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 20 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 campuswide
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 joined the library in 2023. She 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.