James has worked in several academic libraries. He began his library career as a student assistant in the University of Kentucky Education Library from 1987 to 1991 and then served as a library technician at both the Margaret I. King Library (from Aug. 1991-Jan. 1992) and the Chemistry/Physics Library (from Jan. 1992-November 1996), both also at UK. While his academic background was primarily in American History, emphasizing the history of women in America, he really enjoyed working with the scientists at the Chemistry/Physics Library and desired to become a Science Librarian. Several mentors were instrumental in preparing him for this role, which left a lasting desire in him to mentor others. He acquired his first professional position as Natural Sciences Liaison Librarian at The Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado (December 1996-October 1999).
Longing to return to the Promised Land, and the University of Kentucky, he accepted a position as Head Librarian at the Robert E. Shaver Library of Engineering in 1999. However, no matter how much he enjoyed being at UK, James chose to accept a position at the University of Louisville in order to be closer to his wife. He began to serve as Coordinator of Liaison Activities for the Kornhauser Health Sciences Library on July 1, 2003.
James transferred to Special Collections at the Ekstrom Library at UofL a year later. He was appointed Coordinator of Operations for Special in July 2005 and then also assumed the position of Head of Collection Development in January 2006. In July 2008, James was finally allowed to work only one position for the University of Louisville Libraries and still currently serves at Head of Collection Development.
James has been very active professionally in the Special Libraries Association and has served as President of the Kentucky Chapter and Chair of the Science-Technology and Information Technology divisions. He is serving as Chair of the association's Bylaws Committee and Chair of the 2010 Annual Conference Planning Committee. For the Kentucky Library Association, he served as Chair of the Library Administration and Management Round Table (twice) and Chair of the African American Librarians and Library Employees Round Table. His interests and hobbies include: reading anything science fiction, or having to do with the history of women in the USA or Kentucky history; playing cards and other games with friends; getting thrown out of Special Libraries Association Annual Conference Open Houses; hosting the Cabin of Impropriety at the Joint Spring Conference and living and dying by how the Kentucky Wildcats are doing.
Education: BA American History, University of Kentucky, 1994; MSLS, University of Kentucky, 1996
From the SLA Kentucky Chapter Website