Each month, we ask a museum staff member to answer five questions about their position at The Walt Disney Family Museum, their fondest Disney memories, and personal tidbits. Without this month's "What Do YOU Do?" spotlight, it'd be really hard to publish this post as we would have no computer or Internet access. So, Larry Arndt, tell us... what do YOU do?
What is your title and what do YOU do here at The Walt Disney Family Museum?
Larry: I am the Senior Systems Administrator in the IT Department. That means that I get to work with all of the servers, printers, desktops, and laptops — both Windows and Mac — that are used by our museum staff. I also get to work with lesser-known, behind-the-scenes devices like storage arrays and tape libraries. (Generally, though, I don’t work with the computer systems that are involved with the Museum gallery displays — that’s the realm of our Audio/Visual Department.) I keep the systems up-to-date, replace parts when necessary, and solve problems when a system becomes uncooperative. My position provides me with a satisfying and healthy balance of computer-geek engagement and human interaction.
What is your fondest Disney memory OR what is your favorite gallery at The Walt Disney Family Museum and why?
My fondest Disney memory is watching Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color on TV with my family when I was growing up in the ‘60s.
How does your job communicate and interpret the legacy of Walt Disney?
Walt was a great believer in the potential of collaborative creativity and innovation. Because everyone at The Walt Disney Family Museum uses a computer, I am able to collaborate with all of my colleagues, supporting and contributing to their work.
Describe your workspace OR your favorite item on your desk.
I am surrounded by classic posters for Disney movies like Dumbo, Bambi, Rob Roy, The Absent-Minded Professor, and Saludos Amigos. They really contribute to the playfulness and comfort of my work space!
Tell us a little known fact about you.
I regularly ride my bicycle to work from my home in Pacifica, which is on the coast south of San Francisco. My commute takes me through some extraordinarily beautiful sites, and, as if that weren’t enough, I am often treated to sightings of wildlife such as herons, hawks, pelicans, coyotes, and even whales!