Staff Spotlight: Kim Cull – Rare Book Project Cataloger

We’ve hired several new staff in the Small Special Collections Library in the past year, and we figure it is time to introduce you to our wonderful new colleagues. Last week, you met Whitney Buccicone. This week, meet Kim Cull, our Rare Book Project Cataloger!

Kim Cull and her dog, Elliot

Kim Cull and her dog, Elliot

Kim Cull is the Rare Book Project Cataloger working primarily with the McGehee Miniature Book Collection and the Shirley Plantation Collection. Before coming to the University of Virginia, Kim was the Cataloging and Metadata Librarian at Cleveland State Community College in Cleveland, Tennessee. When she is not hard at work cataloging fun miniature books or slightly charred Shirley books, she enjoys cuddling up with her dog Elliot and eating cookies.

What was your first ever job with books or libraries?
My first ever library job was in the serials unit at Wells Library at Indiana University during my time in graduate school. Along with another student, I shelved periodicals, sorted mail, and checked in ‘PR’ serials, or serials published in Western languages. I got to work with some wonderful people and see some really fun art journals.

mugs on a shelf

She really does love a good mug!

What was the first thing you collected as a child? What do you collect now? (oh, c’mon, admit it).
I grew up in a family of collectors, so I have collected my fair share of objects. The first thing I vividly remember collecting was Pokemon cards (Gen 1). My brothers and I would go to a comic book store or Toys R Us and use our allowance money to buy packs of cards just hoping to get the limited edition cards. Now, I am a proud owner of a mug collection. I also collect books like most librarians, but I love a good mug.

Hopefully you’ve been roaming Grounds and Charlottesville a bit since your arrival. What’s your favorite new discovery other than Special Collections?
Carter Mountain Orchard is one of my favorite discoveries in Charlottesville. I love visiting orchards and picking apples, berries, flowers, or whatever is available. The view on top of the mountain is gorgeous too! Also, who doesn’t love a warm apple cider donut in the Fall?

Tell us what excites you about your job?
I mean, the materials I work with are pretty awesome. I love old things; they make me feel sad (bonus points if you know where that quote comes from!) The absolute best part of my job though is working with fabulous people. When I found out I got the job, the first thing I did was cry because I am privileged to work under someone who has been cataloging for 50 years.

Tell us something about Special Collections or UVA that is different from what you expected.
Truthfully, I did not expect to love it here as much as I do. Everyone I encounter is so nice and friendly. When I started working here, I figured I would work really hard and learn as much as I could in the two years given to me and then move on to the next adventure. Now, I am hoping that my next adventure can be put off for just a little bit longer.

If you could be locked in any library or museum for a weekend, with the freedom to roam, enjoy, and study to your heart’s content, which one would you choose?
Either the James Whitcomb Riley house in Indianapolis, Indiana because it is a gorgeous preserved Victorian house or Newfields/Indianapolis Museum of Art because the Lilly House and the gardens are so much fun to explore.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *