James G. is a fifth-generation Dallas, TX native. He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts (cum laude) from Howard University where he was commissioned as a student to complete a mural on campus. Since undergraduate studies, he has worked in public librarianship for approximately eight years. He is currently enrolled as a graduate student at the University of North Texas where he is pursuing a Master of Science in Library Science. In addition to the Department of Information Science Melba S. Harville Endowed Scholarship, he is a 2021 recipient of the ALA Spectrum Scholarship.
James has recently worked as a graduate student assistant in the UNT Dallas College of Law Library and was the sole finalist for the Shirley Phillipson Pollock Internship in Art Librarianship at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). While at the DMA, he developed a bibliographic subject guide highlighting the library's holdings of Sub-Saharan African Art. This subject guide was designed to be in alignment with the museum's Arts of Africa collection. He also completed supplemental projects and received training related to collection development, object database, auction catalog processing, artist file processing, serial processing, copy cataloging, provenance research, and interlibrary loan procedures.
James has also expanded his professional network by attending the ARLIS/NA Conference in Chicago. Shortly prior to his attendance he received the Lois Swan Jones Sponsored Membership Award from ARLIS/NA Texas/Mexico Chapter. He also participated at the ALA Annual/Spectrum Leadership Institute in Washington, DC.
During the Fall 2022 semester, James will be working at the Bridwell Library of Southern Methodist University, one of the largest theological libraries in the country.
"One of the best learning experiences thus far was Metadata I instructed by Dr. Zavalina. Even though I don't have a technical background she presented the metadata concepts and coding structures in an engaging and concise way. If ever I get a cataloging/metadata job I'll definitely be using my notes from this class."
Post-MLS James is primarily interested in pursuing art librarianship either in an administrative or technical services capacity, however "with my new position at SMU I'll have to see where theological librarianship will take me."
“Receiving the Melba Harville Scholarship will ensure I have enough funds to purchase textbooks and any other necessary learning supplies. The COI scholarships are critical during this time of stifling inflation. With my second scholarship from the Department of Information Science I know that UNT is committed to my success. I definitely selected the right school to pursue my librarianship degree and I’m honored and proud to be a part of the Mean Green Team!“