Virtual Career Fair: Librarian

I am going to start sending a questionnaire to various people who work in many different occupations. I thought it would give you some insight as to what these people do on a daily basis and get you thinking about the career you want to have in the future. Of course, to make it easy, I started with me.

First Name and Position: Natalie. Head of Young Adult Services at Farmingdale Public Library

Degree: I have a MSLIS (Master of Science in Library & Information Science – yes you need a degree to be a librarian) and a MA (Master of Arts in English)

What made you decide on your profession?  I fell into my job. While in college, I studied to be a High School English teacher. During my last semester, I dropped out of the teaching program. With no idea what to do next, I decided to attend graduate school for my Master in English. While getting this degree, I learned about library school. I practically lived in the library & thought it would be a great career for me.

I planned to work as a Special Librarian (these librarians tend to work for corporations instead of the public), but began working as a public librarian while in library school. I fell in love with the job immediately. While working at this library, I began doing some time at the Children’s Reference Desk & performing a weekly pajama storytime. The more I worked with children, the more I knew that’s what I really wanted. Luckily enough, Farmingdale was hiring and I became their newest employee in 1998. I worked with all age groups, but in 2008, I began working with the tens. It was a challenge, but one I happily accepted. Two years ago, I became Head of Young Adult Services and I love spending time with “my” teens every day.

How did you get your job? In Nassau County, Librarians are on the Nassau County Civil Service List. I took the exam and got on the Librarian I list. Farmingdale happened to be looking for a new librarian and I was one of a handful of candidates they interviewed for the position.  Obviously they liked me and I was offered the position by the next week.

Describe a day (or week) in your job:   A usual day in my life varies depending on what is needed to be done.  I tend to search various web sites (Pinterest being a great resource) for program ideas. I read book reviews and order books. I have to do paperwork now and again for any upcoming programs. I also sit at the Reference Desk and answer questions and do reader’s advisory for various teens and adults. I like to update the Young Adult blog as often as I can and am currently updating the Young Adult Pinterest page.

Advice for teens interested in doing your job:  It doesn’t hurt to like books. You’d then have to decide what type of librarian you’d want to be so you can take classes in the specific field (Adult Reference, Young Adult, Children’s, School Media, Archives, Special Librarian). If you want to work in the schools, there is a special certificate program in that and you also have to take education classes. Also, you have to take the same exams teachers take. A school librarian is also a teacher. You do need to attend graduate school, so make sure you have the time and funds for the 36 credit program. Be able to work with all kinds of people if you want to work in the public sector. Being friendly and willing to want to help all is a definite bonus.