B.A. in English (Oberlin College)

M.F.A. in Writing and Literature (Goddard College)

M.L.S. in Library and Information Science (Univ. of Pittsburgh)

Graduate Study in Architecture (Univ. of Virginia)

An internship in an architecture archive at the University of New Mexico led me to both librarianship and architecture.  I had a subsequent realization (thanks to being introduced to the work of the Rural Studio) that there is an enormous potential for art, architecture and design to add to the greater good (social, cultural, and otherwise).  

As the Arts + Architecture Librarian at UNCC, I manage collection development as well as provide research assistance and library instruction to students and faculty in the College of Arts + Architecture. I work in both Atkins Library and the Hight Architecture Library.  I also do my own research.  Right now, I am working on projects and/or articles related to game design, library architecture and design, open access in the arts, and online publishing.

Much of my past work experience is in non-profit, community-based organizations managing projects large and small and addressing issues related to education, landscape and urban design, and public art.  I served on the City of Pittsburgh Arts Commission for three years and also actively participated in public art and community building activities citywide. I spent much of my time in architecture school in the library - so, in retrospect, it is no surprise that I am a librarian and not an architect. 

I am a fiction writer and a painter. I am a firm believer in the importance of life-long learning and research in the continued development of a creative life.  With that in mind, I plan to one day learn to play the cello, become a synchronized swimmer, and make jewelry (but not simultaneously). 

Online I can be found in a few places:

Twitter: @lareesehall

Tumblr: lareeseh.tumblr.com

Wordpress: artsandarch.wordpress.com

*My professional portfolio is offline getting a whole new web design.  It will be back up in late summer.