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By J. Prater
I am Jeff Prater and am returning to NVCC as the Collection Development and Open Education Resources (OER) Librarian! Previously, I was as a Library Specialist 2 (2005-7) while working on my MSLS from The Catholic University of America. In between, I worked as a Contract Project Manager at the Library of Congress and served as an academic librarian at ECPI and Sandford-Brown College. In my last position at Virginia International University, I served as the Director of Library Services before earning a Master’s of Education in Instructional Design from George Mason University.
The combination of COVID-19 restrictions and graduate school created the desire to spend more time outside and pursue a dream. From June 2022 to March 2023, I hiked the Appalachian Trail, southbound, from Maine to Georgia! Met a lot of interesting people along the way and took many breathtaking nature photographs, including the Grayson Highland ponies in the snow.
When not at the NVCC Annandale Library, I reside in Old Town Manassas with my wife Margaret of 14 years and my cat, Tabasco. I have an eclectic taste in music and love live performances! Also, I enjoy reading, especially history, and catch live sports when I can (football, baseball, and hockey).
Questions from Three-Syllable-Liz (Liz Leon)
What is your favorite part of working in libraries?
I love how libraries are a change agent and serve many needs of the community. Libraries play the pivotal role in teaching information literacy skills, and I enjoy being a part of the process in educating and delivering these services.
Other NOVA Library staff should definitely call on you when they need [fill in the blank]?
When someone needs a fair and honest opinion. I can be a good listener and assist in providing several scenarios while not making the decision for the person.
What is your superpower?
According to my wife, “Eagle-Scout level preparation skills.” I like to make lists, checklists, etc. in preparation for travel or projects.
Questions from Nine-Syllable-Liz (Elizabeth Dellavedova)
Where do you stand on the nut-butter continuum?
When I was on my thru hike, I insisted on packets of Jiffy creamy butter. Would have one packet with my morning oatmeal. For lunch and dinner, I would have two packets of Jiffy creamy butter with granola and honey in a tortilla. I never tired of peanut butter. Now that I can not consume as many calories, I am a bit more selective. I love almond butter, especially Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut and Almond butter.
Favorite flavor of ice cream?
It depends on the type of ice cream For hard ice cream, I prefer salted caramel in a bowl. My go-to order tends to be vanilla/chocolate twist with chocolate sprinkles soft serv on a cone.
Is there anything similar from your time before?
When I arrived, Nine-Syllable-Liz had several pictures from my previous tenure. I noticed one picture of me in a green shirt. I said, “I just got that shirt back from the tailor!” Wore it to work and I took a similar picture in the classroom. Also, I still own my 2006 Toyota Yaris with over 200,000 miles and it serves as my commuting car.
July 2006 (left) and October 2023 (right)
 
Me and Margaret celebrating finishing my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail on March 10, 2023
and . . . Tabasco.
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