Staff Profile - November 2014

Library Assistant Cranston Burney is really a savvy guy, mastering any task or obstacle that comes his way at the Main Library, he has been much appreciated by his supervisors and peers over the years. Never one to "blow the trumpet" before he's on the scene, we thought you would like to know more about this loyal, capable, and very popular employee.

Q: You have been with JPL since 1981, beginning, supposedly, on a temporary basis.  What caused you to stay?
A: I enjoyed the work and the people I worked with and for--the overwhelming majority of the time, and pretty much in that order. Best temporary job I ever had.

Q: How did you become involved in the transition to the computer technology component of library service?

A: JPL created a position in the late ‘90s that was pretty much what we’d call an E-Specialist today. The position was scrapped for budgetary reasons but the digitization initiative was gearing up and I was steered in that direction. Been hooked ever since.

Q: What are some of the most unusual tasks and people you have encountered?
A: There’s the guy who thinks that all the people on the computers in the Grand Reading Room are generating “head electrical energy” that interferes with his thought processes. He wanted us to report it to the government to “save the women and children.” I remember thinking, “Right, ‘cause it’s obviously too late for you.” One time I was asked to cover up a wire in the old Main building with decorative rocks. Never knew what the wire did. Cleaning up after people “who should know better” (used diapers, fried chicken, and stuff too gross to mention).
 

Q: What do you like best and least about your job?

 A: The best thing is that one customer (and it’s often just one) who says we did a good job. The worst thing is saying goodbye to coworkers. And answering really dumb questions. I know they say the only dumb question is the one not asked, but whoever said that didn’t work in the Call Center.

Q: What are your favorite things to do when you are not working at JPL?

A:Reading (duh!), music (have a reasonably large CD collection), movies, *beer and occasionally I take pictures.

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*The strikeout is purposeful and Cranston requested it to be printed as is.