Introducing our new systems librarian
In September, MTSU Library welcomed our newest faculty member, Clay Oldham. As the Systems Librarian, Oldham will lead the unit that implements and maintains the technologies that provide access to our physical and digital collections. The most significant of these technologies is FOLIO, the open-source library services platform that supports the library’s mission to acquire, catalog, circulate, and provide access to information resources.
Oldham describes his position as a blend of disciplines. "It's quite different than what most people think when they picture a librarian," he explains. “It's sort of like IT mixed with librarianship – you're working to ensure the library systems function smoothly so patrons can use the services we provide.” He acknowledges that carrying out these new responsibilities can be sobering, but adds, "It's a tradeoff to be in more rooms where important decisions are made." He values collaborative opportunities with his colleagues and is excited about the challenging, creative work.
Oldham notes that there's a playful aspect to the work for those who are curious.
“Systems are like people; none are perfect. It's about finding the right tool for the problem, and that process frequently involves creative problem-solving and experimenting with new technologies.”
Clay describes his path to librarianship as a bit of a surprise, “I shifted from a social science, history sort-of background into computers around 2013 while my wife worked on her Ph.D. at Texas Tech University. I was in the library quite a bit as a history student, and I had a few classmates who became librarians, so I had a very positive association with the profession.”
He and his family moved to MTSU when his wife, Dr. Rebecca Oldham, was hired as an assistant professor for the Department of Human Sciences and Clay began working for the Information Technology Division (ITD). Using his education benefits, Clay enrolled in a master's program at the University of Tennessee and, within two years, moved into a staff position at Walker Library.
"I managed to land an opening here working directly under the former Systems Librarian, Robert Wilson. I finished my graduate program this past summer and I was hired as the Systems Librarian in September. In fact, my final class was on a Tuesday night and my interview for this position was the very next day!" Oldham shares.
When it comes to life outside of work, Oldham enjoys video and tabletop games, and martial arts. “I like to joke that all my childhood interests that I used to be embarrassed about have become largely mainstream when I entered adulthood.” He adds, “Seeing the success of shows like Stranger Things and Critical Role has been wonderfully healing for people like me who grew up in the late '90s and early 2000s.” And while he’s practiced combat sports and martial arts for over 20 years, he’s been heavily involved with Brazilian jiu-jitsu since 2011, teaching a class twice a week. Clay and his family also love to travel and take trips to exciting places whenever they can.
Clay's best advice to faculty and students when they're using the library is to always ask for help.
"We have more resources available than many realize, from VR technology to faculty trained in advanced research methodologies. Everyone at Walker Library has the best interests of the campus body in mind. We care deeply about getting you access to the resources you need and resolving issues as quickly as possible. "