Written by
Brandon Johnson, Communications Strategist
Oct. 30, 2024
Mary Carter

Photo credit: Brandon Johnson.

In July 2024, Mary Carter joined Princeton University Library (PUL) as its Finance and Operations Research Librarian. Carter is the primary liaison for the Bendheim Center for Finance, Operations Research and Financial Engineering, and the Finance certificate program.

Before joining PUL, Carter worked as an adjunct faculty librarian at Mesa Community College in Arizona for 14 years and concurrently as Director of Research at Intrinsic Research Systems, a division of London Stock Exchange Group, for 15 years. Prior to that she was a Senior Analyst and Vice President of Product Development at StockVal, a Thomson Reuters company. She has a bachelor’s degree in Finance from Arizona State University, a master’s degree in Information Resources and Library Science from University of Arizona, and holds a Chartered Financial Analyst designation from CFA Institute.

What role do you play as Finance and Operations Research Librarian?

My main role is to support the Operations Research and Financial Engineering (ORFE) and Economics departments, including the Bendheim Center for Finance. I also support students from all disciplines who are taking finance classes or using financial data in their work. We have one of the most extensive academic collections of financial and economic tools in the US, so there is plenty to learn and to support.      

What is your favorite aspect of your work?

When helping students navigate the oceans of resources we offer, I love that moment when their fear and dread turns to relief and excitement about their research. It doesn’t happen every encounter, but when someone explains their information needs to you and you can show them a resource and how to use it, and they just light up and say, “This is perfect!” -- that’s the best. 

Are there any pieces in PUL’s collections that you are particularly fond of?  

While I do love all of our fancy, pricey finance resources, I’m going to shout out a new favorite book — “The Worlds I See,” by Dr. Fei-Fei Li, the latest Princeton Pre-read selection. I’m trying to brush up on my machine learning and AI literacy to better help the ORFE students doing work in those or adjacent fields. It was so fun to read such an engaging account that included so much about Princeton’s role in her life. 

Can you provide any quick tips for people wanting to improve their financial literacy?

While I’m not a specialist in personal finance, I would say take advantage of the many resources available to you like Princeton’s Financial Wellness programs. If you’re pinned to your social media feeds, consider following some respected financial influencers, but pay attention to credentials, as always. Recognize that finance is intimidating to nearly everyone, so you’re not alone. 

What are your goals for your first year at Princeton?  

#1: Build relationships. I’m excited to work with students, faculty and my new Library colleagues. #2: Gain software proficiencies.  I’ve been in the financial software industry for decades but there are so many apps here I’ve never gotten to use before.  #3: Get involved. I’m anxious to help out in more areas, in service committees… whatever!