Every time I hear the word "librarian" I think of the song from The Music Man, Marian the Librarian. I did that show in high school. Of course, librarians are far more than their stereotype portrayed in the media.
I should know. I have a cousin who has been working at the same library for over 40 years, having attained a really good position now, despite the fact her degree is not in library science. One of my aunts [other side of the family] has a degree in library science but has never actually worked as a librarian. I have several friends who are adoptive moms, who are librarians. Actually, I think the correct term nowadays is Media Specialist..
My friend Jill is a fellow adoptive mom, and graciously answered my questions about her profession.
1. What do you do?
I am a librarian/library branch manager.
2. How long have you been doing this?
I have been a librarian in the same library system for 25 years, and a manager for 10 years. I started as a children's librarian, but switched to an adult librarian when I became a manager. My library system has 23 branches, and I have worked at 4 of them throughout the years.
3. What made you choose this as a career?
I started college planning to go into elementary education. After my first semester, I switched to School Media Services (school librarian). I was a School Media Specialist for 4 years, before becoming a librarian in a public library.
4. What type of schooling or training did you need to do your job?
A Master's degree in Library Science is required by my system to be a librarian. (some don't require master's degrees) I also have an undergraduate degree in School Media Services. Many librarians with an MLS have an undergraduate degree in something other than school media or library. I'm the exception!
5. Describe some of the typical activities you do every day.
As a librarian, my main job is assisting patrons. Some are looking for recreational reading, some are working on reports/homework. Sometimes the person has a specific book/author they want, other times they have a theme/genre they enjoy, and ask for recommendations. The library also circulates DVD's, music cd's, and books on cd. Patrons can download free music from the library. Patrons can also access books electronically to read on their iPad or other eReader. The library has computers that access the Internet, so many people need assistance in this area. Some are completing job applications or completing resumes. Some are opening email accounts for the first time. I assist any of the above. Many times it's a quick interaction, but I might spend up to 30 minutes with the same patron. There is also programming, for both children and adults. When I was a children's librarian, I used to plan and execute programs for preschoolers. The branch where I work now offers 3 sessions of preschool programs each week, as the demand is that great. There isn't as much adult programming, but we do offer an adult book discussion group once a month.
6. What is your favorite part about this job?
My favorite part of the job is interacting with people, especially children. I meet new and interesting people every day.
7. What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is dealing with those "difficult" patrons, or having to explain a policy to someone who doesn't agree with it.
8. What would you say to a young person contemplating this career?
Being a librarian isn't all "sitting at a desk and reading the books"! It offers a wide variety of options, such as school librarian, public librarian, academic librarian, law librarian, and more. It is becoming much more technical too, so if computers are your thing, being a librarian can still be an option.
9. If you had it to do all over again would you still choose this career?
Definitely
10. Why or why not?
After 25 years, I'm still enjoying what I do, and I don't know that a lot of people can say that about their career. The profession has changed enough to keep things fresh, and as I said earlier, you meet different people, so each day is a little different.
11. How do you see this career changing [if any] in the next ten years?
Libraries are expanding to include computers, computer labs, 3-D printers, and more technology. There is also a lot more outreach. Libraries are also becoming gathering places for families and groups, so the quiet library of the past is long gone!
12. What’s the best career advice anyone ever gave you?
My dad always told me to do what I love, and don't worry as much about the money.
Now I've got the song stuck in my head so here's Marian the Librarian.. LOL
