Geanie Jackson, Collection Management’s New Administrative Officer

Geanie Jackson is the new administrative officer within the Collections Management Division (CMD), but she is not new to the Library of Congress. While Geanie has been a go-to for all sorts of topics over the years, in her current role she is the beating heart of CMD, keeping everything moving by managing personnel, administrative, and budgetary operations across the division. In this interview, Geanie shares insights into her career journey, daily responsibilities, and wide-ranging personal interests that make her a much-loved part of the Library’s team.

What brought you to the library?

I was working for a temp agency when I received the assignment at the Library for clerk support within the Integrated Library System (ILS) Division. The assignment was initially only for 90 days, but it lasted for a year. A permanent full-time position became available, I applied and was hired. This was my first government agency and first government job. I’ve been at the Library since 2002 and have held several different positions throughout the Library.

What brought you to the division and what do you do?

CMD advertised a detail opportunity for an administrative officer to help support the fast-paced division with the day-to-day operations and a lot of other moving parts. CMD is one of the largest divisions in the Preservation Directorate and it supports so many divisions, sections and operations at the Library. Because of my drive to advance my career and enhance my skills, I applied for the CMD detail. CMD later needed a permanent administrative officer, they posted, and again I applied and was selected.

Within the Collections Management Division, I manage multiple confidential personnel, administrative, and budget planning databases. I research, trace, and verify status of pending performance levels and pay statuses and provide a wide range of technical and administrative assistance of a confidential nature in support of the division chief and section heads. I handle personnel and administrative tasks and monitor various personnel actions. I utilize specialized human resources knowledge to resolve problems and issues. I prepare travel authorizations and vouchers, communicate with service unit managers and other senior officials on behalf of the division chief in relation to meetings, contracts, reference documents or special projects. I am the timekeeper for the division, I train staff in all phases of office automation, support services, timekeeping, and new equipment.

What does a typical day look like for you?

It’s hard to say, most of my days aren’t typical as there is always something different day to day. I just try my best to address and resolve the situation. There are areas that I can address directly or independently based on the subject matter, while with some I engage others with subject matter expertise within the division or outside of the division to ensure the best resolution. There are a lot of moving parts, however as a strong division we get it done as a team.

What do you do outside of work that your co-workers may not know about you?

I’m a biker chic – a member of a motorcycle club. I also like muscle cars and going to car shows. I’m a huge sport fan, love playing basketball, and watching football. Love going to the theater to see plays, musicals and other arts related performances. I love to travel domestically and internationally. One of the items on my bucket list is to drive in the NASCAR Daytona 500 two laps against Tony Stewart and Danica Patrick. I’m also a deacon & ordained minister, youth leader and armor bearer at my church. I’m a college graduate and a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. But, most of all I am a believer and a child of God.

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