Hi! My name is William Neumaier, and I’m a graduate student at Wayne State University earning my Master’s in Library and Information Science. I’m currently a Library Assistant at the Cranbrook Educational Community, where I work with both circulating and historical collections. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Film from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and have experience in media production and archival work in both academic and public library settings.
My research and personal passions center on the intersections of film, media, and cultural history, with a particular focus on horror, cult classics, and the evolving relationship between media and audience engagement. Beyond media, I study gothic history and aesthetics across literature, art, and cultural movements, exploring how these themes shape and reflect societal narratives. I also have a deep interest in culinary history and food culture, informed by years of experience working in restaurants and exploring the ways food connects communities and preserves cultural memory.
After graduating in Spring or Summer 2026, I aspire to work in a special collections library, archive, or media library, where I can bring together my interests in preservation, accessibility, and cultural storytelling to ensure that unique and historically significant materials remain available and engaging for diverse audiences.
Last year, during my role as a Library Assistant at the Cranbrook Educational Community Library, I led a full redesign and reorganization of our Reading Room space. The project focused on improving both the historical preservation and usability of the room’s collection. I carefully evaluated the existing materials, re-catalogued and re-sorted every title, and responsibly weeded items that no longer served the collection’s mission. I also designated and catalogued new historical titles, then fully reorganized and reshelved the entire collection to create a more accessible and navigable space for students, faculty, and researchers. This project not only preserved the historical integrity of the Reading Room but also transformed it into a more functional and inviting space that better supports the Cranbrook community.