Carla Carlson joined the Special Collections staff at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) as Assistant Curator, Historical Manuscripts at the beginning of the year. Carla’s background is in cataloguing, have spent 22 years in USM Technical Services. She first joined the Cook Library staff as a student worker, assisting researchers at the reference desk in Public Services.

Carla was awarded the position after a national search. After working with all types of materials and patrons for nearly 29 years, Carla was looking for a new challenge that combined her favorite aspects of working for University Libraries. “I found that in Special Collections,” she remarked, “where I can help researchers from all over the country explore our vast primary resources.”  Her former experience in cataloguing and space-planning is also proving beneficial as Special Collections begins its implementation of ArchivesSpace and management of an off-site facility. As a long-time residence of Hattiesburg, she also brings with her a wealth of community knowledge.

Carla first came to USM as an art student, obtaining her BFA in Drawing & Painting in 1995.  In her life away from work, she enjoys home improvement projects and is an avid painter.