How I Work: Moe Hosseini-Ara

March 13, 2017

Moe Hosseini-Ara has worked in libraries for over 30 years in a variety of positions in both public and academic settings. He began his career at the age of 13 ¾ as a page at the North York Public Library and has worked at Toronto Public Library, York University’s Scott Library, Markham Public Library and has recently returned to Toronto Public Library.

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Current Gig: Director, Branch Operations & Customer Experience, Toronto Public Library

One word that best describes how you work: Inquisitively

Current mobile device: iPhone 6S

Current computer: 

• Personal: Samsung Notebook Series 9
• Work: Toshiba Protégé Z30

What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without?

• Apps: Uncrate, Google Maps, Google Keep, Weather Network, iBooks and Overdrive (listening to e-audiobooks on my commute)
• Tools: my phone with its calendar to keep me on schedule

What’s your workspace setup like?

I have a relatively tidy office with a stack of papers on the side of my desk that I keep as a reminder of recent things I’m working on. My laptop is connected to Cisco DX-80 telepresence unit which I use for dual screen and telepresence capabilities. I have a couple of favourite framed art pieces on the walls and a screensaver that cycles through pictures I’ve taken of places I have been and things that make me smile.

What’s your best time-saving shortcut?

I have many and I’m always looking for the most efficient way to do anything and everything. Always looking for tips & tricks to save time and energy – not because I’m lazy but because there is so much I want to do and so little time. One example, I don’t file emails in folders. Instead I use the search functionality in Outlook to find anything I need – it’s never failed me and I don’t waste time trying to figure out where to file things and where to look for things.

What’s your favourite to-do list manager?

Google Keep – it syncs on all my devices and I keep everything from grocery lists and to-do lists, restaurants to try, favourite quotes, thoughts and ideas and pretty much anything I want to come back to later…

Besides your phone and computer, what gadget can’t you live without and why?

If you can call them gadgets…my motorcycles!

Do you find yourself always working on something? Or when you finish a project, do you take time to let your mind wander without concern for what’s next?

My mind is always wandering and I’m always working on something…it’s how I keep from getting bored!

What do you listen to while you work?

If I get time to myself in the office I stream Google Play Music (formerly Songza) – there are many different channels/stations to match the mood I’m in and how I’m working.

What are you currently reading?

Due to my commute I actually listen to lots of audiobooks – just finished Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin and my in between go to is David Sedaris – always good for a laugh while sitting in bumper to bumper traffic.

How do you recharge?

My recharge is motorcycling. As soon as spring hits and for as long as the temperatures stay above 5C I can be found on a Sunday morning with friends riding to a distant restaurant for breakfast. It’s all about eating a good breakfast, blowing off the cobwebs from the week and connecting with friends (not to mention butter tarts for breakfast dessert!). On a typical Sunday morning we ride anywhere from 300-500 kms.

What’s your sleep routine like?

I get about 6 hours of sleep. I don’t sleep in. I’m typically up by 4:30 AM exercising and getting ready for the day.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

There are so many nuggets of good advice. Here are two that go well together – Never lose your sense of wonder…always keep your sense of humour…