I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in librarianship and chose WSU because of its program and its availability.

Theodore “Theo” Gill is a library assistant at the Kalamazoo Public Library. He is the recipient of the library’s first Amanda Green Scholarship. Named after a former library assistant in teen services at KPL, the Amanda Green Scholarship Fund was created by Kalamazoo Public Library to address the overall lack of diversity in librarianship.

Q. What brought you to the MLIS program at Wayne State?

A. I worked in public libraries for over three years as part-time job during undergrad. However, after some time I realized that I wanted to pursue a career in librarianship and chose WSU because of its program and its availability.

Q. Tell us a little bit about your education and work experience.

A. I received my undergraduate degree from Western Michigan University in 2018, a BS in Public Health with a concentration in community health. I’m a library assistant in a collection development support position in the Youth Services department of the Kalamazoo Public Library where I previously was a library aide and substitute librarian assistant.

Q. What kind of work do you want to do when you graduate?

A. I have not set a particular position or role, but I do want to continue in public librarianship. I hope to work in the collection development process and with the public. I’m open to working with youth and young adults. I hope to narrow down my options with the help of course work and work experience.

Q. What are your long-term career goals or dreams?

A. I’d love to work on any special project(s) that incorporate developing special collections. I’d also love to host an author event or present on an area of interest.

Q. What do you enjoy doing outside of work and school?

A. I enjoy being with my family, playing tennis, reading, listening to music, and photography