This is one in a series of blog entries introducing LVA employees and exploring what they do day-to-day. These posts are collected under the tag 7 Questions. Other entries discussing the internal work of the Library of Virginia are filed under the category The Stacks.
Emeline Alexander
What is your background?
I am originally from Richmond, but grew up mostly in Florida. Eager to get back to Virginia, I attended the University of Richmond where I majored in History. My initial plan was to work in museums, but while living and working in New Orleans I rediscovered the wonderful world of archives. While I was completing my degree I became interested in Records Management, and that has brought me to where I am today!
How do you explain what you do to others?
There are two ways I explain it depending on the audience. When talking to state and local agencies, I explain that Records Management helps make the haystack as small as possible so you can find that needle you are looking for when trying to search through records, and that I am here to help them do that. When explaining it to friends and family, I tell them that the government creates a lot of records and information, and that Records Management helps them figure out what to keep, how long they should keep it, and when they need to get rid of it so that everything is above board.
Have you held other positions at the Library? If so, what?
I have not! This is my first position with LVA.
How has technology affected your current job?
Technology shapes a lot of RM practices since it affects how people create, store, and share records and information. Do you keep things on paper or as PDFs? What do you do with social media posts? How do you store electronic files? As technology shapes how people do their work, we have to adapt to suit their practices and the new technology.
Describe your best day at the Library of Virginia.
The best day is one where I get to talk to a lot of people, whether it’s giving a presentation, sitting in on the PSRC (Public Schools Records Consortium), or speaking to people over the phone or email! I love getting to solve problems, and sometimes mysteries, that Records Officers bring me. Throw in some data analysis and it’s a great day!
What was your first paid job?
I worked as a stagehand in college, so I helped set up the audio and light equipment for various events and lectures.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I am a huge fan of Dungeons & Dragons! I have a number of hobbies and interests like sewing and baking, but it’s usually the Dungeons & Dragons that takes people by surprise.
