Doug: A completely self-centered introduction

So, what's in a name?

My name is Douglas Wilson Pope.  I would be much obliged if you simply called me Doug, though I have never been particularly fond of my name.  The name "Douglas" is a family name from my father's side, frequently bestowed upon any progeny with the misfortune of being born with male genitals.  I have been to more than one funeral where we have committed the body of Douglas Pope to the earth, and it is--frankly--fucking creepy.

"Wilson" comes from my mother's side, specifically from my maternal grandfather, who himself was named Woodrow Wilson Webster by parents that I can only assume either had tremendous respect for the President who shared his name or were perhaps merely fond of alliteration.  In terms of unfortunate names, my grandfather was burdened not only by the weight of his presidential moniker, but suffered the further shame of being known his entire life as "Woody."  My grandmother, rest her soul, has actually uttered the sentence: "Even when times were tough, I knew that I would be okay, because I knew that I had my Woody."

It is worth noting that, upon finishing high school, Woody joined the infantry and went off to war.  I'm not saying that there is any connection, but it is fun to think about.

Sadly, for some Japanese soldiers, Sgt. Woody was the last thing they ever saw.

So, though I've never been fond of my name, it is mine, and it is a much easier label than simply being called "Hey you" all the time.  Please feel free to use it.

The purpose of this blog is to serve as a vehicle for sharing ideas, writing, and reviews during the Spring 2020 semester of LIS-S524 Adult Reader's Advisory.  This is my fifth (part-time) semester in the MLIS program at IUPUI.  My wife and I currently reside in Plainfield, Indiana, where I work full-time as a banker.  After graduating from college with a degree in English, I realized that "aspiring writer and living room literary theorist" was not what my in-laws had in mind when they agreed to let me marry their daughter.  I spent most of my career working in contracted food services as a manager; my most recent stint before moving into the exciting world of banking was a four-year term as Assistant Food Service Director in a men's prison.  It was during this time, working at the prison, that I decided that I wanted to be a librarian.  While volunteering at the prison library, I became interested in adult services and the impact of prison libraries on offender rehabilitation.  Though my interest have expanded since I started library school (I am very interested in reference and youth services), I still have a passion for understanding how the services we provide in the library ultimately affect the lives of our patrons for the better, especially patrons that are, for one reason or another, marginalized and unable to access resources typically available to the general population.  After finishing library school, I would like to work as an adult services librarian in a public library.

I look forward to getting to know everyone as we move forward.  If anyone ever feels the need to have a study or writing/editing session, feel free to hit me up.  I hope to learn you all by name.