I have loved working on this Library Week Series, because I've learned so much about my fellow bloggers who work in libraries and have had a great time interviewing and getting to know them so much. Today one of my fellow Ontario Book Bloggers is being interviewed about her career with the library. Welcome Luanne from A Bookworm's World! You should also check out Luanne's feature called Over the Counter - where she writes, "I've sadly come the realization that I cannot physically read every book
that catches my interest as it crosses over my counter at the library." So she features them on her blog in hopes that they catch a reader's eye. I love this feature!
Describe your job in 140 characters (a tweet).
What
should I read next? How do I..? Where can I find..? Do you have..?
Greetings. Smiles. So much to offer! Items in - items out. Wonderful!
What is your favourite part about working in the public library system? Least favourite?
Oh,
my favourite part for sure is interaction with patrons. I really enjoy
having a new question/situation every few minutes and coming up with the
necessary answers/items/information that the patron was looking for.
Being surrounded by books all day is a big plus!
Least favourite - rude, angry people.
What
would you suggest as a starting place for someone looking to start a
career in the library system? Courses, volunteer work, etc.
I'm sure every system is different in what they require. And it
depends on what you're looking to do in a library. Do you want to be a
librarian? You'll need a Masters in MLIS. A library assistant? Two years
of post secondary and a personality and background that is conducive to
public service. A page? Good grasp of the alphabet and number skills. A
desire for order! Our library has taken on a number of placement
students in page positions (returning to work, new Canadians, high
school co op and more) to give them a taste of the job. Many of these
placements are hired. My library system is lucky enough to have a large
number of volunteers. High school students looking for their 40 hours,
retired folks looking for meaningful volunteer time ( working with ESL
patrons on language skills), computer coaches, kids' activities helpers
and so many more.
How did you know that you wanted to work in a library?
How did you decide which role within the library system you wanted to be
involved in?
I worked
in a number of other positions before I landed at the library seven
years ago. But they all had one thing in common. They were all public
service, most of them involved sharing knowledge and I enjoyed every
one. When I was little I used to play library. When I saw an ad in the
local paper for the public library, I decided the time was right to make
another job change. And my skill set matched the qualifications for
library assistant. But, I have to say I won't be making another change -
I love my job!
How did you get into book blogging?
My
first post was on March 18, 2008, so I've been blogging for about 4 1/2
years now. I started with the idea of keeping track of what books I
read over the year and my thoughts on them for friends and friends who
asked for book recommendations. It's grown bigger than I could have
imagined! I also blog for my library's website.
Hardcover, paperback, audiobook or ebook?
I
tend to read newly released books so hardcover usually or trade. Not
many paperbacks. I always have an audiobook on the go - usually in the
car on the way back and forth to work. And yes ebooks as well! And so I
usually have three books on the go at the same time.
You can pick three fictional characters: marry one, best friends with one and kill one. Who do you pick?
You
know, when I get asked about favourite books or characters, I can never
limit myself to just one choice. I have a number of authors and books
I'm passionate about and recommend. but not just one. So I don't think I
can really narrow it down. (and I really do already have a wonderful
husband and best friend!)
Recommend a book to your 16 year old self.
Well,
my sixteen year old self was actually reading quite a bit back then - I
was obsessed with Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins after having to
read a Dickens title in a grade thirteen lit class. And again, picking
one title is difficult, but books that celebrate the human spirit, such
as Lori Lansens Rush Home Road would be a good recommendation.
About Luanne:
"I feel a distinct sense of panic if I don't have a book with me at all
times. Or if the stack on the floor starts to get too low."
You can find Luanne around the web:
Chrystal, thanks so much for having me take part in this great feature! Now - it's off to work at the library!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for participating! :) Loved your interview!
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