[Publib] Why librarianship?

[Lise Chlebanowski]

Doesn't this thread seem like a wake up call to be sure that, as librarians, we mentor children and young adults who frequent our libraries that our jobs might actually be careers for them?! I also loved libraries all my life, although I never set up my own library, because I simply didn't own that many books. We went to the library all the time and I loved being there, but it didn't occur to me to work there! After my children were all in school I got a job as a custom frame artist and it wasn't until that store closed that I stumbled on a part time job at the library in a paraprofessional capacity. I only applied for it because the hours fit what I wanted but again, I did not consider it to be a "career" until I worked with librarians who took the time to mentor me. Well, 12 years later, I obtained my MLS and here I am, but I wish I had known in my 20's what I know now! :-)

Anyway, there seems to be a distinct disconnect between libraries and potential employment! 

Lisë Chlebanowski
Library Manager
Avondale Public Library
328 W. Western Ave.
Avondale, AZ 85323
623-478-3105


-----Original Message-----
From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org [mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Marie
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2006 1:09 PM
To: Colleen Pelletier; publib at webjunction.org
Subject: Re: [Publib] Why librarianship?

I was one of those children who created her own library w/ cards to sign 
out--and if no one signed them out, I signed them out to my stuffed 
animals--the most well-read teddy bear in town!
In high school I was a page at my local library....where I did everything, 
including checking out books, repairing books & typing cards.

A million years later (okay, close to 15), I was laid off from a job I 
wasn't happy in and tried a few different things, including a stint as an 
EMT, a puppetteer, and a camp counselor.  I thought I would go back to 
school to be a teacher, but that wasn't for me.  I saw a want ad for a 
children's librarian & realized that that would be the perfect job for me.  
Incidently, I didn't get it, but I did get a different job in a tiny library 
and started library school.  I have since graduated (in January 2006) and 
moved on to several other jobs.  I still think I would be great as a 
children's librarian, but I'm relatively happy here.

Marie Mueller
Reference/Teen librarian 


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