# Brenden McCarthy

> American technologist, information professional, and librarian

**Wikidata**: [Q108286652](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q108286652)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/brenden-mccarthy

## Summary
Brenden McCarthy is an American librarian, technologist, and information professional specializing in the intersection of library science and programming. He has held roles at institutions like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Hudson Valley Community College, combining expertise in information science with software development.

## Biography
- **Born:** Albany Medical Center (date not specified in source material)
- **Nationality:** United States
- **Education:**
  - Master of Science in Information Science, State University of New York at Albany (2015-2017)
  - Education at Albany Academy and Northeastern University
- **Known for:** Work as a librarian and programmer integrating information management with technology.
- **Employer(s):**
  - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (current, as per source)
  - Hudson Valley Community College (2018-2020)
  - Siena College (2017-2018)
- **Field(s):** Library science, information science, programming, software development

## Contributions
Brenden McCarthy has worked at the intersection of information management and technology through professional roles in libraries and higher education. His background as both a librarian and programmer allows him to develop technical solutions within information environments. While specific published works, patents, or major open-source projects are not detailed in the provided source material, his employment history demonstrates sustained practice applying software development skills (e.g., programming, software engineering) within library and information science contexts at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and prior institutions. His impact lies in bridging the gap between traditional library services and technological implementation.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Brenden McCarthy's current job?
A: Brenden McCarthy works as a librarian at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he also applies his skills as a programmer and software engineer.

### Q: What degrees does Brenden McCarthy hold?
A: He holds a Master of Science in Information Science from the State University of New York at Albany (awarded in 2017).

### Q: What are Brenden McCarthy's primary areas of expertise?
A: His primary areas include library science, information science, programming, and software development, combining information management with technical implementation.

### Q: Has he worked at multiple academic institutions?
A: Yes, he has been employed at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (current), Hudson Valley Community College (2018-2020), and Siena College (2017-2018).

## Why They Matter
Brenden McCarthy represents a growing trend of professionals merging traditional library science with modern technology. His dual expertise as both a librarian and programmer allows him to innovate how information is accessed and managed within academic libraries, particularly in technical environments like Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. This interdisciplinary skill set is increasingly vital for adapting library services to digital demands, influencing how institutions integrate software tools into information workflows. His work bridges the gap between human-centered information services and the technical infrastructure required to support them.

## Notable For
*   Combining the roles of librarian and programmer/software engineer.
*   Holding a Master of Science in Information Science.
*   Employing technical skills (programming) within the context of academic libraries and information services.
*   Working across multiple higher education institutions in New York State (RPI, HVCC, Siena).
*   Having a documented professional lineage including a great-great-great-grandparent, Peter McCarthy.

## Body
### Professional Affiliations
Brenden McCarthy is currently employed as a librarian at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where his role also incorporates programming and software engineering. Prior to RPI, he worked as a librarian at Hudson Valley Community College from August 2018 to April 2020. His earliest documented academic role was at Siena College, serving from October 2017 to August 2018. His professional identity is defined by the intersection of library science and information technology.

### Education and Background
McCarthy earned his Master of Science in Information Science from the State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany), completing the program between 2015 and 2017. His prior education includes attendance at Albany Academy and Northeastern University. He was born at the Albany Medical Center in the United States.

### Technical and Information Expertise
McCarthy's occupations are explicitly listed as librarian, information scientist, programmer, and information professional. His Twitter handle is `@m3ta_Mac`, and his Mastodon address is `mac@koyu.space`. His ORCID identifier is `0000-0003-1952-2047`, and he has a Scopus Author ID: `57465532500`. He is affiliated with the classes of "programmer" (a subclass of software developer) and "software engineer." His family name is McCarthy, with aliases including Brenden J. McCarthy and Brenden James McCarthy. His great-great-great-grandparent is Peter McCarthy.

## References

1. [Source](https://guides.lib.rpi.edu/prf.php?account_id=245708)
2. [Source](https://brendenmccarthy.com)
3. [Source](https://rpi.edu)
4. [Source](https://directory.rpi.edu/groups/V3518)
5. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-1952-2047/employment/10212527)
6. [ORCID Public Data File 2023](https://pub.orcid.org/v3.0/0000-0003-1952-2047/employment/17927954)
7. [Source](https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1952-2047)
8. ORCID Public Data File 2021
9. [Source](https://twitter.com/m3ta_mac)