Get to Know GSLIS: Marianne Steadley

Where did you grow up?
I grew up in southern New York state, but on the Jersey side of the Hudson River. I lived in a small town (at least at that time it was small) called Pearl River - a place with no rivers, and I never found any pearls.

What year did you begin working for GSLIS?
I started in August 2001, after having completed my master's degree at GSLIS in May of that year. Thank you, Dean Emerita Leigh Estabrook, for asking me to come work for you.

Where did you work prior to GSLIS?
I was a commissioned officer in the United States Navy for 22 years and served in a variety of jobs in locations from Washington, D.C. to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Coincidentally, I didn't find any pearls in Pearl Harbor either, even though I was lucky enough to be stationed in paradise twice, for a total of seven years. My last duty station was Naval Communications Station, Stockton, California, where I was the Commanding Officer. It is nice to be the queen.

What do you do at GSLIS?
I plan and program continuing education (CE) activities for alumni, practicing librarians and information professionals, and students. CE opportunities range from one-day workshops to graduate credit courses. I also advise and assist non-degree/community credit students with taking courses at GSLIS.

What do you like best about your job?
Although I am usually on campus only one day a week, it is working and interacting with such a great group of people that makes the job fulfilling and fun.

What is your proudest accomplishment on the job?
The success of the Midwest Book and Manuscript Studies program and the Certificate in Special Collections. The number and variety of courses we offer on rare books and special collections topics have grown by leaps and bounds over the past several years, and they are among the most popular courses on the schedule.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Cooking, exercising to balance the consequences of eating what I've cooked, gardening (though allergies and hot weather are making it very difficult to be outside this year), and traveling. My husband and I hope to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro next year, and we plan to practice our hiking in Breckenridge, Colorado, this fall.

Favorite food?
Any type of cheese, but especially a strong blue cheese. Give me a crusty loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese, some pate, and a bottle of champagne, and I wouldn't need anything else. Well, maybe a chocolate truffle for dessert.

Favorite book?
I don't really have a favorite book at this time in my life, though as a young girl I think I read every Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden book at least 10 times. My most recent reads are Shantaram, 11/22/63, and Pillars of the Earth. Thank goodness for the Kindle! It makes carrying around these 800-plus-page books much easier.

Is there any particular advice you would like to share with students?
Enroll in a course that will take you out of your comfort zone. Challenge yourself, and get the most you can from this great program.

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