There’s a lot of research and time, looking for people, looking for resources. Persuasion – explaining to owners why it’s good for them to share, and to let me come to their houses and borrow their collections. I always have backups, in case it does not come through. Usually I have two years worth of exhibits in store, ideas that I’m waiting to build up. Some of them are already scheduled, like I have a couple of artists committed for 2004. You have to plan ahead because we don’t have a big budget, like bigger galleries or museums. So most of the time, we have to count on my connections and resources and people’s generosity – being very supportive, they like the show idea, they think it’s good to share. I’m able to get most of the things free of charge, but they have to trust you.

When we were in the old exhibit area, I was working with a Japanese bank. They had a huge national treasure collection of ukiyo-e, woodblock prints, and they wanted to loan them to me. But the insurance was astronomical, and the Patrons [of the Library] couldn’t afford it. So I had to reject it. And they said, “Don’t worry, we want your people to see it, so just go ahead.” But I worried to death, I couldn’t sleep! I went to the police and begged them to come by more often and check on it.

Yes, but some students who have graduated were kind enough to come back as volunteers. What helps me is that I’ve gotten to know a number of people on the university staff. Whenever I need woodwork done I know who can help me – electricity, media. I can assemble a temporary crew, so I am extremely lucky. I have to be stingy sometimes in other areas so I can pay some people, which is more economical than hiring full-time staff, because I couldn’t keep them busy like in other jobs.

They all are challenging in a way. The 40th anniversary – also Automata, for the library addition dedication ... because of the complicated involvement in so many areas and of so many people, as well as the responsibilities to achieve the university’s missions. Both exhibits were multimedia presentations bringing the latest technologies, such as human modeling and motion capture demos, techniques now used widely in the movie industry, such as in “The Lord of the Rings.” Designing fiber-optic objects and converting the east wing to a new gallery were among the other challenges. And the kimono exhibit, because of the staging of a simultaneous fashion show from Japan.

The opportunity to meet challenges and create exhibitions on new subjects for students, faculty and community members. To feature library services and uses through the galleries as a visual education center, as encouraged by our university librarian, Richard Pollard. To learn from research, to meet and befriend many artists and collectors – and be surprised to find how supportive, generous and nice people are. And most important, to have the privilege to work with so many faculty, staff and students, as well as community members – all so supportive and helpful in every way, making it possible to do my job.