Interview with Sharon Byrd, 2024 May 31
Scope and Contents
This interview was conducted by archivist Jessica Cottle-Hart as part of the History of E.H. Little Library Oral History Project, a project meant to document the work of staff who made the library a celebrated space on the Davidson College campus in recognition of its 50th anniversary. Sharon Byrd worked in E.H. Little Library for 42 years, beginning as assistant cataloguer in 1979 and retiring as the rare book librarian in 2021. In this interview, Byrd discusses her professional journey as a librarian, emphasizing the impact of colleagues and mentors like Leland Park, Gina Petrie, Dr. Mary Beaty, Dr. Chalmers Davidson, Denise Sherrill, and Dr. Samuel Spencer. Byrd also describes her early life as part of a traveling military family and how she ended up at Davidson College. She explains changes she witnessed in the library, on the Davidson College campus, and in the town of Davidson, North Carolina, while also highlighting campus traditions like library Christmas potlucks at Beaver Dam and annual faculty and staff retirement dinners that featured music from the campus barbershop quartet and the laundry ladies, including Lula Bell Houston. Throughout the interview, Byrd emphasizes her strong relationships with students and her passion for public service and instruction. She also describes how the library transitioned from largely analog workflows to digital and virtual services.
Dates
- Creation: 2024 May 31
Creator
- Byrd, Sharon (Person)
- Cottle-Hart, Jessica (Person)
- Davidson College (N.C.) (Organization)
Conditions Governing Access
This interview is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Access to this interview is given for personal research use and does not imply the right to use it for other purposes, including publication. Use of our collections is subject to the provisions of current intellectual property, privacy, and libel laws. Researchers assume full responsibility for their use of these materials. For publication or other use requests, email archives@davidson.edu.
Extent
1 Digital (Sound recordings) (M4A)
1 Transcripts (Digital) (PDF)
Language
English
Custodial History
Producer(s): Davidson College
Repository Details
Part of the College Archives Repository