On May 27, MCLS welcomed James Orme as the new Financial Controller/Business Manager. James is a triple threat for this position as he has extensive management experience in libraries, finance, and HR. Staff is excited to have him on the management team, where he will oversee MCLS’s accounting, administrative, and business operations.

To help introduce James to the MCLS community, we engaged him in the following Q & A:

Q: Tell us a little about your background. How did you get started in libraries?
A: You could say I was destined for the library life—both of my parents are school librarians, so I practically grew up surrounded by books, Dewey Decimal classifications, and the occasional ‘shushing’ sound. Despite this early exposure, I didn’t realize how much I loved library work until I started working in one during my graduate program. I hold degrees in both Business Administration and Library Science, which means I can organize a collection and strategize a budget with equal enthusiasm. Over the years, I’ve worn different hats, Library Director at Great Lakes Christian College and HR and Business Manager at MSU, each giving me new insights and skills that I’m excited to bring to MCLS.

Q: What are you most excited to start working on?
A: I am eager to collaborate with my team and implement initiatives that drive meaningful change to MCLS’s business operations. My goal is to create a supportive environment where innovation and dedication translate into lasting positive outcomes.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
A: When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me buried in a book, logging miles on a run, or venturing into the great outdoors. Hiking, camping, kayaking—basically anything that lets me pretend I’m starring in my own survival documentary (minus the actual danger, of course).

Q: Do you have a favorite author, book, or genre?
A: Picking a favorite is tough—I’m basically a literary wanderer, jumping between history, current events, nutrition, classic literature, philosophy, and travel. One day, I’m deep in an analysis of world-changing events, and the next, I’m trying to convince myself that kale is actually delicious. Classic literature lets me time-travel without needing a flux capacitor, philosophy keeps me pondering life’s biggest questions, and travel books fuel my ever-growing list of places I want to visit (and inevitably overpack for). So really, my reading habits are just an elaborate scheme to make me sound well-rounded at dinner parties.

Q: Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies?
A: I thrive in the art of making things from scratch—whether it’s bread, cheese, homebrew, or pasta, I like knowing that if civilization ever crumbled, I’d at least be able to keep myself fed. I also like distance hiking, as long as there’s a charming B&B waiting at the end of the trail, preferably with a hot meal and a pub nearby. Roughing it is great, but I firmly believe that adventure pairs best with a warm breakfast.

Q: What is the best advice you have ever received?
A: The best advice I ever received came from my 5th-grade math teacher, who boldly declared, ‘Mathematicians are lazy—they like finding the easiest way to solve their problems.’ At the time, it felt like a free pass to embrace my inner slacker, but as I got older, I realized the brilliance behind it. Efficiency isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about working smarter, not harder.

Q: What is one thing that instantly makes your day better?
A: MSU beating Michigan at absolutely anything. Whether it’s football, basketball, tiddlywinks—you name it, if the Spartans win, it’s a good day. Of course, my wife, a loyal Michigan fan, doesn’t quite agree with my enthusiasm. Needless to say, game days in our household are lively affairs, and I’ve learned to celebrate with just enough restraint to keep the peace…mostly.”

Q: Is there anything else you’d like the MCLS community to know about you?
A: I thrive on curiosity, humor, and a big, beautiful, balanced spreadsheet.