Staff Profile

Lynn Jacobson is quiet, accomplished in music, flexible, civic minded and—as our budget allows—advocates for technological advances for JPL that give our customers the latest and best.

When asked for an action shot for this article, Lynn shared this picture of herself with her alma mater's band: the University of Southern Mississippi.

You began with JPL more than a decade ago.  What were your title and responsibilities then? 

I began working at JPL in October 2001 as the Music and Non-Print Cataloger in Technical Services. Soon after, the library started working on The Better Jacksonville Plan and I was responsible for selecting and cataloging the CD collection for six additional libraries, including the new Main Library. 

How has your previous experience helped prepare you for the position of Bibliographic Systems Access Manager?

My experience as a cataloger gave me a great deal of practical knowledge and experience working with part of the library's database.  Cataloging rules probably seem arcane and overly complicated but sometimes the goal is to provide a structure that will allow users to discover library material online and on the shelf.  I was able to use my cataloging skills to learn how to manage the entire integrated library system.

What are the responsibilities of your position now?

I manage the Cataloging and Integrated Library Systems (ILS) departments. I love problem solving and figuring things out. I love when staff sends us questions about why the system did or didn't do something. I consider it "challenge accepted!"

What do you see as the best improvements your departments have contributed to JPL?

In Cataloging we've been listening to staff about how the collection is used. We've consolidated "mix" items, worked to reclassify the biography collection and the teen and children's series collections. In ILS, we've been staying current with all of the changes and updates in our ILS. It's put us in a position to offer the best possible options for our staff and customers. I hope that we are also giving staff more opportunities to become more comfortable with technology we use and we'll continue to do that over the coming year.  

What is your favorite pastime?

I'm a clarinetist so I love music and play in several community groups in town.  The First Coast Pops Orchestra has nine concerts scheduled between now and mid-December.  Most of the concerts will be at retirement and assisted-living facilities where we have the opportunity to meet the residents and share our fun in making music. The orchestra will also be participating in a community music festival at The Tree Hill Nature Center in Arlington.