Who Does That?

Thousands of books line the shelves of the seven libraries in the University of Oregon Libraries system. Chris Tweeter plays a starring role in getting them there.

Tweeter started as a student worker in UO Libraries nearly two decades ago and now orders books as an acquisitions technician.

Book requests come from faculty members and library patrons then are vetted by subject specialist librarians. Tweeter orders approved books through a vendor website that shops various publishers from across the world. If a book is out of print, he may borrow one from another library. Books written by UO faculty members are automatically shipped to his office.

Boxes arrive daily and he unloads and inspects the books to reconcile the packing list. After processing, they are sent to libraries across the university. Art books go to the Design Library. Marine biology books head to the Rippey Library.

And sometimes the acquisitions aren’t books. A full-size anatomical model skeleton is available for use in the Price Science Library and people can check out DVDs and guitars in the Knight Library.

He reports that many students still prefer physical books, especially in the young adult popular reading collection that recently moved to the Knight Library main floor.

Tweeter appreciates the sense of community and teamwork that exists among library staff. He especially enjoys mentoring student workers.

The next time you choose a book at the library, know that Chris Tweeter may have ordered it. 

—Jennifer Archer, University Communications