For guys like me, an error pop-up window on a computer is an insurmountable obstacle, the Tour de France of computer literacy. For Michael Brinkerhoff, Information Technology Consultant, it’s more like a Monday morning bike ride.
Michael is the newest face here at Hannon Library, replacing our now-retired resident IT nerd, Carl Christy. For Michael, getting the opportunity to come to Hannon was a blessing. “The impression [of Hannon Library] is really great, the people are fantastic. They’re positive and very receptive to ideas I come up with.”
Michael talked about how shocked he was on his first day at work, when the entire staff of Hannon Library got together and threw a welcome party for him. “So, that was,” he paused, “it got to me.” Michael explains, “It got to me in a positive way. I’ve never had people throw a party for me.” He laughed, “It was like, c’mon guys, you haven’t even seen me work yet.”
After spending many years in Oregon, Michael comes down to live in the Rogue Valley for the first time. Although he did not step one foot in Ashland before applying to the job at Hannon Library, he enjoys parts of the local culture. “The culture is similar to Eugene in some respects,” he says, “but it looks like you guy like the arts a bit more.”
Which is good news for Michael, as he will be a part of the art scene here. Michael has been a photographer since college, working on portraits, weddings, dance photography, and everything else. He says those experiences, like photographing weddings, can be very gratifying.
“It’s a once in a lifetime sort of thing. There is a certain amount of pressure for capturing the day and capturing those off and silly moments, but when you finally do deliver the online gallery of photos and in person,” Michael laughed, thinking back. “They’re gushing over reliving their own wedding day, and you get many thanks, lots of excitement. It’s really hard to describe how much joy you see in their eyes when they finally get [their photos] back.”
Because of his humble and kind personality, his joy for helping people, and his skills as an IT technician, we here at Hannon Library are proud to have Michael Brinkerhoff on our team.
By Alex Mesadieu
