, filing loose-leaf publications, and managing the self-help collection. George held this position until May 2008 when he was promoted to Reference Librarian/Documents Coordinator, where he provides reference services to patrons. He also evaluates, analyzes and writes reports on various matters for the library (including two articles he wrote for the March/April 2009 issue of the SCALL Newsletter); he oversees the depository library program and supervises one full-time employee; and he develops research guides and projects for training newer staff members.
In addition to working at the Law Library for San Bernardino County, George was hired as Librarian (April 2006-May 2008) at Smith Elementary School, where he supervised the children’s library. In this position he was responsible for scheduling classes, developing reading programs, and reorganizing the library.
George’s library experience stimulated his desire to pursue a career in libraries and to pursue a master’s degree in library science. He is an active member of AALL, SCALL and ALA. He also is a recent recipient of a SCALL grant to help pay for his library education.
Outside the library profession, George enjoys reading, rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, playing basketball, and engaging in debates which he coins “competitive disagreement.” His number one passion in life is to pursue truth, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.