How many of you out there have always wanted to become a librarian?.jpg)
Once in a while, I get asked that very same question. My response of course “Not me.” Usually, the traditional career choices that tend to get imbedded in our minds as we develop through childhood are the usual professions: Doctor, Lawyer, Teacher or some sort of variation along those lines. I wanted to become a Lawyer, but not just any lawyer…a high ranking Corporate Lawyer on Bay Street. It’s kind of funny though because I’m a bit shy and I don’t think a shy corporate lawyer would make it on Bay Street.
To keep a long story short, I’ve had quite a diverse career. I started off in the import / export industry as an Import Analyst. Although it was a high pressure position, I did enjoy dealing with my very own clients. The driving commute was just out of this world though. I don’t know how in the world I drove to the airport and back everyday. I then moved on and started to work for an academic library. It was then I knew what I really wanted to do.
Back to school I went and I completed my Masters of Library and Information Science degree. I was fortunate to be able to experience different types of libraries: academic, public and now a special library. Most people cannot fathom the fact that there are libraries everywhere. Many corporations have their own libraries and of course require someone to run them. So, for those of you that are completing your degree…my only advice is “KEEP YOUR MIND OPEN!” Don’t just focus on the usual types of libraries. There is a whole world out there full of libraries not just in your city or country. The opportunities are endless.
Plus, each type of library has its own special characteristics to them. The academic world focuses mainly on self instruction applications and of course that’s to encourage students and faculty to retrieve information on their own. The public atmosphere tends to lean more towards assisting and less on self taught behaviour. Of course, this is due to the fact that public library patrons are such a diverse group. Some public library patrons are very independent, whereas others are very dependent and require more assistance or support. From the short time that I’ve been working in a special library, so far I’ve noticed that there is a little bit of both the academic and public library atmosphere that drives the special library. Self guided instruction and client support really make a difference in providing the best service possible for the client / patron.
Working for different libraries systems has taught me the most important valuable detail that makes all the difference in the world: Everyone is different and everyone has different needs! If I had to choose, I would definitely work in a public library or special library. There’s too much politics in the academic library…but then again, that’s just from my experience with one university library system.
P.S. I made it to Bay Street!
Photo sources: Strahov Library www.slaw.ca and LSE Library www.jisc.ac.uk
