BiblioBios: MC Mack builds relationships as Watson Library's night and weekend supervisor

When work duties serve as a platform for inspiration and connection a kind of harmony occurs, something like a vocal performance that goes beyond the technically correct to a singer truly making a song their own. For MC Mack, a classically trained vocalist who brings a creative perspective to the Night and Weekend Supervisor role at Watson Library, the framework of job responsibilities provides an opportunity to express key ideals: service to others, inclusion, and intellectual rigor. Mack began the position at Watson after an “existential turning point” during the pandemic. 

Mack, a Lawrence native, graduated from KU with a degree in music performance in 2019. Mack’s first position with KU Libraries was as a student employee at the Gorton Music and Dance Library.  

One of the leading musical collections in the Great Plains region with over 100,000 scores, books, sound recordings and more, the Gorton Music and Dance Library is a key resource for students and faculty in the School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance.    

“I absolutely loved working in the library environment as a student,” Mack said. “The librarians and staff at the music and dance library set up a really wonderful space that is so understanding and empathetic. It was amazing being able to work with the materials I was studying so intensely, and I loved helping my professors do their research.” 

Mack specialized in vocal performance for their degree at KU, playing key roles in operas and perfecting classical pieces. After graduation they planned to attend graduate school for music performance, but during the pandemic “everything changed.” 

“The pandemic gave me a lot of time to sit and think about what was meaningful to me,” Mack said. “Singing was very rewarding in a lot of ways, but it was like there was a piece missing. I wanted to meet more of the needs of the world.” 

After some time working as restaurant service staff and as a nanny, Mack saw the Watson Library supervisor position open and knew it was a role that could fulfill their vocational aspirations. Mack began the position in September 2022 and quickly felt at home.  

“I particularly enjoy being able to help someone find the materials they’re seeking for their research, whether it’s the final piece of the puzzle or that first piece that gets them started,” Mack said.  

In addition to providing services to patrons and managing the front desk, Mack enjoys supervising student workers, embracing both the joys and challenges of working with young adult college students. 

“Students have a million and one things going on and understandably so,” Mack said. “I get to spend a lot of time getting to know the student staff at Watson, and we’ve built some solid relationships. I’m able to be a guide at times, helping them in their studies or talking through challenges. Having that empathy and support is really meaningful to the students.”  

Throughout the academic year, Mack also connects to the “late night regulars,” at Watson, a patron base which tends to include a diverse crowd of undergraduate students and student groups, such as members of Greek houses meeting for study hours. Evenings at Watson also frequently draw faculty and staff working on research, teaching preparation, or digitization of materials, as well as community members.  

“We have some characters who like to come in and hang out in the evenings and I love to see them, our repeat users,” Mack said. “There are a lot of opportunities to get to know the patrons as they come up to the service desk in the evening and ask them how they’re doing. Library staff can have a big part in bringing people in and making them feel welcome and involved and included. I love to play a role in that.” 

Music remains an important part of Mack’s life. 

“I sing every day; I can’t help it,” Mack said. “Sometimes if you see me in the stacks, I might be humming quietly to myself.” 

When not working at Watson, Mack likes to combine their love of music and learning with their research skills, exploring new musicians and bands.  

“I stay involved in the local music scene and frequent lots of concerts and keep investigating new artists,” Mack said. “And I really enjoy researching the intersection of music and gender and sexuality. I study feminist theory to better understand myself and be a better person, more equitable and more inclusive in the way I go about everyday life, and I have curated artists and albums that exemplify some of the morals and values that I carry.” 

Mack describes their personality as quiet and introverted and credits singing and music with helping them find an outlet to express themselves and build skills to connect with others. Mack appreciates the opportunity to bring that value of connection to Watson and expand on it through their work at the library.  

“I think working in a library is so wonderful,” Mack said. “When I work with my patrons, I’m giving them my all because I want to help them, not because I’m trying to sell them something or they are paying my salary or what have you. That is hugely meaningful to me, to be able to have those genuine interactions.” 

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