Meet Callum Knitowski, New Creative Library Specialist for the Studios

This interview was conducted by our editorial assistant, Sophie Spruce.

I would like to introduce Callum Knitowski, new Creative Library Specialist for the Studios at the University of Texas at Arlington Libraries! He graduated from Full Sail University in 2018. Callum was born and raised in Texas and comes to us after working freelance in video and show production.

Sophie Spruce (SS): As a way of introducing yourself to the rest of the library staff in this current environment, what piece of media (book/movie/tv show/album/etc.) would you say best represents yourself? Why?

Callum Knitowski (CK): This is an interesting question. The first thing that comes to mind [for this question] is Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. A show that exhibits all the cheerful optimism that Star Trek has come to be known for, and yet is grounded in a reality that is filled with harsh, but necessary truths. The show’s themes have never been more relevant than they are today.

Having said all that, I would like to shift gears to Top Gear—a show that serves the viewer with some of the highest quality car reviews available, but ultimately is about three British friends having fun while engaging in shenanigans and educating others. This mix of technical and creative content wrapped up in top notch production quality is, I think, perhaps the best representation of myself in media.  

SS: What makes you excited to work for UTA Libraries?​

CK: The “perpetual beta” environment of the Libraries is the thing that excites me the most. I’m a tinkerer at heart and thrive in environments that support that.

SS: What is your earliest and/or most impactful memory of being in a library?​

CK: When I was very young, I used to go to the local library to play Oregon Trail on the computers. I never did make it to Oregon; however, I did develop a lifelong love of reading and of computers.

SS: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

CK: Honestly, since reading this question I haven’t been able to come up with a good piece of advice I’ve been given. However, there is a quote from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that has resonated with me since I heard it: “There's an old saying, Fortune favors the bold. Well, I guess we're about to find out.”

There is wisdom to be found in sayings; however, a single sentence often fails to convey the appropriate context. I suppose the lesson here is that people trust first-hand experience more than they do a nugget of advice. 

SS: What is something about you that others would be surprised to know?

CK: People are always surprised to learn that I am a Texas State Champion in archery. I competed in the recurve freestyle limited, or Olympic archery, category. This means I shot a recurve bow, with no gears or wheels like a compound bow (and consequently no let off either) or any magnification on the sight. Stabilizers (but not braces), sights, buttons/plungers, and clickers are all allowed.

Thank you for the interview, Callum. We are excited to have you on board!