USU Alumna Andrea Decker Champions Cultural Heritage at Library of Congress

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University alumna Andrea Decker is helping preserve and share some of the most important cultural materials in the world through her work at the Library of Congress. As a reference librarian at the American Folklife Center, Decker plays a key role in making music, oral histories, dance and folklore collections accessible to the public.

With nearly 7 million items in its holdings, the AFC is home to early wax cylinder recordings, community stories and contemporary cultural documentation.

“My work involves connecting researchers and the public to these materials and the information they need,” Decker said. “The most meaningful moments come when visitors hear a song they’ve been searching for or the voice of a family member long since gone. For me, that illustrates the deep value of preserving cultural heritage and making it accessible to everyone.”

Decker’s journey from USU to one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions is a powerful example of the university’s vision to empower people to lead lives of involvement, innovation and impact. She holds a Ph.D. in Musicology and Ethnomusicology and has built a career that bridges academic research with hands-on community engagement.

“My time at USU taught me to love learning and to value curiosity,” Decker said. “I started as a music major and later added political science. I wanted a career that would let me participate in the arts while also reflecting on their history, significance and impact.”

Through the Honors Program, Decker completed research projects and received faculty mentorship that shaped her academic focus.

“Chris Scheer introduced me to archival research and shared his experience pursuing a Ph.D. in musicology,” she said. “That was transformative.”

At the AFC, she leads initiatives to expand access to the collections, improve archival finding tools, and fund community-driven documentation through programs like the Community Collections Grant and the Artists in Resonance award.

“Working towards better preservation and public access to cultural heritage collections is sometimes glamorous, but it's often the little details that matter most in ensuring heritage will be accessible long-term,” Decker said.

Outside of her professional role, Decker remains active in the arts, performing with the Capitol Hill Chorale, the Library of Congress Chorale, and the Javanese gamelan at the Indonesian Embassy in Washington, D.C. This involvement reflects her deep personal commitment to cultural participation and global connection.

Looking back at her time at USU, Decker names numerous USU mentors whose guidance left a lasting impression:

“Jeannie Johnson gave me my first teaching opportunities and inspired me to consider cultural theory. Carol McNamara encouraged me to study in Indonesia. Craig Jessop, Cory Evans, and Michael Huff are still among the best choral conductors I’ve worked with. And my very first library job was at Merrill-Cazier Library, which set the standard for library service.”

Andrea Decker’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and mentorship. Through her dedication to cultural preservation and public access, she continues to reflect the Aggie spirit of fostering excellence, broadening access, and ensuring that voices from every community are heard and valued. For more information on the Library of Congress and Andrea's work, visit the website.