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Job Title: Librarian
Type of Company: I work in the children's department of a public library.
Education: BA, History, Vassar College •• MLS, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
Previous Experience: None.
Job Tasks: I work in a very busy public library, serving all age groups but mainly kids up to 18 years old. I do 3 weekly story times, each approximately 30 minutes, for children 0-18 months, 18 months-3 years, and 3-5 years. I have two monthly programs for children in elementary school: one is a book club and one is a science program. I also have a teen book club that meets monthly. In addition, I am responsible for the non-fiction children's collection of books. I also work several hours a day at our service desk, answering questions from patrons about homework, computers, and reading interests. I also do circulation: checking books in and out to patrons.
On a typical day, I arrive at work an hour before we open to the public. With other staff, we process books that are then delivered to patrons at other libraries within my county library system. When we open, my primary job is either to perform story time, or to work at the service desks. When at the service desk, we are there to make people feel welcome at the library, and to answer any and all questions that people may have for us.
Best and Worst Parts of the Job: The best part of my job is working directly with children, and seeing the world through their eyes. It is also a great feeling to connect people with the right books or information, whether to serve their information needs, or for them to read for pleasure. I love sharing books and knowledge with people.
Job Tips:
1.) You need to really enjoy people, and enjoy interacting with them, to enjoy and do well in this job. Introverts will not be happy.
2.) Do not take anything patrons say or do personally. Most people are just taking their bad moods out on you. You have to be able to recognize that.
3.) Be as sensitive as you can to people's needs.
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