I’m Laura Botts, Head of Special Collections at Mercer University’s Jack Tarver Library in Macon, Georgia. I’ve worked there for about three years and have had a full-time assistant for only four months of that time. (I have had part-time helpers and student assistants, though.) It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s never been boring.

In the archives, you never know what your day will bring. That unexpected phone call that startles you away from the photocopier may be a new donor, a curious researcher, or the university president’s office needing information RIGHT NOW. I love what I do even if it’s not the kind of thing that most people get excited about.

I’ve enjoyed interacting with other Shovers and Makers online and getting the chance to meet a few of them in person. I’m thrilled to be part of such a vital community and will give this award a place of honor on my mantel. If you want to know more, you can catch my infrequent postings at my blog, or hunt me down on Twitter or FriendFeed (laurabotts on both).

It’s an honor just to be nominated, of course, but it’s so much better when you win!