Become a Librarian!
Make a difference

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Becky Bronson Reference Librarian Handley Regional Library Winchester, VA " I had been a writer/reporter for a horse magazine... before entering library school."

     One of the first things that I noticed when I was in graduate school for my MLS (SUNY - Albany 1996) was the diversity of the students in the program. We had people from all walks of life: a former cop from Alaska, an Episcopal priest, a retired Army captain and, of course, former teachers and others like me who just stumbled upon the profession.

   I had been a writer/reporter for a horse magazine and had freelanced for that publication and others before entering library school. I needed 20 credits to finish my bachelor's and didn't particularly care to take History 101 or something like that. I had a friend who was considering library school and the library school had a combined bachelor's/master's program, so I thought, "Hey, that sounds neat. I've always liked research."

   A little over a year later I was back in my hometown in Virginia working at our local public library, whose Beaux Arts building was getting ready to undergo a $4 million complete interior renovation. Simultaneously, the library system was preparing to build a new 35,000 square foot facility in the southern end of the county. A major part of my job, for the first two years I worked for the library, was to shepherd the purchase of our opening day collection, which had a budget of $750,000.

   In between, we weathered incredible conditions through the renovation, suffered a fire and water damage at our temporary location, then moved into two beautiful buildings within three months of each other. Shew! Were we tired, but deeply pleased.

   Now that we're all settled, we have two beautiful buildings to work in, but the day-to-day interaction with our patrons -- helping someone find a critical piece of information -- is what makes the job truly rewarding.

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Jennifer Garner Assistant Director/ Teen Librarian North Liberty Community Library North Liberty, IA "Our staff has so much fun at work that sometimes our patrons have to shush us!."

     I love going to work in the morning and I love it that my job brings me fresh experiences almost every day. I get to work with people of all ages and from all different backgrounds. I am Assistant Director/Teen Librarian at the North Liberty Community Library (NLCL) in North Liberty, IA. Our library is a community gathering place and it's most often anything but quiet. Our staff has so much fun at work that sometimes our patrons have to shush us!

     I love working with all the different people who come through our doors and seeing looks of amazement and satisfaction when people find out about a new service we offer or something they didn't know we had. I love putting on a program and seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter of the teens I work with. I love welcoming a new family to the library and then watching the children grow and change over the years.

     I have BA degrees in journalism and English and used to live next door to the NLCL (in our old building) so I spent a lot of time there. One day I stopped by, looking for a recently published book, and asked the director when it would be ready for check out. She promptly told me that it would be ready a lot sooner if I wanted to process (put a protective jacket, spine label and the library's stamp on it) the book so she could catalog it. I decided to give it a try and I was hooked. I volunteered a few hours a week at the library and it soon turned into a job. I've never looked back, except to think how grateful I was for the opportunity. I've since gotten my Masters in Library Science and still have fun at work every day.

     Working as a librarian is challenging and you must be ready to adapt to change and unexpected events. Since I started my work, we've moved (in 1997) into a new library building. Our library is part of a large community center housing not just the library but also a recreation department, an aquatic center with indoor and outdoor pools and our cable department. It's a wonderful, unique facility.

     Today, we welcome volunteers at our library now just as I was welcomed when I started 13 years ago; in fact almost all of our employees started as volunteers and two are now planning to begin work on their MLS degrees. We've also had two other volunteers work toward their MLS after volunteering. Being a librarian is exciting and there is a lot more to it than one might expect -- planning programs, doing readers' advisory, searching out answers to reference questions, helping people find exactly what they need, performing administrative and business activities, being involved in the community and much more.

     Visit with your local librarian today and find out what opportunities the library might hold for you!

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Karen Gilliam Librarian Broughton Hospital Morganton, NC "A friend of my mom’s...told me that she enjoyed being a librarian because you were never stuck in a boring career."

   I became a librarian because of a great high school librarian who encouraged me. A friend of my mom’s, who was a librarian, told me that she enjoyed being a librarian because you were never stuck in a boring career. There were so many types of libraries and so many opportunities.

   I started off in a school setting (Asheville, NC) after receiving a four year bachelor’s degree. After working four years, I received a job as a junior college librarian (Emmanuel College in GA), and worked on my master’s degree during the summers, and loved it. The first job I received after library school was with a college as a reference librarian (at GA Tech in Atlanta); I enjoyed this very much and worked at this for four years.

   At this point in my career, I was funded to attend national library meetings, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Then I got my first job in a big city (in NYC as a real estate librarian at Jones Lang Wootton), where I worked a little over three years. This was really exciting; being in your early thirties in NYC is an unforgettable experience.

   After being the NYC experience, I gained a position in a chemical corporation (BASF fibers in the Asheville, NC, area), and worked there for eight years. Presently I am employed as a librarian at a State Mental Hospital (Broughton Hospital, Morganton, NC), doing searches for doctors, pharmacists, social workers, etc.

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Charlie Gross Reference Librarian Monmouth County Library Shrewsbury, NJ "I would be happy talking with anyone interested in libraries and librarianship."

   I am a reference librarian at the Monmouth County Library in Shrewsbury. I have lived most of my life in Monmouth County, and I enjoy providing this public service to my community. Before I became a librarian, I was a landscaping and construction worker. During the winter when the weather was bad, I often used the county library and took courses at Brookdale Community College. I took courses in anything: horticulture, outboard motor repair, Chinese, computers, biology and Italian. On a friend's recommendation, I signed up for Janice Antczak’s "Introduction to Library Services" and I loved it. So, I kept on taking the library technician courses at Brookdale, got a clerical job at the Brookdale Library, and eventually entered Library School at Rutgers.

   What I like best about being a librarian is helping people use the library resources. I try to be outgoing by establishing eye contact with patrons and asking them if they need assistance. There is so much to teach the public about libraries, and there are so many resources available. From finding a book on the shelf to using the Internet, people need help, but they often don’t ask for it. You have to be outgoing.

   I took the slow route through library school by taking just two courses at a time. While in school, I worked at the Brookdale Library, the Altschul Medical Library at Monmouth Medical Center, and the Monmouth College Library. My first job at the Monmouth County Library was to set up and operate a library for inmates at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute (i.e.. jail). So, I have worked in many different kinds of libraries, and I think these experiences help me provide library service for the county. I would be happy talking with anyone interested in libraries and librarianship.

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   I've been working in public libraries since 1990. My first job was at the busy reference department at Manalapan Headquarters of the Monmouth County Library System. I was trained by talented, experienced librarians like Fred Oser, Anna Wang, Karen Moench, Judith Wolt, Maureen Toole, Jack Livinstone, and Jack Field. Taking patrons to the shelf for every request was the first public service philosophy instilled in me there. Today, I train my staff to do the same.

   After moving to Lawrence Headquarters of the Mercer County Library system to be closer to home, I worked for 8 more years at the reference desk. This was before the internet and online databases, so I became used to print-based reference service, making phone calls to find answers and utilizing the Statewide reference services centers for help.

   When a young adult position opened up I moved to youth services and began learning about youth reference, children's literature, young adult programming and outreach. After that I took a chance on becoming our children's librarian and have been doing that for 6 or so years. There is so much variety and opportunity for growth and creativity in youth services that it can never get boring. Whenever I am invited out to speak I mention that sharing books with children is the most basic, favorite part of my job. I select books, recommend them, help kids find assignment materials, and best of all, actually read the books to the children and their caregivers for regular story-times. But there is more than books alone to add variety to the job description of a children's librarian. This includes school visits and outreach, creating a large summer reading program, scheduling performances and special programs, working with local organizations and our Friends of the Library, recruiting and interviewing, providing daily reference using print and online sources, participating on system and regional committees, maintaining the library's collection through weeding and keeping current with children's publishing, ordering materials using online selection tools and creating publicity for all that we do in the way of calendars, signs, media presentations and press releases.

   Public libraries are busy, vibrant community centers that are open days, nights, weekends and even some holidays. Children's librarians work all of those hours to serve their patrons. Matching children with books and seeing the smiles on their faces is one of the most rewarding public library jobs, in my opinion. Become a youth services librarian today!

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Betsy Hoffman Acting Media Specialist Marine Academy of Science and Technology Sandy Hook, NJ "... I am still puzzled as to why it took me so long to find my profession..."

   I am the acting media specialist at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, a small, public high school administered by the Monmouth County Vocational School District, serving 272 students, grades 9-12, who have chosen to pursue studies focused on marine science and engineering.

   I came to librarianship mid-life and I am still puzzled as to why it took me so long to find my profession: it's a natural for me. I had always been the type to organize things (trips, closets, procedures, etc.) and to encourage people to find out everything they could about topics they were interested in -- not to mention also being a voracious reader.

   I applied to the Independent Study Degree Program (ISDP) at the School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, just as my youngest child was finishing high school. My first hurdle was to figure out if I wanted a degree in Information Management or if I wanted a more traditional MLS. The course work and skills sets one had to acquire were almost identical. I finally opted for an MLS, figuring that I could always use the skills learned through that program in industry, but I couldn't use an MA in Information Management to work in a library or school. I applied to the ISDP because I knew that I was still needed at home and couldn't up and leave Monmouth County for a couple of years while pursuing my degree.

  I got a job in a public library to find out more about that job, and then, at the urging of a friend, took a "temporary" job here in the Media Center at MAST. Well, once I got here I fell in love -- with the job, with the students, with the staff, with the setting. I am a solo practitioner responsible for developing and maintaining our collection, providing reference service and bibliographic instruction, etc.; plus, I serve as the campus technology coordinator and systems administrator. I never know what services I will be called upon to perform on any given day -- and I wouldn't have it any other way.

   People are curious about the fact that I acquired my degree via distance learning. There are sometimes questions about the rigor of the program: Is it "as good" an education as one might get in a traditional program? All I know is that Syracuse has consistently ranked as one of the top three universities for graduate study in information and that its MLS program (both on-campus and distance) is fully accredited by the ALA. The courses are both challenging and rewarding. And, because a large portion of our work was done online (Syracuse also has short residencies required for its distance courses), we students had to quickly acquire a familiarity with today's computer and networking technology. I must admit, though, that some days it was hard to come home after a full day at work and then sit down at my computer for a couple more hours of work responding to postings on course discussion boards. But... it was all worth it!

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Karen Klapperstuck Library Director Bradley Beach Public Library Bradley Beach, NJ "I never do the same tasks 2 days in a row and I love the challenge of never knowing what will come up next!"

   I realized that librarianship might be the career for me when I was a Senior at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA. I was finishing my BA in Religion and was at a loss for what I could do in that field. I spoke to one of the College librarians, and she made it sound so wonderful. I wanted to give it a try before heading to get a Masters degree. So I worked for a little over a year in the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Research Library. It wasn't long before I knew it was the right career for me!

   I spent the next 2 years working on my Masters of Science in Library Science at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. While there, I worked full time in the University's Science and Technology Libraries.

   When graduation neared, I decided that I wanted to return to NJ, where I grew up. I started applying for jobs in Central NJ, including the director position at Bradley Beach Public Library. I interviewed for the position and left hoping that I would be offered the job. I started as director in August of 2000.

   Since then, I feel I have done so much. The Library is increasing our visibility in the borough and working towards improving services and the building. I love teaching the computer classes, planning and running story times and working with the great community. I never do the same tasks 2 days in a row and I love the challenge of never knowing what will come up next!

   In addition to my work at the Library, I have served as the President of the Monmouth Librarians Association and I participated in the New Jersey Library Association's Emerging Leaders Program in 2002.

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Hui-Min Kuo Associate Director for User Services Nancy Thompson Library, Kean University Union, NJ "...the idea of obtaining a graduate library degree and working in a library setting seemed quite promising for a new immigrant."

   Born and raised in Taiwan, I came to the United States for graduate studies after completing a bachelor’s degree in Chinese. While managing the adjustment to a brand new life in America, I earned a master’s degree in Linguistics, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from State University of New York–Stony Brook. It was the first time that I was exposed to a university offering a wide range of disciplines and a library providing open-stack materials. I was deeply inspired by the solid foundation of an academic institution supported by massive learning resources.

   I later moved to Madison, Wisconsin, and discovered that library studies is a professional graduate discipline for students with all educational backgrounds. Since I was an avid reader and enjoyed the time I spent in a library, the idea of obtaining a graduate library degree and working in a library setting seemed quite promising for a new immigrant. I would not have thought that this one simple decision would make such an impact on my career since then.

   My very first job after graduating from University of Wisconsin–Madison was at the New York Public Library. My employment with NYPL was very brief, though I felt proud while walking along Fifth Avenue and recognizing that I was a contributor to this international city.  The essence of librarianship, organization and distribution of information sources became a reality.

   During the first seven years of my career, I worked in a variety of libraries - public, academic, medical - in both public services and technical services. It was never easy and smooth when I took a new position. However, the diverse experience that I gained transformed into my strength to meet challenges and established my expertise to perform with excellence.  Most remarkably, I was able to find a clear goal of pursuing a career in academic librarianship.

   Working in an academic library, I am able to appreciate the interactions with faculty and students as well as the intellectual stimulations generated by research projects. My ethnic background and professional qualifications gradually combined into one unique identity that I know is of value to users and the profession. I am fortunate to enjoy a career that contributes to society and allows for the flourishing of multiple cultures.

   The challenges of effectiveness, technology, and diversity are visible not only in academic libraries but in all information services. The implications for information professionals are especially demanding and complex. I believe that “the 21st century librarians” must strengthen the workforce and enhance the collaboration to promote a brave new perspective of librarianship.  I sincerely welcome you to join us now.

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Robert Lackie Instruction and Reference Librarian Rider University Lawrenceville, NJ "I was pleasantly surprised to learn how much I enjoyed librarianship and discovered that my teaching and computer skills worked very well in the library science field."

   I currently serve as Instruction and Reference Librarian at Rider University in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, where I co-lead the Library Instruction Program and work the Reference Desk, assisting students and faculty in their research efforts. In addition, I teach a large percentage of our library instructions in a variety of academic disciplines and assist in developing our reference collection. In May 2000, I completed a required second master's degree - for which Rider paid the tuition - earning a Master of Arts in Curriculum, Instruction, & Supervision.

   Although you may guess that I knew exactly what career field I wanted to enter, the truth is that I took a very indirect route to becoming a librarian. After high school, I entered the United States Air Force, working my first six years as a mechanic/crew chief on fighter aircraft in England and South Carolina and teaching communicative and leadership skills classes my last two years as a Professional Military Education Instructor. Shortly after leaving the military, I completed my bachelor's degree and began taking graduate courses at Charleston Southern University, while teaching English courses part-time.

   At Charleston Southern, I was awarded a library graduate assistantship, although at first, I was not sure what type of work I would be able to do at a library. I was pleasantly surprised to learn how much I enjoyed librarianship and discovered that my teaching and computer skills worked very well in the library science field. A year later, I entered the Master of Library and Information Science distance education program at the University of South Carolina to earn a degree leading to a career as an academic librarian. After graduating and working two years as a librarian at Charleston Southern, in 1998, I accepted a library faculty position at Rider. I absolutely love being an academic librarian, especially the public services aspect. My career has been a perfect blend of providing small & large group library instructions, workshops, and formal classroom teaching, along with one-on-one assistance and continuing renewal through professional development activities, such as state-wide committee work and conference presentations.

   Shortly after arriving here, my wife, 15-year-old son, and I moved into a two-bedroom apartment in a residence hall - yes, in a residence hall - on campus. This is because I also serve as the University's first Faculty-in-Residence, where I organize and conduct activities/seminars for freshmen. So as you can see, being an academic librarian can provide you with a lot of unique opportunities for personal and professional growth!

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David M. Lisa Director West Long Branch Public Library West Long Branch, NJ "There has never been a better time to be an information provider, particularly if you are skilled in web technology."

   I became a librarian in 1999 after completing my MSLS at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. After a year as an academic librarian in Erie, Pennsylvania, I entered New Jersey librarianship in 2000, when I began working for Wayne Public Library as a Reference librarian and webmaster

   I am thrilled to be involved in the library profession, particularly in New Jersey. My job gives me an opportunity to use my information seeking skills as well as to indulge my web publishing and instruction interests. I have met many wonderful and talented people working in this profession in this state. It has been very fulfilling to help people find the information that they are seeking by using unique and unusual resources.

   One thing that really impresses me about New Jersey librarianship is its dedication to virtual reference services. The Q & A NJ effort is the largest undertaking of its type in the United States, and provides live online access to the skills of participating librarians. Together, we are providing unprecedented service to the state in this regard and blazing a trail for other efforts of this type to follow.

   Ultimately, I want to continually be a part of this profession because the future of web librarianship is wide open. There has never been a better time to be an information provider, particularly if you are skilled in web technology. The power of the Internet and the as yet untapped potential of libraries utilizing web technology in creative ways makes this profession a very exciting one for me.

   Please visit the West Long Branch Public Library website at
http://www.monmouth.lib.nj.us/wlb/.

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Jean Olszak Reference Librarian Ocean County Library Lakewood, NJ "I learn something new every day, and I interact with people of all ages and from all walks of life."

   I am a Reference Librarian at the Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library.  I have worked in Lakewood for the past 16 1/2 years, first as a library assistant, then as a Library Intern, and finally as a librarian, when I received my MLS from Rutgers University in May 1997. While I was a library assistant, I spent half of my time in the Circulation Department and the other half in the Reference Department. I gained additional experience working with Reserves and Inter-library loan. I also was in charge of book selection for the College/Career section. As an Intern, I divided my time between reference duties and acting as Audio-visual Librarian, which involved selecting and building a collection of videos, books on tape, cd-roms, music cassettes and cd's. I also began an audio-visual collection for the Spanish-speaking population of Lakewood. I spent some time planning programs, writing press releases and designing brochures, flyers and posters.

   My present duties are varied, and I am constantly learning new skills.  Work never gets boring and time flies. These are some of the reasons I enjoy library work. Besides working the reference desk, I teach computer classes in our new technology lab. I have learned how to troubleshoot computers. I also select non-fiction books and books on tape for the Lakewood Branch of the Ocean County Library. I serve on a committee of four which selects adult videos and DVD's for the entire OCL system. I serve as Diversity Liaison to the Lakewood Branch, which involves suggesting ways we can better serve our diverse population and forwarding them to the OCL Outreach Librarian. I also help out at the Childrens' Reference desk when needed. I am able to make use of many opportunities the OCL system offers for computer training and other workshops.

   Why did I choose to become a librarian?  There are many reasons. I have loved libraries since I was a little girl. I have always loved looking up information. In elementary school I was a member of the school library's "Look It Up Club". This was a club which helped develop research skills for children.  I also shelved books in the library after school. The town library was located across the street from school, so I would hang out there and help the librarians check out books. My love of libraries continued in college, where I worked as a page at Trenton State College. I majored in English Education, and wanted to be around books as much as possible. After substitute teaching for 4 years, working for the State of N.J. as a claims examiner for unemployment insurance for another 4 years, I decided that working in a library would be a lot of fun. I had been volunteering as a library worker in my son's elementary school, so when I found out there was an opening in the local library, close to his school, I applied for the job. And here I am!

   I enjoy library work because I am surrounded by books and I have access to all the information in the world at my fingertips, in both print and electronic form. I learn something new every day, and I interact with people of all ages and from all walks of life. I use my interviewing and teaching skills, and I have learned indispensable computer skills as a bonus. Librarianship has been a good fit for me.

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Pamela Price Associate Professor and Director, Library Services Mercer County Community College Library West Windsor, NJ "Watching her work at the reference desk as effortlessly as Allen Iverson making a lay-up shot gave me a sense of direction just standing by her side."

Won’t you join us?

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Jose D. Romero Reference Librarian and Library Liaison to the Business & Social Science Division Hudson County Community College Library, Jersey City, NJ "Getting involved... gives me insight on students' struggles with homework assignments and with coming into a library for the very first time."

   Some may say that a librarians life is somewhat dull and boring, but this statement itself is somewhat boring, but most importantly, empty. Here I am at Hudson County Community College in Jersey City, New Jersey, where I accepted a position about a year and a half ago to be on the staff. I stand before you at the main campus located in dynamic Journal Square. It is a historic landmark which was built in 1902 by John Rowland and is the heart and soul of the college. The building was sold to the college in the early 1990's which gave it much needed space to expand the number of classrooms on campus. The building behind me is where the library is located with other various departments within this great institution.

   In all the former places of employment, I have always felt a need to provide the best reference service possible, whether it was an analyst at the investment banking firm looking for government documents or the elderly requesting IRS forms during tax season, in the public library. These experiences -- to name but a few, and I mean that in the most extreme sense -- have been very useful in making the transition to academia. "Why?", do you ask? Because it allowed me to become familiar with a vast array of different kinds of patrons. This was the key! This experience, and the great mixture of many different ethnic groups, was a fantasy made manifest. Getting involved with the students from a librarian perspective gives me insight on students' struggles with homework assignments and with coming into a library for the very first time. Providing them with library instruction makes them aware that to be a cultured and active student one needs also to be a good researcher.

   I would like to describe next, some of the functions that I am in charge of during the day. During a normal work day, the front door to the library is constantly being opened by students who are seeking information, and our reference desk is situated right next to the doors to be better able to direct our students to their final destinations. Library instruction classes are instrumental in providing incoming freshman with the opportunity to learn how to obtain information through books, databases and the internet. With students having to juggle many things during the day, they need to make their library time as generative in terms of work as possible and be able to find the accurate information. For a small staff, we provide the maximum service to students.

   As Library liaison to the Business and Social Science Division, I do several things to make the faculty as happy as possible, for instance: update them on new library resources and service; give advice on effective use of library databases; collaborate to integrate library research skills into the curriculum; encourage recommendations for new book titles, journals and videos; and also provide information services to support their own research.

   In summation, the experience that encompasses me being a librarian was during my high school years. The hot summer months introduced me to the immense world of opportunity in the local medical facility which was called North Hudson Hospital. It was through a federally sponsored program named C.E.T.A., which gave students an opportunity to attend vocational training programs and hands-on experience. This not only gave me valuable skills for working within the public sector, but also led me to discover that I was captivated with the public and truly am a people person.

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Become a Librarian! information compiled by
Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative
2001-08
CJRLC Executive Director: Connie Paul
Web design: Karen Ellis

This web site is partially funded by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services