#ask alba

okay, so, I actually don’t know why I decided to pursue a career in libraries. I always liked libraries, and I was a library TA in middle school and I liked that, and by the time I interviewed for the position (not the one I have now) in October 2015,  I had a vague idea of being a children’s librarian, but idk how I got there. I had just decided to quit studying to be a teacher in Spring 2015, after like 2 years of studying and work and etc, so I fell into a deep depression and I don’t remember much from between then and getting hired. sorry anon.

I started as a Library Aide (10hr/week and no benefits), which is the lowest rung in the ladder. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but it has lower requirements and lower pay than all the other positions in the library. that pay was $15/hr, so like, not bad at all, it was a very nice job, and it allowed me to still go to school full-time. to me, it felt like a demo of what working in a public library was like. it really did help me figure out what I really wanted to do. here’s the job description for my old job:

TYPICAL TASKS include, but are not limited to: Sorts, distributes and shelves various types of library materials; maintains shelves in proper order. Searches for and corrects sorting errors on bookshelves; reads shelves; follows procedures to look for materials on variousreports. Uses a computer to enter and retrieve information relating to checking-in materials, retrieving holds and requests, withdrawingholds and performing similar tasks. Retrieves materials from shelves according to pull lists and other procedures. Retrieves materials from book drops. Keeps newspapers and magazines/periodicals current. Cleans monitors, screens, keyboards, mice, and other related equipment. Answers routine requests for information and direction from the public, directing caller or patron to appropriate person asnecessary. Places donations to Friends in appropriate location. Additional tasks include posting items to bulletin board, mending books, re-casing media, straightening reading room.

I did a lot more computer work than this, and I was the only fluent Spanish speaker there, so I was translating a lot for circ and reference, so I think my role at my library may have been different than it would be at other libraries. but this was a good start! I think it helps a lot to work your way up the ladder, I know that a lot of other people who work at the library started as Aides or volunteers too, and got hired later for better-paying and more skilled positions because they had library experience. so like, if you want to get a taste of it, I suggest you go for one of those positions or volunteer! it also gives you valuable library work that will come in handy if you decide you want to keep working at the library. and it helps to have connections in the library already.

like, me having worked at Northwest for a year and a half gave me an advantage over people who didn’t have library experience who applied for the job there. also my boss liked me and wanted me to get hired, I’m pretty sure that helps a lot lmao. I feel like it’s almost nepotism

btw, this is the job description for my current position at circ:

TYPICAL TASKS include, but are not limited to: Advises patrons of library policies, procedures, and services in person and over the telephone with a friendly andhelpful attitude Registers patrons, enters patron information into library database and issues new or replacement library cards withaccuracy; updates patron records; communicates with the patron about the procedure and explains rationalepositively when denials are required Listens attentively to patron’s questions about library account and answers in a calm and professional manner Recognizes when a question needs to be directed to reference staff Proactively collects fines and payments for lost materials Assists patrons with automatic self-service equipment; demonstrates use of equipment to staff and public; assistspatrons with the use of public computers and other electronic equipment Readily and proficiently uses a computer to enter and retrieve information, locate library materials and charge anddischarge materials; successfully incorporates the use of RFID and the StaffLink into daily circulation workflow Efficiently and accurately balances daily cash and prepares deposit Efficiently receives and processes requests and reserves Quickly and accurately sorts returned books Processes magazines and gift books in a neat and timely manner; keeps magazines, periodicals, telephone booksand other materials current Readily provides clerical assistance to Librarians and other staff

we do more shit too, like my favorite: attaching new spine labels to books. best

also as for experience, it really depends on the library system. for example, the Library Aide job here requires a high school diploma. the Circ job I have now requires like, 2 years of college or 2 years of clerical/office work. Library Associates (reference staff, but not librarians) need a degree from an accredited 4-year university. I see that requirements for similar jobs are different at other library systems, so I think it’s best for you to go to your local library’s website and check out what they ask for. but, like I said, I think previous library experience always helps, and also... well I guess if you’re good with computers and/or have ever worked in an office, that’s pretty handy?

yeahh.... yeah! I have no idea how this stuff works at like, university libraries or whatever, and if anyone wants to add more stuff about their experience at their library (whichever type it is), that would be great, i’d love to hear it too