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An Interview with Jacinda Gill, IT Specialist

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This week’s interview is with Jacinda Gill, IT specialist in the Digital Resources Division of the Global Legal Collection Directorate, Law Library of Congress.

Describe your background.

I was born in Washington, D.C. to a third generation family of Washingtonians.  However, I only briefly lived in Washington (Adams Morgan area) before relocating to San Antonio, Texas where my father is from.  After college, I returned to the Washington area to enter into the radio and TV media job market, landing a job as a part-time sports producer for  radio personality Ken Beatrice’s Sports Call– a popular talk show in the ’80s.  It was a really fun job, but the pay was simply not enough to survive on.  After experiencing similar jobs in the industry, I returned to Texas (this time to Houston) where I enrolled in information technology courses and worked full-time at companies like Apple Computer and Compaq Computer Corp. 

Eventually, I returned to Washington for family reasons.  I promptly found employment but continued to look for an ideal organization that I could be a part of.  One of my aunts, who worked for the Washington, D.C. Public Library system, recommended that I visit the Library of Congress. It was not long before I was reporting for my first day on the job in the Information Technology Services (ITS) service unit, and then later in the Law Library of Congress.

Jacinda Gill standing in front of a case holding several pieces of paper.What is your academic/professional history?

I have a B.A. in Journalism/Social Sciences from Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.  Previously named Southwest Texas Normal School, it was the alma mater of former U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.  I am a former member of the Alpha Angels, Inc., and  the Society for Technical Communications.   I also have an A.A.S. in Information Technology Systems from Northern Virginia Community College, as well as countless certificates in specific software and hardware courses throughout my career at the Library.

How would you describe your job to other people?

My position is described as an IT specialist whereby I process content, which eventually becomes part of the Law Library’s public web presence.  Another aspect of my job is to work with a committee dedicated to the development and maintenance of the Law Library‘s intranet so that it will remain a reliable resource for Law Library staff and their work-related needs.

Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

There was a vacancy announcement for an IT specialist (LAN administrator) in the early ‘90s.  I applied for the job because it was a professional position that came with opportunities for advancement and growth.  Ever since my first day on the job, I have always remembered what a privilege it is to work here.

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

That the organization was founded in the 1830s and it has maintained a growing collection of rich resources ever since.

What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

In my younger years, before I started working full-time, I enjoyed drawing and sketching.  I still have sketch books of my creations through the years.  I hope to put this talent to use in the future.

Comments (2)

  1. Jacinda congradulations on such a wonderful interview! It was full of information about your life and I learned a thing or two. You are truly an asset to the Library of Congress and in the lives of everyone you come in contact with.

  2. Great post Jacinda! You are also my true friend who is caring and diligent.

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