Meet A Member: Darla Kincaid

Darla Kincaid, Senior Cataloging Librarian
Newport News Public Library System - Technical Services

What was your first library job?
My first library job was as a part-time Information Services Specialist (para-professional) in reference at the Main Street Library branch in the Newport News Public Library System. I had thought about being a librarian every since I was in elementary school. Our school librarian, Mrs. Neeley was one of the kindest people I knew and she was always help me track down books on the latest topic that had caught my interest. As an adult, my career took a bit of a different direction, but about 10 years ago, I got the opportunity to work in a library and I was hooked again. I went back to school and finished my MLS 6 years ago.

What is your favorite part of librarianship?
There are so many things I love about working in libraries that it is hard to choose. I love cataloging, reference, readers' advisory, interlibrary loans, and collection development; but ultimately these really all come down to one thing. I love helping people find the things they want and need, and sometimes even things they hadn't realized were available.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on the job?
The staff at the branch I worked in before I transferring to Technical Service always goes all out for Halloween. Each year they select a theme and everyone on staff creates a costume based on that theme. Several years ago, the theme was "Disney princes and princesses." That day Ariel, Aladdin, Belle, Jasmine, Tiana, Prince Charming, Pocohotas, Mulan, & Merida were all working at the library. The funniest part, however, was watching the faces of the unsuspecting patrons who walked up to the front desk and found themselves asking for assistance from Prince Charming himself, complete with crown, scepter, and royal robes.

If you could have anything in the universe installed in your office for your personal use, what would it be?
A massage chair, of course then I would probably be so relaxed that I'd never get anything done.

What is something your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?
I love video games, especially RPG's. I'm currently replaying Dragon Age Inquisition for the 3rd time

Interview conducted by Gregg Grunow.

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