Behind-the-scenes: Cataloger
Day 3 here, and we’ve got K.R. Roberto!
Librarian Wardrobe: Tell us briefly about your position and what you do. Have you always been in similar positions during your library career? If not, what other areas have you been in?
K.R. Roberto: I’m a cataloger.
LW: Describe your style. Have any favorite colors or pieces?
KRR: I guess I have a certain style, but I’m not sure how to summarize it; “lazy ex-punk with a desk job” is the most accurate description that comes to mind. I like comfortable clothing that I can throw on without thinking about it, but I also want people to think I’m hip (oh, the insecurities). This is asking a lot out of my wardrobe. I wear black jeans and shoes 99% of the time, usually paired with a visually interesting t-shirt and a button-down or Western shirt. People rarely see the t-shirts. During warm weather. the button-downs have short sleeves, which I realize is pretty square, but I like to convince myself that I make it work.
LW: How do you accessorize? Do you gravitate toward a certain kind(s) of accessories, like jewelry, scarves, facial hair?
KRR: My hair usually has a streak of some sort of crazy color, often pink or purple. I guess that counts as an accessory. My facial hair is always in one of two stages: 1) trying to grow a full beard; or 2) resigning myself to muttonchops and a sad little goatee. I also have a few visible tattoos on my wrists, but I don’t think they’re noticed right off the bat. Oh, and I wear a lot of striped socks. Are socks really an accessory, though?
LW: What are you most excited about for #alamw12? Is there a program or event you are really looking forward to?
KRR: My favorite event for ALA Midwinter will be the GLBT Round Table Social. I tend to feel more comfortable in queer spaces, and there are always lovely people and refreshments at this event. Plus they’ll announce the Stonewall Book Awards recipients, which is super thrilling!
LW: What will you most likely wear to this event? You’re obviously not committed to wearing whatever you say you’ll wear, but just give us an idea. And why do you think you’d choose this outfit for this situation?
KRR: It will be my usual button-down shirt/black jeans combo, but I will probably make sure that I am also wearing some sort of homorific t-shirt to show my special friends. If I have time, I will add some product to my hair.
LW: If you were forced to burglarize another librarian’s house, steal all his/her clothes and wear them for eternity, who would you pick? And why? (Obviously this is likely to happen, so it’s good to plan ahead.)
KRR: This is a tough one. As a pleasantly plump fellow, I don’t know that many librarians who have great wardrobes in my size. If I meet any large librarians who dress like dandies, though, they should probably lock up their closets.
LW: Have any final thoughts for libraryland?
KRR: I can’t think of anything. How disappointing.
K.R. Roberto is a librarian and occasional cataloging instructor. He lives in Denver.
