D’Andrea Hamn is an acquisitions program specialist in the U.S. Copyright Office.
Tell us about your background.
I grew up in Stafford, Virginia, after my father retired from the Marine Corps base located in Quantico, Virginia.
I graduated from Stafford High School with a curriculum in business, from Germanna Community College with a certificate in business machines and from Prince George’s Community College with an associate’s degree in business management.
I also completed coursework at the University of Maryland’s Global Campus in business administration and management.
What brought you to the Library, and what do you do?
I was working with a temp agency doing all types of secretarial assignments and was seeking full-time work. I applied for a typing job and began my career at the Library on April 27, 1976, in what is now the Cataloging in Publication and Dewey Section, then located on Massachusetts Avenue.
I went on to hold various positions in the U.S. Copyright Office, ranging from a technician to a team leader to a supervisor.
In 2004, I transferred to the Copyright Acquisitions Division on a detail. I was promoted to program specialist in the division in 2005 and to program specialist/special assistant to the chief in 2007. In 2011, I was promoted to acquisitions program specialist to the assistant chief of the division.
The division’s name changed a few years ago. It is now called Acquisitions and Deposits, but my position remains the same. I am in charge of daily workflows with numerous duties supporting the acquisitions technicians and librarians, the chief of the division and the supervisory librarians. I also work with staff of the Technical Processing Unit within the division and its supervisor.
What are some of your standout projects?
There are too many to name over my career at the Library.
But I pride myself in my affiliation and memberships with the staff unions — AFSCME Local 2910 (the Guild) and Local 2477. While a member of 2477, I was a steward for over 15 years. I worked hard to change policies and procedures affecting many lives.
I also take pride in my work ethic and outstanding performance reviews. I have always strived to help others and meet goals to enhance the divisions I worked for and the Library’s goals.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Shopping, cooking, using new recipes, keeping up with the latest trends, crafting and being with family.
What is something your co-workers may not know about you?
I am an artist in the book folding world. I take books and make their pages into words, designs and shapes. From the many books I’ve created for various clients, I am proud to say these special book creations are housed or shelved in more than 10 states.
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