More Thoughts from the Profession
I chose my first career as a practitioner because of the strong service ethic of librarianship, to contribute to intellectual freedom, and to advance knowledge for the good of humanity.
- Alvin Schrader, Professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta
My language skills have been a huge asset in the community I serve. I've been able to offer computer training in Punjabi, been on community TV & radio to promote library services to this population, and participated in many community events as a library advocate....in fact, I even met my husband at a library community event! .... For someone who is interested in continuous learning and making a positive contribution to the community, a public library is a wonderful establishment to be working in.
- Surinder Bhogal, Surrey Public Library, British Columbia
Librarians are sexy beasts. We open doors to information and we put essential resources into patrons' hands. What's not to love? The first time I visited a library as a kid I was stunned to find out so many books were available for free. I was shocked and thrilled. Later I found out that the librarians who helped me find books were actually interesting people. Sure, some had seven cats, but others ran marathons, were hardcore punk rock fanatics, had served with the Peace Corps or were committed to open access software. It wasn't a hard decision to join a profession where you can put information into the hands of others while having a good time.
- Geoffrey Little, University of Toronto
As a [hospital] Library Manager much of my time is spent negotiating licenses for electronic access. I also spend a lot of time instructing users about how to use the library's resources. And I sit on a lot of different committees that deal with all aspects of the hospital's work: from Patient Education to Mental Health to Accreditation. Part of my role is to be aware of where my hospital is heading so that the Library has appropriate resources to support decision making - both for clinicians and for administrators.
- Penny Logan, Manager Library Services, Capital Health, Halifax
For the first time in my life, I am in charge of my work day. No one tells me what needs to get done in my department, because, that's why they hired me! It's my responsibility to identify priorities, needs and new projects. This can be incredibly challenging, but very rewarding.
- Jane Binksma, International Business Librarian, Ryerson University
Working in a public library allows me to feel that every day I have made a difference in someone's life. You cannot put a price on that type of job satisfaction. I love going to work every day and I can't imagine being in any other career.
- Sarah Jones, Calgary Public Library
I run a small (tiny) library of drawings, reports, standards and professional materials for the architects and engineers of the Asset Management Division of the Department of Public Works of the Government of the Northwest Territories. I only work a 15-hour week but it is enough to keep the materials organized so they are accessible and current, and well-advertised in my newsletter. I love my job because I have lived in the north a long time and I am familiar with the places that "my guys" serve. I feel useful and appreciated and I know that if the Government did not fund my position a lot of that very useful material would be lost and people would waste a lot of time looking for things that might or might not be there.
- Janet Diveky, Department of Public Works and Services, Government of the Northwest Territories
I did a lot of research in my undergraduate degree and therefore spent lots of time in the library. I was drawn to the amount of knowledge held in library buildings, the historical beliefs as well as the newest facets of human knowledge. I was also looking for a job with flexibility and where I could exercise my creativity.
- Allison Thompson, McMaster University Health Sciences Library
Over 20-odd years, I have been able to work in three countries, over two continents, using my library credentials. Librarians can transport their skills around the world. I have taken part in international job exchanges and worked in government, public, university, technical, high school, and special libraries. All have their unique style and clientele.
- Phil Jeffreys, Regina Public Libraries
The questions I deal with on a daily basis are interesting, and can come from a huge range of topics - one day, I may help an investigator in Enforcement find news stories about a company, and the next day I may help a student learn how to research legislative history. Since our library is small (a staff of two), there is a huge variety of tasks - I select and purchase materials for the collection, write original cataloguing, answer reference requests, arrange and provide training programs, develop services and manage the budget. My organization is also willing to let me experiment with the type of services I provide - if I want to get involved with an IT project, or stretch the boundaries, they'll support it.
- Wendy Reynolds, Ontario Securities Commission
Currently I'm a freelance cataloguer, which means I can be working in a variety of library situations. I really enjoy the freedom and flexibility of this work. My main contract is with the Nunavut Legislative Library, cataloguing their collection, which is a mix of tabled and government documents and a general support and reference collection. The focus in the latter is on issues relating to the circumpolar North, the Inuit, and social, economic and environmental issues that affect the residents of Nunavut. This year we have taken a big leap forward in incorporating Inuktitut syllabics into our catalogue, which means I have learned this year to type in Inuktitut. If you work in libraries, you are always learning! More important, we are developing what we expect will be national standards for Inuktitut cataloguing standards and terminology.
- Carol Rigby, freelance cataloguer
I enjoy helping people; working in an academic library puts me in contact with students, faculty and various colleagues. Gone are the days when a librarian was an anti-social bookworm! Librarians need to have strong interpersonal and communication skills. They should also be comfortable learning new technologies and adapting to change. In addition, I love hunting for information (a.k.a. research) and using my organizational skills.
- Adrienne Wass, Economics Librarian, University of Western Ontario
Initially I chose a career in libraries because I was working as a receptionist and knew I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life. I wasn't completely sure what I wanted to do but I knew that I loved books and libraries and thought it might be a good fit. I had no previous library work experience but dove right into my studies. As time progressed I realized that a career in libraries was perfect for me and I had found something I excel at. I haven't looked back since.
- Courtney Walker, Langara College, British Columbia
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