Alexander (Alex) Williams, a recent graduate of Drexel University iSchool recently joined Falvey Memorial Library as the temporary theology/humanities librarian. Williams received his MSLIS (Master of Science in Library & Information Sciences) degree in Dec. 2013. While in graduate school he held an internship in Falvey’s Academic Integration team from Jan. to July 2013.

Williams, a native of Rhode Island, earned a master’s degree in English literature from Villanova in 2011. While attending Villanova, he worked in Access Services. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature and religious studies from Stonehill College, Easton, Mass. At Stonehill, Williams worked as a circulation aide in the library, an early indication of his future interests.

When asked what made him decide to become a librarian, Williams said, “Until quite recently I never realized that my work history was comprised primarily of library support-staff positions. … There was this impulse to both consume and to be physically near books and information …” He believes working with “research support through email and chat [helps] me understand how the methods of information seeking have recently changed, as well as ground my theory in practice.”

He is currently reading August: Osage County by Tracy Letts and The Dispossessed: An Ambiguous Utopia by Ursula K. LeGuin. His hobbies include “running, cooking, reconnecting with nature, playing the guitar, writing and reading (of course).” He loves animals of all kinds. His research interests are varied. “Just about anything could set me off in one direction or another.”

Williams says, “It is an honor and a pleasure to take on the role of theology/humanities librarian at Falvey Memorial Library while Darren Poley serves as interim director. I have the very good fortune to work with such an insightful and creative library staff once again and very much look forward to building relationships with our distinguished theology and humanities faculties.”

Article by Alice Bampton, digital image specialist and senior writer on the Communication and Publications Team.