1.Name, job title, and location
Mark Winek – Unit Head, Electronic Resources & Serials at Georgetown University Library
- What do you do - in 10 words or less?
Make journals, databases, e-books, and datasets accessible.
- Where are you from?
I grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, aside the crystal waters of Lake Superior. I’ve been in Washington for 15 years now, but I still miss Lake Superior.
- Do you have any hobbies---or how else do you spend your weekends?
I spend the weekends with my family, reading and visiting ethnic grocery stores. For hobbies, I’m an amateur radio operator and I collect Soviet books, particularly on radio communications and broadcasting.
- Many people who know you know that you spent some time in Russia and know some Russian. Do you have a favorite Russian word or phrase? Why is it your favorite?
It’s really simple, but I remember liking the word for corn (кукуруза) when I was first studying. I got my son a Russian board book of fruits and vegetables when he was really little – кукуруза is the only word he remembers now. It’s fun to say!
- If you could have a magic ticket to any place in the universe, where would it be and why?
A library, of course! Specifically, the one at the A.S. Popov Central Museum of Communications in St. Petersburg. I dragged my wife there on our honeymoon (romantic, I know…) but I could spend days pouring over their collections.
- Who would play you in the movie about your life?
One would hope to merit a Tom Hanks or George Clooney, but I think Jack Benny would be much more entertaining.
- What’s your super power or hidden talent?
My wife makes me pick out avocados at the grocery store. I always manage to get the best, even though I can barely tell one from another and I don’t eat them.
- What’s your favorite place on the Hilltop?
Definitely the Woodstock Theological Library. It’s packed full of so many wonderful items and is such a hidden gem on campus.
- If you didn’t work in your current position, what would you be doing?
It would be fascinating to be a canon lawyer, especially to study the canons of the Eastern Churches.