Colleges & Universities
Responses from Librarians

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? Like many other librarians I know, I had never planned on becoming a librarian. I was a doctoral candidate in French lit. who had finished his comps and just decided that getting the Ph.D. and teaching was no longer the right thing for him. I did not want to leave academia having spent close to half my life in universities. I also wanted to do something with my language skills. While working as a lib. assistant, I worked part time towards the MLS. I had decided that library work was not bad and if I were to be gainfully employed in the field, I would prefer to be part of the "professional" staff. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Romance languages cataloger at Langdell Library,Harvard Law School A. What type of library do you work in? Law library at an academic institution. B. Main Duties? I catalog works of law in the romance languages, i.e. French, Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian, Catalan, Italian.

Thomas

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became a Librarian because I was told I would be a good one. I was trained in a fairly narrow academic field, and found that I was asked by librarians to assist them in their duties relating to my field. Eventually I was asked to "inventory" (that is, a fairly primitive method of cataloguing) a collection of manuscripts in my field for a particular Library (the one where I work now). One thing led to another, as the saying goes. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Library Director A. What type of library do you work in? academic library B. Main Duties? Main duties, besides administration, still pertain to my area of academic expertise: the Arabic language, and Islamic Studies.

Steven

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? Actually, I didn't. I wanted to be a university professor, and it wasn't working out that way. I had worked in libraries as clerical staff and knew that I would enjoy working as a professional librarian in an academic setting. It has turned out to be a good substitute for what I really wanted to do. 2.What is your job in the Library now? Music cataloger A. What type of library do you work in? Academic library at a state university that offers doctoral programs. B. Main Duties? Mostly, I catalog musical scores. I also catalog LP's and music books that don't fit the regular copy-cataloging work flow, perform various database maintenance tasks, plus the round of meetings that goes with the territory.

David

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I worked in several libraries before deciding to pursue my MLS. In my experience, the people who choose to work in libraries have diverse backgrounds and interests and are generally a pleasure to work with. Also, I love reading, technology, learning, and working with people so this was the perfect profession. 2.What is your job in the Library now? Reference/Education Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Academic B. Main Duties? In person and on-line reference instruction and services, Maintain our opac, web site and Blackboard site.

Rachael

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I know it's trite, but initially I was attracted by my love of books. While working on my bachelor's degree in history, I was a student assistant at my college library, and knew that I wanted to work in libraries for a career, but many years went by before I had the opportunity to attend library school. I went to Library School in the mid 90s, but I had worked in libraries as an undergrad student in the early 70s and again in the late 80s/early 90s. Working as a library staffer, running a curriculum library (k-12 materials) for an academic library, I learned what being a librarian really consisted of. I had taken undergraduate level library courses to prepare me for that job. I found that being a librarian in the late 20th century was challenging and interesting. 2.What is your job in the Library now? Monograph Catalog Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Academic Library at an engineering school. B. Main Duties? Head of cataloging. I do all of our original monograph cataloging and supervise out catalogers.

Pamela

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I honestly don't know why I wanted to...it just seemed to be the profession to which I was drawn ever since I was in high school. I enjoyed the technical aspects of library work even as a high school volunteer. When it came time to apply for college I knew that I was going to go on to library school, so I found out that I could major in just about anything in my undergraduate degree...what a bonus! I admit that it's gratifying to help people become lifelong learners, but I can't deny that I LOVE technical services activities more than the patron interaction...which is enjoyable too. 2.What is your job in the Library now? Technical Services Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Small academic library B. Main Duties? Supervision of acquisitions, serials, cataloging. Responsible for collection development. Vendor relations. Campus activities (i.e. COMMITTEES!!!).

Marilyn

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became more aware of the library when I was a graduate student in musicology at the Eastman School of Music. I needed to stay at school after I was finished with my master's coursework to finish some papers so I took a job in cataloging at the Sibley Music Library. The women in Tech Services there were smart, fun, nationally active, and really good at their jobs -- wonderful role models! Under their tutelage, I discovered that music cataloging was something I enjoyed tremendously, allowed me to use my brain, and I was good at it. After a year in that job, I left to go to library school. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Technical Services Coordinator A. What type of library do you work in? Academic. I am at a medium-sized library at a four-year comprehensive university B. Main Duties? I coordinate all technical services activities -- acquisitions, cataloging, serials, processing, binding, collection development/management, and the integrated library system. I continue to catalog music sound recordings and media -- mainly non-print materials.

Laurie

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became a librarian about 20 years after I first decided that was what I wanted to be when I "grew up". I love books, old and new. I love helping others learn to love books. I enjoy working with students to help discover answers to their questions. I love my job. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Catalog/Reference Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? I work in a small academic library at Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, Texas B. Main Duties? I catalog all new materials. I do copy-cataloging as well as some original cataloging. I teach library instruction classes and also do reference work at the front desk or by phone.

Karen

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? Actually, I was drafted! After retiring from the Army as a chaplain I associated with a group of ministers who wanted to found a new seminary. In the development process someone needed to develop the library - guess who? So at age 56 I entered library school having never worked in a library in my life. And the rest they say is history. What an exciting journey! 2. What is your job in the Library now? By title I'm the Director of Library Services, however, that simply means that two part time paraprofessionals, and four student workers try to make sense of my collection development, acquisitions, and policies. A. What type of library do you work in? We are a library that serves an unaccredited Bible school and a graduate school of theology (seminary) seeking accreditation. I suppose that makes us an academic library - at least in aspirations. B. Main Duties? Responsibility for everything that does or does not happen.

Garry

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I did not set out to become a librarian. I majored in studio art in my undergrad days. Trite as it sounds, my only ambition after graduation was to fall in love, get married, and have five or six children (I love kids...they're so creative and loads of fun to be around). I was going to have my own art studio and that would be the one place where my kids could draw on the walls and be as creative as they wished to be. Funny how life works out sometimes...
Fortunately, as an undergrad, I was assigned to the library as a work study student assistant. I loved the challenge of the work, particularly in cataloging, because I love to learn, and the rest...as they say...is history. I've worked as a paraprofessional cataloger for many years.
So...the long and short of it is that I became a librarian for two reasons:
1) I got tired of the way I was being treated by some (thankfully not all) of the librarians that we've employed in our library over the years. It was interesting that I was always treated as an equal and colleague until they found out I did not hold an MLS or MLIS degree. The only way to change that was to go for the degree.
2) The issue of cost no longer held me back. When the opportunity presented itself to me to have my education paid for by the institution, I jumped at the chance and loved every minute of school.

2. What is your job in the Library now? The same as it was before I completed my degree: Cataloging & Technological Resources Specialist. Basically that's a glorified way of saying that I'm the cataloger, library webmaster, and systems administrator. There are currently no librarian "slots" open at my institution. I'm hoping that one will be added or come open, because I really enjoy what I do, where I work, and the people with whom I work. A. What type of library do you work in? Small academic library B. Main Duties? I do all of the copy and original cataloging for all formats, as well as authority work, for Everett's collection. We now have two part-time copy catalogers for our Union theological collection (one professional, one student employee). Any problem titles they cannot handle are also passed on to me to do. I maintain the library's subject and reference web pages. We recently outsourced our library catalog (it now resides in St. Louis, Mo.), but I'm still responsible for maintaining the database, running reports as needed, and troubleshooting system problems for staff as needed.

Colleen

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I was greatly influenced by the librarian working at my alma mater when I was a student. He not only let me work in all areas of the library, but his knowledge of stuff really intrigued me. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I work at Texas State Technical College Harlingen, TX as cataloger and assistant director. Besides the 5,000+ books we order each year which need cataloging and processing, I also order McNaughton Rental books for our fiction collection, do interlibrary loans and occasionally do some reference work.

Carolyn

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I got so excited when I really started to understand how to do library research and what a great puzzle it can be and I wanted to teach other people about using libraries. I felt like I had uncovered secrets when I learned about article databases and citation chasing and I wanted everyone to know about them. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Instruction Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Private Non-profit university with non traditional scheduling. The University is focused on providing higher education for working adults. B. Main Duties? Reference, Instruction, Selection, Online Student Outreach.

April

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian?As an undergraduate I worked as a student assistant at the University of KY library. When I was there I had a great deal of contact with patrons and that's what made me choose librarianship as a career. I decided to become a librarian because I felt like I could really empower people by helping them find and use information. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I work at a small liberal arts college library where everyone on staff has many roles. Some of mine include reference/instruction, archives and government documents. Along with two other colleagues I am a co-director of the library.

Valerie

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I earned my B.S. in Architecture and was accepted into a Master's program in Architecture, but needed to take a year off before grad school to earn money. I got a job in a large (and wonderful) independent bookstore, having always loved books. The bookstore offered great discounts to libraries so several local librarians came to the store to purchase for their collections. One of these librarians was the wife of an Architecture professor of mine, so I worked with her frequently and at some length. My experience speaking with this librarian about her work and working in the bookstore (and enjoying getting books into the hands of readers) made me decide to pursue my MLS instead of my M.Arch. During library school I had an assistantship at an undergraduate library and determined that I most wanted to work in an academic library, preferably one in the arts and humanities.
2. What is your job in the Library now? I am one of two professionals at the library of a small (800 students) liberal arts college. My title is Assistant Librarian, and my duties include instruction (I conduct apx. 20 sessions on library research for individual courses each term), reference (helping students with their research), interlibrary loan, government documents (we are a selective Federal depository library), collection development, maintenance of the library's web site and production of all of our printed handouts (how-to's on various databases, etc.)...I also serve as an academic advisor for first year students at the college and serve on several faculty committees (I have faculty status).

Christine

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I worked in my high school library, putting it together from empty shelves and books in cartons, and enjoyed it. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I am the Instruction Librarian at San Diego Mesa [Community] College. In the past, I was an intermediate school and high school librarian. A. What type of library do you work in? Academic (community college) B. Main Duties? I coordinate the entire instruction program, teach classes, work at the reference desk, and do collection development. I also serve on department, campus, and district committees. (Photo)

Val

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? - My mother was a college librarian (and my father a professor) so I grew up in that sort of environment.
- I couldn't figure out anything else I wanted to do. Another librarian I know called it a "default profession." Smart people who can't decide what to do or who have tried something they didn't like think, "Hey, I could be a librarian." Not too inspirational but true, I suspect. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Reference librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Community college B. Main Duties? Reference desk, Teaching and helping coordinate our information literacy program, Collection development in several areas, Serve on our web committee and develop web content.

Red

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became a librarian primarily because I love to read and enjoy helping people. I also have fond memories of my school librarian and the children's librarian at our public library. They both encouraged me to pursue librarianship.
2. What is your job in the Library now? I am currently Information Services Librarian at Lincoln Christian College & Seminary's Jessie C. Eury Library. Previously I was a Jr. High and High School librarian for 5 years. A. What type of library do you work in? The library is a small academic library. We serve around 700 undergraduate students and 300 graduate students. B. Main Duties? Information literacy instruction, reference work, head of interlibrary loan and circulation, and supervise student workers.

Leslie

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became a librarian to help people find information. I wanted to use my linguistic and pedagogical skills and knowledge (I have a BA in French and Spanish and I have a B.Ed.) to instill in others my love of knowledge and assist them in the process towards knowledge development. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I have just graduated from Library School and I work in a university library as a tenure-track French and Spanish librarian. A. What type of library do you work in? I work in a Humanities and Social Sciences library. The library "collection consists of books, periodicals, government publications, electronic indexes, and microformats to support the study, teaching and research needs of the students and faculty in the humanities and social sciences." B. Main Duties? Reference, collection management, instruction for French, Spanish, and Latin American studies. Liaison Librarian for French, Spanish, and Latin American studies, Web guide development, and Information Literacy.

Denis

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I was a 4th grade teacher and didn't like the classroom but wanted to stay in education, so I took a year's worth of classes to become a librarian thinking I would become a public school librarian. Instead I ended up at a small private Christian liberal arts university. 2. What is your job in the Library now? After 35 years at my first university, I'm at another small private Christian liberal arts college as Assistant Librarian. B. Main Duties? I'm somewhat of a generalist helping out in all areas. I supervise ILL and serials, help in cataloging, reference, instruction, and circulation.

Jan

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I love reading non-fiction, organizing things, showing people how to use libraries and helping them find the information they are seeking to use in their lives.
I was already crazy about reading by sixth grade when I had a teacher who gave us a sheet of paper with ten thermometers on it, one for each type of book, such as humor, poetry, reference, fiction, etc. That helped me broaden my horizons. In Junior High we had a marvelous librarian and I hung out in the library, helping out. My mom worked in the order department of a large urban library and her boss told her she should be paying him for the privilege of coming to work every day and opening boxes full of new books. In high school I got a job in that library in the reference department. The librarians there were outstanding and we were encouraged to help patrons to the extent of our ability. I knew then and there I wanted to be a librarian and worked for one year full-time after high school. Besides working in that public library, I worked in the Rare Book Room in my university library and in the library of the Institute of Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology during college.
I liked reference work in the public library best. A part-time job in cataloging was available when I wanted to start back to work after I had children and I loved working on a Library of Congress Subject Headings project and a serials cataloging project. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I'm a reference librarian at Utah State University A. What type of library do you work in? Academic library for a Carnegie Research I institution B. Main Duties? I work on the desk an average of eight hours a week. I teach classes in a hands-on classroom for English instructors and other professors who have given assignments to their students which involve using the library. I order books for the library in my liaison areas — Psychology, Elementary Education, Special Education, Rehabilitation, and English as a Second Language. I attend committee meetings to plan instruction and collection development. I'm the chair of the staff development committee. This year I saw the need for marketing and improving our image since we are building a new library which will open in two years and we want the campus to think of us as the first, best place to go for information so I'm leading a task force to work on that.

Deleyne

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I was in college for a BA in political science, and was bored—I didn’t like it, but I knew I didn’t want to be an English Lit major either. I saw an advertisement in the main building for ALISE, and got excited – it helped focus my attention in an area of interest – I have always been a bookworm and bibliophile. I completed my BA instead of dropping out, which is what I had been thinking about doing. Then I enrolled in Library Science about a year later, after landing a job in an academic library for some experience. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I have worked as a Media Specialist, Health Sciences Librarian, and am currently a Systems Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Academic B. Main Duties? Reference desk, 10-15 hours per week. Systems, webpage design and DL support the rest of the time.

Doris

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I am inveterately curious. In order to investigate something I was curious about, I had to learn how to integrate information from a lot of different subject areas and I had to understand how that information was organized. I was fascinated by the ways all types of subjects overlapped. I thought the way information was organized was intriguing, and I found out I enjoyed helping other people navigate through the information to answer their own questions. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I now coordinate the Library Service's Information Literacy Outreach (instruction, outcome assessment, and program design) efforts at a 4-year college. I also perform regular reference desk duty, materials selection, do the library's public relations efforts, and serve on various college faculty committees. Before coming to this position, I was a high school librarian for 15 years.

Debra

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I was working in retail and didn't like it. I liked libraries, liked learning and books and decided to pursue a library career. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Assistant Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Small private college B. Main Duties? Since it is a small library, I am responsible for various areas. My main responsibility is library instruction. I also do reference, supervise library assistants and student workers, am working on new web pages for the library, oversee Interlibrary Loan and serials claims & binding, and other duties as needed.

Alice

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I had been a college instructor of English and Foreign Languages and had a chance to work in the library one semester. I enjoyed the work with the books and other resources and the interactions with the students. I had always loved libraries anyway. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Library Director A. What type of library do you work in? A community college library B. Main Duties? I am ultimately responsible for all that goes on in the library. I am in charge of budgeting, planning, supervision, staff development, library effectiveness and library marketing. I do some work on the Reference desk and share in Library Instruction responsibilities. I represent the library on several college committees. I also am active in local and state organizations and maintain a web page for our Tennessee Board of Regents Library Deans and Directors.

Scott

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became a librarian so I could fuse my interests and skills into one exciting and ever-changing position and for me that was librarianship. I have a strong interest in public service and a background in arts so for me arts librarianship provides an opportunity to work with students and faculty and at the same time work in the arts.
2. What is your job in the Library now? I'm a fine arts librarian at the University of Arizona Library. I was originally hired as the art librarian. Since then I have added photography as another of my subject areas and just this semester my office was moved to the Prototype Fine Arts Libratory (a Fine Arts Library) that serves as reference point for Art, Architecture, Photography and Music.

As a Fine Arts specialist in the academic environment my main duties are providing reference services, collection development and bibliographic instruction. Recent activities that have been added as priorities in our jobs include: Scholarly Communication and seeking collaborative activities with faculty to influence information literacy in their classes.

Librarians at the University of Arizona Library have faculty status so we are expected to publish and participate in professional organizations. I'm also involved in other activities as they come up, such as: committee work, space planning, assessment of services and collections, donor relations, and special projects. I like the varied work librarianship offers and the public service aspects of assisting users.

Miguel

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? --love of books started me on my path, then after working as a circulation desk staff person, I realized I loved to help people learn to use the library and to answer their tough questions (beyond 'where's the bathroom?' so went to library school. 2. What is your job in the Library now? --Humanities Librarian at California State University San Marcos A. What type of library do you work in?--Academic, granting BA and MA degrees along with teaching credentials in Education. B. Main Duties?--We are small, so we do a lot of different things. My main duty is instruction and information literacy, but I also do collection development for my Humanities and History disciplines and serve as a government documents librarian for our depository.

Judith

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? It's a cliche, but I became a librarian because I love books and learning. I am insatiably curious and love learning new things and this seemed like the one job guaranteed to make sure that I learned something new each day. I love looking up things, which makes me a good reference and interlibrary loan librarian. I am not, however, suited for indexing or cataloging -- I respect the job and love the tools, but I cannot do it myself. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I am the assistant college librarian A. What type of library do you work in? academic library -- junior college B. Main Duties? We are a small library with a staff of 2 professionals and 3 paraprofessionals (one has her MLS, but we cannot get her job upgraded). So...we all wear many hats. I am the assistant to the director, the reference librarian, the ILL librarian, the bibliographic instruction librarian, coordinator of services for patron with special needs, and the "systems"/electronic services or computer librarian -- also known as the computer goddess. I do all reference questions when I am here. I process all interlibrary loan requests: lending and borrowing. I maintain the ArieLVIS custom holdings group and web page. I also host custom holdings groups on the library web site for other ILL librarians. I give all tours and demonstrations of library resources to classes and groups. I help set up and provide library services and library access for patrons with special needs -- visual impairments, physical limitations, anything that interferes with patrons using and accessing the library. I teach a one-credit-hour "library science class" each spring for journalism majors and other interested students. I set up, install, maintain, and troubleshoot staff and patron computers. I help select and make decisions on purchasing computer hardware, software, and electronic resources. I also help set up policies and procedures for using and accessing computers and electronic resources. I create signs, brochures, and web pages for all of my various jobs. I used to be the library webmaster, but that job has been given to someone else and I just maintain my own web pages for my own jobs. I do anything assigned to me by my director.
I serve on search committees and other college committees. I am currently on the Social Justice Council, and I was on the ADA Council several years ago. Basically, I have a good time -- when I am not stressing about not having enough time to get everything done that needs to be done. The fact that I have so many job duties is balanced out by the large amount of freedom I have. I have a lot of freedom to set policy and procedure for each of my job areas. I have a lot of creative leeway as I create signs, brochures, handouts, and newsletters. I also never have a boring day because I always have something to do and as a public service librarian, I am always meeting and helping new people.

Linda

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I wanted to become a librarian because I enjoy learning in many areas and library work allows me to do that, and it keeps me active in some of the latest technology. 2. What is your job in the Library now? User education and reference A. What type of library do you work in? Academic (4 year undergrad and MA) B. Main Duties? Teaching how to use the library, teaching Information Literacy, creating and updating user guides, and reference duties.

Rory

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I did not want to become a librarian. I was working in a library and my supervisor (the librarian) went on sabbatical, so the circulation person (staff) and I (para-professional) started dreaming of our futures and how we could better ourselves. My colleague created a project within the libraries to increase her income and I found out I could get an advanced degree for free from my institution, provided it was within the same department as I was employed. I happened to be in a library, so I went to library school for free. I still don't want to be a librarian, but I am. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Director of Library services A. What type of library do you work in? Academic B. Main Duties? Administration, Supervisor of staff, Reference Librarian, Information literacy instructor, Cataloguer, Collection development, Building manager, Committee chair of two committees, Audio-visual manager, Coordinator of special events in the building, future adjunct instructor, and Faculty member.

Travis

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I became a Librarian because I knew I needed a professional degree in order to get a job. Both my father and uncle are retired librarians so I knew what the job entailed. I had been working in various academic libraries for three years when I made my decision to go to library school. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I am currently the reference and serials librarian at Shaw University in Raleigh North Carolina. I have been here in this position since January 2001. A. What type of library do you work in? A very small academic library supporting a student body of 2000 students at a Historically Black University, Shaw University B. Main Duties? Maintain the reference and serials collection. Answer all reference queries. Provide all Library Instruction for the university.

Suzanne

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? My love of libraries began when I was in first grade and I had my first reading list. Also, my mother worked in a library for about a year and I spent a lot of time in the library. My first job was in that same library at the age of nine. I also enjoyed doing research for my high school and college research papers. I would say that my love for reading, learning, researching, and helping others find information led to my desire to be a librarian. 2. What is your job in the Library now? My title is Assistant Librarian for Reference and Bibliographic Instruction A. What type of library do you work in? Academic Charleston Southern University B. Main Duties? My main duties include working the Reference Desk about 15+ hours a week, scheduling and helping teach Introduction to the Library for 25+ Freshman Seminar classes, and scheduling and helping teach 1 hour Bibliographic Instruction classes in various subject areas.

Linda

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I wanted to become a librarian because I loved doing research. When I wrote papers as an undergrad, I loved doing the research for them, but dreaded the actual writing process. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Reference Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Academic B. Main Duties? Bibliographic instruction, reference, web design/maintenance.

Billie Ann

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I always loved libraries and wanted to be a librarian since childhood. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Access Services and Reference Librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Small Academic Library B. Main Duties? Supervise all aspects of Circulation, and responsible for Reference and Library website.

Fay

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I didn't -- but my undergrad major was history, and I didn't know what else I could do besides teach high school (which I KNEW I didn't want), and I thought I wasn't smart enough for grad school, so. . . (I'm now in a PhD program in soc, but don't plan to give up my day job, which I'm good at, and which pays the bills. Librarians get paid way less than profs, but entry profs don't get paid more than librarians with 25 years in the field -- my MLS is from 1976.) 2. What is your job in the Library now? Head of Reference, at Drew University -- 5 FTE librarians. A. What type of library do you work in? Academic B. Main Duties? Reference, instruction, outreach, management of Ref. Dept and ILL.

Jody

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? Combines the best bits of past employment in adult education and the book trade.
2. What is your job in the Library now? Reference/instruction librarian A. What type of library do you work in? Community college B. Main Duties? Reference and instruction. Plus coordinate acquistion for our three branches.

Rhonda

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I've wanted to be a librarian since I was about 13 years old. I spent all my time in libraries as a child but I didn't figure out why I wanted to be a librarian until later. I finally realized that I love to learn about new things, I love to connect people with information and I love problem solving. As a reference librarian, I get to collect and store up bits of information to use later when a student comes to the reference desk with some off the wall question. Frequently, I'll have read something about their topic recently and have an idea of phrases to use in searching or know of a quality web site that discusses their topic. I receive a great amount of satisfaction in making someone's day! 2. What is your job in the Library now? I am currently a reference and instruction librarian. I've been employed at my current university for just over a year. A. What type of library do you work in? I work at an academic library for a comprehensive university. B. Main Duties? Reference - including evenings and weekends, Instruction - for my liaison departments and general english classes, Liaison to College of Education (which includes the departments of Occupational and Environmental Safety and Health and the ROTC), Collection development, Web pages, and Committee work (library committees and university committees).

Jennie

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I wanted a career in which I could help people and utilize my interest in writing and research. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Reference Librarian at the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, California
A. What type of library do you work in? Academic (theological) B. Main Duties? Provide reference assistance to students and other library users, Provide library instruction, both one-on-one and via library workshops, Select books for Reference Collection, and Answer reference questions received via email and U.S. mail.

Cheryl

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I've always liked libraries and enjoyed the hunt for information, and appreciated that I could hunt for information on so many different topics, all in the same building/space. And I like helping people find information. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Reference librarian A. What type of library do you work in? University B. Main Duties? Staffing the reference desk (8 hrs./wk. plus 1 weekend a semester); Ordering library materials for these subjects: literature (including children's), film/tv, communication studies; Teaching 1- or 2-shot library research sessions on request in the subject areas above; Conducting individual research consultation sessions with faculty and students.

Camille

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? I decided to become a librarian after working as a library student assistant while obtaining my B.A. I was unsure of what to do when one day my supervisor and I were talking and she asked if I thought I would enjoy being a librarian. I started looking into the profession and really liked the idea. Once I started working on my MLS at Indiana University-Bloomington, I knew I had made the right decision. There is so much that we do as librarians that people just don't realize. I studied to be a K-12 librarian, which included student teaching. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I am now the Reference & Education Materials Center Librarian at Texas A & M University - Kingsville. It is my very first job out of library school. While I didn't originally want to go into academic librarianship I find that it is rewarding once you get past the politics. Main Duties? My main duties are to provide reference desk coverage, I average about 15-20 hours per week. (We have 3 librarians that are assigned to Reference) I am in charge of the Educational Materials Center. This area includes the State Adopted Textbooks used by students in K-12, the Bilingual State Adopted Textbooks K-6, the juvenile collection (easy readers, fiction, non-fiction), Spanish juvenile collection (easy readers, fiction, non-fiction) and the bilingual education collection. I act as a liaison with the College of education, I provide instructional support for their students and assist with collection development in that field. I also teach library instruction courses.
We have faculty rank here, so I also have to publish and do research in addition to my other job responsibilities. I love my job and can't imagine doing anything else. I love the opportunity to work with the students and help them develop skills that will serve them throughout their life.

Vanessa

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? It actually took me a long time to realize that's what I wanted to do. After spending much time as a child at the library that was literally across the street from my home, taking a class on librarianship in high school and even attempting to catalog my own books at home, you'd have thought it would be a natural. But I actually worked in advertising for 6 years after college (degree in Spanish and English Communications). Knowing that I wanted out of advertising, my husband suggested Library school to me one day, and it was like a lightbulb went off over my head -- one of those "why didn't I think of that before?" experiences. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I am a Public Services Librarian, and the Microcomputer Lab Manager. A. What type of library do you work in? After 8+ years in the public library (still my first love), I am now at a medical university library.
B. Main Duties? My primary responsibilities are to maintain the Library's 21-PC Microcomputer Lab and to provide assistance and training to students, faculty and staff in using this equipment. I am a participant in my state's virtual reference project. I research and annotate Spanish-language health websites for a site which was developed and is maintained by a colleague. I also staff the Reference Desk.

Lisa

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian?After an 11 year career in marketing research and corporate R&D, I wanted to change to a career that could allow me to tap into my knowledge base, but in a different type of corporate setting.
In essence, I wanted to continue my research work, but without the headaches associated with having become the department head.
I started in that marketing research position as a Student intern, and gradually moved up the ladder inside a fast growing organization, later on as Vice President, heading the R&D department. But I did not enjoy the headaches of being an administrator of budget reports, project updates (in an environment where deadlines & priorities could literally shift on a daily basis), where I did not have much time or energy to work as a primary researcher in the areas of expertise where I was the sole person in the company with knowledge in a particular aspect of our business. I was no longer having fun at work.
In addition, the industry that my employer was in, was undergoing massive downsizing and interstate mergers. Since R&D functions are usually located only at the headquarters of firms in this industry, there was a large probability that my job would disappear the minute my employer would be acquired by a larger company. Furthermore, there was a local glut within a 100 mile radius of my job, of other people in consumer oriented R&D and allied fields of marketing research, who were already forced out of their jobs. Hence, I had to come up with an innovative way of looking at job opportunities, or else I would be a long term victim of a job glut in marketing research. 2. What is your job in the Library now? Here on the Willamette University campus, my job title is "Management & Economics Librarian", but my official duties in this job, extend beyond those two disciplines. When chatting with librarians off-campus, it is easier for me to describe my job as "Business Reference & Instruction Librarian".
MY TRANSITION INTO LIBRARIANSHIP:
My goal was to leave consumer oriented marketing research, and use my business skills & knowledge base, to get into an MLS program, be trained as a reference librarian, and look for job openings either as a Business Reference Librarian, or as a Government Documents Reference Librarian.
After I left my job, I spent some time to relax after my banking job ended, investigate employment options, investigate options for graduate schools, apply for grad school, put together a financial plan to cover me during grad school. Total elapsed time of exactly 5 months between finding my job eliminated in corporate downsizing, and starting my first day as a grad student with a research assistantship, in the MLS program.
My goal was to take more courses than the minimum requirements to earn an MLS, and to earn my degree in 15 months.
I secured my first full time professional library job a few weeks before I completed my course load towards my MLS. I graduated on time with my original 15 month time line.
That first library job was a Business Subject Specialist, primarily equal parts of providing library instruction in Business & Economics, along with being reference librarian specializing in Business & Economics, and being a general reference librarian.
This first job was a tenure track position, on the campus of large state university, with a broad spectrum comprehensive array of degree programs at Bachelors, Masters and Doctorate levels.
Two members of the search committee understood my motivation, my knowledge base from business, and my drive. They never questioned my ability to succeed in the transition into a tenure track position.
Unfortunately, there were various political concerns & back stabbing taking place inside the library, that blocked me from obtaining tenure, despite the fact that I had glowing reference letters from dozens of faculty from 3 departments, on top of the glowing reference letters from faculty in Business or Economics. This became especially troublesome for me, after my two biggest supporters inside the library both retired, before my tenure application was reviewed.
It was much better for my mental health, energy, and overall outlook on life, to walk away from the pedantic political backstabbers, rather than try fighting a battle to win tenure, and then have to work side-by-side with those two-faced naysayers for another year.
Unbeknownst to my detractors, who claimed in writing that I "had not demonstrated sincere progress towards fulfilling the research initiatives" of a tenure track librarian, I was nominated to serve on 3 ALA committees without my ever asking for any positions! I submitted two proposals for a competitive application at a professional conference, and was given the green light on both of them. And then that same organization asked me to give a 3rd presentation, in light of speaker who had time conflicts at that conference. A few months later, I was tapped to be a panelist & reactor, at a feature presentation by RUSA, without ever applying for the position (again, they sought me out). During the same time span, I
started & finished conducting 2 research projects, that were both submitted to professional peer reviewed journals. Each article ran 20 pages, before attachments. There were no co-authors. Both articles were slow in being accepted (final acceptance taking place after the deadline for submitting my tenure application). But both articles were published with barely any editorial modifications, other than reformatting my statistical tables to fit their pages.
ALL OF THIS was in the last 15 months of my job at that state university, where my detractors claimed that I had no sincere interest in any research projects!
No one at that library had ever produced so much published research without a co-author, while also being so active in responding to requests to speak at library conferences. Yet, key people claimed that I was not tenure material!
So why would I want to fight, to work with colleagues who never gave any credence or value to my research projects or volunteer work within the profession?
I had 2 backup plans in place, for the day my employment contract ran out.
I was already accepted into a graduate school program, so that I could earn a second degree, as a subject masters.
And I also had interviewed in person at over 6 libraries, and was applying for jobs every week, for six months, before my faculty job ran out. I started my second professional job in librarianship just 4 months after the tenure track job ended.
A. What type of library do you work in? Academic institution: A private, independent, university that
combines together a traditional liberal arts undergraduate program on a residential campus, along with 3 professional graduate degree programs (Education, Law and Management). The entire campus has an enrollment of about 2,500 (that is 1/10th the size of the state university that I used to work for). B. Main Duties? My primary duties are providing information resources & related services to the students & faculty of our MBA program and our undergraduate Economics Dept. My secondary duties are two fold: providing similar services to 3 other departments on campus (Psychology, Education, and the partner college across the street which is a intensive residential English language & American culture program for Japanese college students); and providing general reference services.
Although librarians on this campus are not tenure track faculty, we are still treated as if we are faculty in many ways, including serving on campus wide committees. We also get release time for professional service & academic research, but we are not required to engage in those activities in order to retain our jobs.
It is the best of both worlds, compared to my first professional library job.

Gary

1. Why did you want to become a Librarian? My sister was a librarian and I received a Bachelors in Political Science and found there was only so much you can do with that, and my father was pressuring me to decide on some career path. So I visited my sister in Cheney, Wash. (Eastern Washington State University) and it looked like interesting work. 2. What is your job in the Library now? I have worked at a large public library (El Paso, Tex.), at Bible colleges, and briefly at El Paso Community College, most of this is as a cataloger. I enjoy cataloging, but my view of librarianship has been negative because of the many political causes, always liberal, championed by ALA. For example, children having access to porn in the public library as some kind of "constitutional right" and their total exaggeration of the Patriot Act. Also they are complete hypocrits when it comes to Cuba.
I am currently Technical Services Librarian at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix. It is a Christian University. The Library is understaffed so my job involves catalging, reference, and acquisitions and the challenge is to balance one's workday to make progress in all these areas.
I sometimes wonder what other career path I might have taken, but for now I am satisfied with being a librarian. I think libraries serve a good purpose of making information available in many formats. Currently am a member of Arizona Library Association and the Association of Christian Librarians.

Richard