Lightning round with Christina Rice

After talking about the Los Angeles Public Library’s vast photo collection, senior librarian Christina Rice stayed for Newsjunkie’s “20 Q” lightning round. The conversation ranged from the pleasures and frustrations of public-service archiving to North Hollywood, Mexican food, favorite Los Angeles movies, Disney parks and a lifelong devotion to Guns N’ Roses.

Coffee or energy drink?

Coffee. Oh my God, coffee.

Early shift or late shift?

I’ve been working the early shift for so long that I’m going to say early shift. Just get it out of the way.

What’s the best part of being part of the Los Angeles Public Library?

There are so many things, but one of them is that we’re given the room to do our job in the way that best serves the public, and it’s not about a financial bottom line. Yes, we have our public to answer to, but not in a way that gets qualified or quantified by money. I love that we do what we can to serve the public in so many different ways. The fact that I’m working with photos of Dolly Parton today and that is part of my job - and is actually serving the public - is just incredible.

Will Tim Curry be next?

I already pulled him. He’s not scanned yet, but one of the Herald Examiner photographers visited the set of Clue, so we have these amazing photos from the set. I should have done them earlier, but yes, we’re getting those online hopefully this week or next.

What’s the toughest part of your job?

Knowing how much we have and knowing it is not humanly possible to get it all online. I’ve been at it for so long. Not being able to do it fast enough is frustrating.

Do you have a favorite Los Angeles neighborhood?

North Hollywood, because that’s where I’ve lived for the last 15 years.

Favorite Los Angeles band?

Guns N’ Roses. I just saw them for the 25th time in Vegas over the weekend, and numbers 26 and 27 are next week.

Favorite Los Angeles food?

Mexican food. My personal favorite is Mucho Mas in North Hollywood: a bean-and-cheese burrito, a la carte, wet with red sauce.

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

When I was going to get my driver’s license, my dad said, “Always assume the guy in the next lane is going to cut you off.” Driving on the Los Angeles freeways, that is true.

Do you have a favorite Los Angeles movie?

The first one that pops into my mind is Singin’ in the Rain because that’s very Hollywood. Fast Times at Ridgemont High is another one that comes to mind, just because I love the Valley.

A dream vacation?

I’ve done so many of my dream vacations. I would like to do the Asia tour of Disney parks.

What’s one question you wish people would ask you?

How many times have you seen Guns N’ Roses in concert? I don’t get asked that.