Recently the Armstrong Browning Library has welcomed three new employees. They are Rachel Bates, Caleb Lindgren, and Carolina Criscione. I asked each of them a couple questions so that we can get to know them better.
Rachel Bates:
Where are you from and what is your background before coming to Baylor Libraries?
I am from the great small town of West, Texas (just north of Waco). I graduated high 
school from there, then made my way to the Texas Hill Country where I went to school at Texas State in San Marcos and received my Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Science, and a Minor in Mass Communications. After college, I entered the events/wedding industry where I worked for over a decade coordinating events and weddings. I also managed a floral company for weddings and specialty events.
What does your new position entail?
I will be in charge of scheduling and coordinating events held in the Library and overseeing daily operations of the public areas of the building. I will manage the Gift Gallery, supervise the part-time hosts of the Library and the work-study students assigned to the main floor. I will also oversee all specialty events at the Library.
What is your favorite part of your role (or Baylor) so far?
I have really enjoyed meeting my new team, and the work study-students that will work with me. I have also enjoyed getting to see the excitement of people who come to the library/museum for the first time. They get to see what a treasure Armstrong Browning Library is, and how lucky we are to have it here on campus.
What do you like to do in your free time? What is a fun fact about you?
I spend most of my free time with my friends and family. I like to catch live music when I can and am a big fan of podcasts.
Fun Facts: In my floral industry days, I probably created close to 1,000 bridal bouquets. Floral design is still a passion of mine that I hope to carry throughout my life.
Caleb Lindgren:
Where are you from and what is your background before coming to Baylor Libraries?
I came to Baylor Libraries about one year ago after getting married to my wife, 
Katherine, who is a current Baylor PhD student (in history). Previously, I worked as the theology editor for Christianity Today magazine until 2020, when I left full-time work there to pursue my own PhD in theology (at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois).
What does your new position entail?
My role is a library host at the Armstrong Browning Library, and I primarily supervise the student workers who sit at the front desk and greet visitors and give tours. I train them on their duties and how to give a tour. I am also here to answer any questions the student workers can’t answer and to work with the rest of the library staff to make sure the library is welcoming and safe.
What is your favorite part of your role (or Baylor) so far?
I really have enjoyed getting to know my co-workers and the student workers. Baylor brings incredible people from all over the world, and I’ve loved getting to know them. Also, it is wonderful to work in such a peaceful (and beautiful) environment.
What do you like to do in your free time? What is a fun fact about you?
I am an avid runner and an avid reader. I am also a military aviation buff, though I am not a veteran myself.
Carolina Criscione
Where are you from and what is your background before coming to Baylor Libraries?
I am originally from the Chicagoland area (Wheaton, IL). I studied Art History and 
Spanish at Wheaton College, and then moved to Boston to attend Simmons University for my M.L.I.S. degree. I concentrated in cultural heritage studies and explored the many different historic landmarks, museums, and libraries of New England as a student. After my wedding last summer in Maine, I moved to Texas to join my husband, David Criscione, as he completes his PhD program here at Baylor.
What does your new position entail?
I serve as the Assistant to the Curator at the Armstrong Browning Library. My primary responsibility is supervising the Library Services area, more specifically assisting library patrons and visiting scholars. I also am involved in the circulation of library materials, fulfilling Interlibrary Loan requests, compiling library statistics, and recording climate data. One task I especially enjoy is performing research and other supportive tasks for the ABL Curator.
What is your favorite part of your role (or Baylor) so far?
My favorite part about working at Baylor is my team of coworkers! I’ve been amazed by their kindness and patience as I’ve learned the ropes at the ABL. Since they are all very knowledgeable about, and dedicated to, the preservation of rare books, I have learned a lot about special collection care and archives work from them!
What do you like to do in your free time? What is a fun fact about you?
In my free time, I enjoy reading (a librarian who enjoys reading? It’s horribly cliché, I know!). I am also an avid gardener, and while I do not have a yard here in Texas, it’s been fun to learn about the geography and wildlife native to Texas. A fun fact about myself is that I have been a strict vegetarian most of my life!
We are so grateful to have Rachel, Caleb, and Carolina join the Armstrong Browning Library team!