Library Faculty and Staff
Library Faculty
Greta Earnest, Associate Professor-Librarian, Director, Gladys Marcus Library at FIT
Greta joined the FIT library in 2003. She contributes to the FIT community in a variety of capacities while providing leadership and direction for the FIT Library's operations and as its Collection Development Officer. Her leadership vision focuses on offering high caliber services and resources by empowering personnel, seeking quality efficiencies, creating consistent policies and procedures while incorporating both assessment and strategic planning. Greta has held leadership positions at the Bard Graduate Center, Pratt Institute and the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as consulting at the Museum of Modern Art, Cooper Union and the Clark Art Institute. She holds a BA from Bard College and an MLS from SUNY at Albany.
Greta is the Library's Collection Development Officer
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Joseph Anderson, Assistant Professor, Digital Initiatives Librarian, Acquisitions
and Metadata Services
Joseph joined the library in 2015. He serves as the Digital Initiatives Librarian. Joseph holds a BA in fiction writing from Columbia College Chicago and a MLIS in library and information science from Dominican University. He has seven years of library experience and has previously worked on digital projects at the College of Physicians of Philadelphia and Mutter Museum. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys reading, writing, cycling, and baking sourdough bread.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Computer Animation and Interactive Media, Science and Math
(Preferred pronouns: He, Him, His)
Sara Belasco, Assistant Professor-Librarian, Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Sara joined the library in 2023. She is responsible for cataloging materials across units including gifts, special collections, and current print periodicals so that they are accessible in the library's online catalog. Sara holds an MLIS and Certificates in Archives and Digital Humanities from Pratt Institute, a BA in Art History from Skidmore College, and is currently pursuing an MA in Liberal Studies from the CUNY Graduate Center as well as a Certificate in Collections Cataloging and Description from Rare Book School. In her spare time she enjoys embroidery, historical fiction, and planning future travels.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Fabric Styling, Jewelry Design, and Social Sciences
(Preferred pronouns: she, her, hers)
Lana Bittman, Associate Professor-Librarian, Head of Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services
Lana joined the library in 2008. She oversees the Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services unit, supervising all aspects of public and technical services for electronic resources, print serials, and fashion and trend forecast collections. Lana is currently a member of the Sustainability committee of the Faculty Senate, and the College's Faculty Development Grants Awards committee. She holds an MLIS from Rutgers University, an MA in FIT's Fashion and Textile Studies: History, Theory, Museum Practice program, and a BA in English literature from Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to FIT, Lana has worked as a librarian at the Whitney Museum of American Art, and at the City University of New York.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Interior Design, Photography, and Electronic Resources and Periodicals
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Naomi Schwer Bricker, Adjunct Assistant Professor-Librarian, Research and Instructional Services
Naomi serves patrons at the Research Services Desk, teaches Library instruction sessions, and oversees the usage of the Library's "Ask the Library" online service. Naomi also authors Library research guides and serves as the Web Development Manager for the Library's website. She has a BA in English from City College of New York and a Master of Science in Library Service from Columbia University.
Library Liaison to the following departments: English and Communication Studies, Modern Languages and Cultures, Exhibition and Experience Design, Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing (undergraduate), Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing and Management (graduate) .
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Helen Lane, Assistant Professor-Librarian, Instructional Design
Helen joined the FIT Library in 2009. She is responsible for designing digital learning resources, maintaining and enhancing the library’s presence in FIT’s Learning Management System, and outreach and engagement with blended and online courses. Intrinsic to her work is exploring, identifying and providing training in emerging technologies that support teaching, learning, and research goals. She has previously worked at libraries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Public Library, Pace University and Columbia University. Her interests include instructional design and data visualization. She holds a BA in English literature from Earlham College and an MLIS from Pratt Institute.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Advertising and Marketing Communication, Entrepreneurship, Illustration (undergraduate), Illustration (graduate), Textile Development and Marketing, Global Fashion Management.
Tiffany Nixon, Assistant Professor-Librarian, Head of Special Collections and College Archives
Tiffany joined the library in 2024. She oversees all aspects of the special collections unit which specializes in rare books, periodicals, oral history recordings and extensive manuscript collections documenting fashion design and study. Prior to FIT, Tiffany was the Director of Archives at Roundabout Theatre Company where she conceptualized and managed the production and institutional archives for one of the largest not-for-profit theaters in the U.S. Her interests include archival theory and practice, performing arts, design, and literature.
(Pronouns: she/her/fluid)
Leslie Preston, Assistant Professor-Librarian, Head of Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Leslie joined the library in 2008. She oversees all aspects of the AMS department including; acquisitions, donations, resource budgeting, and cataloging/metadata services workflow. Leslie holds a BA in art history from the University of Georgia and a MLS in information science from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She has 25 years of library experience and has worked previously at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Atlanta College of Art. Leslie dabbles a bit in jewelry making. She also enjoys an occasional art/fashion history class here at FIT.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Accessory Design, Fashion Design (Art, undergraduate), Menswear
Maria Rothenberg, Associate Professor, Instructional Services & Assessment Librarian, Research and Instructional Services
Maria joined the library in 2011. She loves working with students and faculty to help them become excellent researchers and discover all the amazing resources the FIT Library has to offer. Maria holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University and a MFA and MLS from Queens College. Maria has previously worked as a librarian at LIM College. A fun fact about Maria is that she discovered librarianship while pursuing a career in the visual and performing arts and is happily surprised she became a librarian.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Academic Skills Tutoring Center, Fabric Styling, Educational Skills, Fashion Design (apparel, undergraduate), History of Art, Home Products Development, Writing & Speaking Studio, Fashion Business Management
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Miyo Sandlin, Assistant Professor, Instructional Services and Student Engagement Librarian,
Research and Instructional Services
Miyo joined the Library in 2018. She provides reference service to students, faculty and visitors, as well as library instruction. She was previously the Digital Services & Instruction Librarian/Library Webmaster at the St. Francis College Library in Brooklyn, NY. Prior to that she was their Technical Services Librarian for five years. Her previous Library experience comes from various institutions including; The Art Institute of Washington, Library of Congress, Long Island University, National Portrait Gallery Library at the Smithsonian, and Brooklyn Public Library. Miyo holds a MLS from University of MD, College Park and a BA in History from Vassar College.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Fashion Design MFA (graduate), Production Management, Technical Design, Textile/Surface Design, International Trade and Marketing for the Fashion Industries.
Carli Spina, Associate Professor-Librarian, Research and Instructional Services
Carli joined the Library in 2018. Before coming to FIT, she was the Head Librarian for Assessment & Outreach at the Boston College Libraries. Her previous library experience is from various institutions including; Harvard Law School Library, Segel Library Ctr.-Temple Israel of Boston and the Boston Herald Library. In addition, she was an Associate Attorney in a Boston Law Firm for 4 years. Carli holds a EdM from Harvard Graduate School of Education, MLIS from Simmons College, J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School and a BA from Harvard College. She also has a professional certificate in museum studies from the Harvard Extension School.
Library Liaison to the following departments: Fashion and Textile Studies (graduate), Film and Media (i.e. nonprint materials, across disciplines), Film and Media and Performing Arts, Social Sciences, Toy Design, Spatial Experience Design, Art Market Studies, Direct and Interactive Marketing
Hiroko Suda, Assistan Professor-Digital Assets Librarian, Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Hiroko manages various aspects of the Library's digital assets derived from campus-wide sources, which include student/faculty scholarly output, exhibitions/events, instructional materials, and unique visual materials from the Library's collection. Her responsibilities encompass organizing, describing, and preserving these digital assets, as well as providing support for the development and administration of the Library's diverse digital collection platforms, such as the Institutional Repository, Archive on Demand, SPARC Digital, and FITDIL. Hiroko is a graduate of Kanda University of International Studies (BA in English), the City College of New York (MA in Art History), and Queens College (MLS and Certificate in Archives and Preservation of Cultural Materials).
Yiwen Wang, Assistant Professor, Continuations and Metadata Librarian, Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services
Yiwen joined the library in 2017. Her position is responsible for managing the electronic resource lifecycle, maintaining the access and usability of subscription resources in all formats, assisting in all aspects of electronic serials and databases and providing daily reference and research service at Periodicals service desk. She also helps to manage unit opening and closing workflow, verify and update desk schedules.
Library Staff
Tabitha Hanslick Nguyen, Executive Coordinator, Office of the Library Director
Tabitha oversees human resources, facility issues, operating budgets and policy compliance for the library. She manages the administrative support for the Library Director and oversees the Access and Circulation Services unit in the library. Tabitha holds an MLIS from the Pratt Institute and a BS from FIT. Tabitha joined the library in 1993 and is a 2016 recipient of the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Classified Service.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Jennifer Brady, Library Associate- Marketing and Events, Office of the Library Director
Jennifer joined the library in 2014. She manages marketing and events in the library and oversees the library's social media channels. Jennifer works to produce events throughout the library, including those of the Love Your Library series and FIT Authors Talks. She creates marketing materials and promotes these events across multiple social media and FIT channels. Jennifer also creates all signage for the library and maintains the Office of the Library Director's webpages. She is a member of the Exhibits and Displays team, the Web Team, and chairs the Digital and Print signage team.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
James Ferguson, Special Collections Associate, Special Collections and College Archives
James joined the library in 1995. He currently curates the College Archives, catalogs for Special Collections and College Archives, and works on numerous other projects. He is also the co-chair and a curator for the Library Exhibits and Displays team. James holds a BA from Indiana University, with a major in Theatre, and performs burlesque, theatre, and performance art around New York, the nation, and the world. They also work as an acting teacher and guest lecturer at university theatre departments, museums, and at many burlesque festivals abroad.
(Preferred pronouns: flexible)
Karen Fitch, Library Associate, Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Karen joined the library in 1988. She catalogs books and DVDs for the Library and is the point person for Aleph ILS reporting and database management. She is a whiz at technological minutia.
Eileen Flannigan, Library Analyst, Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services
Eileen joined the library in 1999. Under the supervision of Lana Bittman, Head of Electronic and Serials Resources, she oversees the daily operations of the unit. Eileen participates in library wide committees, facilitates special projects and initiates outreach regarding gifts. She holds an AS from the FIT's Advertising and Communication department and a BA in communications from William Paterson University. Eileen has also worked as an event planner, writer, producer and deejay.
Ghazal Ghazi, Reference Associate, Research and Instructional Services
Ghazal joined the library in 2023. She provides reference service to the FIT community and is a member of the Library Exhibits and Displays team. Her previous experience includes working at the Library of Congress as well as in public libraries and archives. She holds an MLIS from the University of Oklahoma and a BA in Gender & Women's Studies from the University of Arizona. She is also a published poet and visual artist working in painting and ceramics.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Maggie Hess, Library User Services Specialist, Access Services
Maggie provides circulation and access services to the FIT community. She holds a BM in classical piano/music history from The Crane School of Music and is currently pursuing an MLIS from SUNY University at Buffalo.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Daiyan Hossain, Technologist, Access Services
Daiyan joined the Library in 2018. She provides daily support to patrons at the Access Services Desk. Daiyan holds a BA in Women's and Gender Studies from Hamilton College.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Paul Lajoie, Evening Access Services Manager, Access Services
Paul joined the library in 1985. He oversees operations of the Access Services Unit in the evening. Paul studied painting with the late Leland Bell and received his MFA from the Parsons School of Design.
Samantha Levin, Special Collections Associate, Special Collections and College Archives
Samantha joined the library in 2018. Within her unit she serves as the Digital Assets Curator and assists researchers visiting the collection. Samantha holds an MSLIS from Pratt Institute’s School of Information and a BFA in Sculpture from the School of Visual Arts. She has worked as a freelance archivist and records manager with experience in digital asset management and a specialty in rights management for digital photography collections. Samantha spends much of her spare time attending art exhibitions and reading sci fi.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Jane Mahoney, Library Associate, Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Jane joined the library in 1988. She is responsible for ordering, receiving and invoicing books and DVDs. Jane is also an artist, bookbinder and book restorer. She is a member of American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works as well as the Guild of Bookworkers, where she serves as Programs Co-Chair of the New York Chapter.
Jennifer Mak, Daytime Access Services Manager, Access Services
Jennifer joined the library in 2010. She oversees the daily operations of the Access Services Unit including, but not limited to, helping students to find materials for their class work and helping patrons settle their accounts. Jennifer also curates the FIT Designer File Tumblr (fitdesignerfiles.tumblr.com). She graduated from Stony Brook University with a BA in history and art history and received her MA from FIT in the Art Market: Practice and Principles program.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Elizabeth McMahon, Library Analyst, Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services
Beth joined the library in 1997. Beth assists patrons at desks in both the Periodicals and Research and Instructional Services. Her work in Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services unit includes advising on the library's holdings of international fashion, textile, interiors, and art periodicals; she was an early champion of historical fashion forecasting materials, encouraging their collection and retention. Beth contributes to the library's social media presence. She holds a BS from Bowling Green State University of Ohio, and an AA in fashion design at the FIT. After working in the fashion industry, Elizabeth returned to FIT to obtain an MA from the Museum Studies: Fashion and Textiles program. Since 2006, she has been working on her PhD at Bard Graduate Center. Beth has taught in the Graduate Division at FIT and at Berkeley College.
Jashil Mehta, Systems Specialist, Office of the Library Director
Jashil joined the library in 2024. He makes sure that all the systems in the entire library, including staff, faculty, and student systems are operating at their optimum levels. Jashil has a BS in Computer Science and a MS in Software Engineering. Being a data enthusiast, he enjoys handling data and experimenting with its capabilities. Jashil had previously worked as a Data Analyst where he created Exploratory Data Analysis Reports.
Matthew Michaels, Reference Assistant I, Research and Instructional Services
Matthew joined the library in 2006. He assists students with finding resources and supports colleagues and students with research. Matthew holds a BA of interior design from the University of Oklahoma and an MLS with a focus on archives, records management and preservation from Queens College in Flushing, New York. He also completed a post-graduate independent study in lighting and architectural systems at Penn State University. Matthew continues his enthusiasm and passion for interior design, lighting design, computer graphics software and web site navigation and design.
Eliza Rinn, Library Associate, Acquisitions and Metadata Services
Eliza joined the library in 2023. She is the video coordinator for Archive on Demand and handles the photographic needs of the library. Eliza received her BFA in Photography and MSLIS, both from Pratt Institute. She is a photographer and collage artist.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Keely Sanders, Library Associate, Office of the Library Director
Keely joined the library in 2023. She has her MA in History specializing in Medieval Europe from the University of North Texas, where she also received her BS in History and Political Science. Keely previously interned for the Texas Fashion Collection, a historical costume collection, where she also published an essay in the Collection’s publication "TFC Delight: Selections From the Texas Fashion Collection". She has previously worked in both public and college libraries.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Lori Taschler, Library Clerk, Access Services
Lori joined the library in 1987. She provides general library circulation and access services to the FIT SUNY community. Lori holds a BFA in painting from SUNY Buffalo and an MFA in painting from the Pratt Institute.
(Preferred pronouns: She, Her, Hers)
Carlos Taylor, Cataloging Assistant, Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services
Carlos joined the library in 2014. He assists with daily operations of the unit including working with patrons at the service desk, serial record maintenance, bindery preparation and departmental metadata services. Carlos is currently enrolled in the Communication and Design Program at Fashion Institute of Technology. Carlos has worked extensively in fashion and publishing.
Monica Williamson, Cataloging Assistant I, Periodicals and Electronic Resource Services
Monica joined the library in 1999. She assists patrons and manages the front desk
on weekday evenings. Monica processes materials including new and historical periodicals,
look books, and donations and updates titles as necessary. She also coordinates forecast
instruction classes and performs bindery preparation. Monica is a graduate of FIT's
Visual and Presentation Exhibition Design Program. She has experience working in the
music industry for both major and independent record companies and as producer of
live events. In her spare time, Monica is the co-host/co-producer for internet radio
show Musical Pathways in addition to hosting a live music showcase, the Rendezvous.