I’m currently working at my first library job where I have worked part-time (about 29 hours a week) for a little over a year now. When I started college I always knew that I wanted to do something with cultural heritage, continued learning, and books. My first experience into this realm was two internships–one in a local art museum and another in a university art gallery, which I also enjoyed. However, these institutions are typically all grouped together under one umbrella, and I quickly learned that being a library worker is a lot different than being a museum worker.

My main job is to work up front at the circulation desk, and I have learned that most of my job is problem-solving on the spot. I get a curveball thrown at me from patrons at least once a week if not more. In my experience, I have learned a lot in this one year from watching my other coworkers interact with patrons and just from figuring out situations on my own. In Wholehearted Librarianship, Michael writes about how in a survey that was done the majority of library workers stated that they would want face-to-face learning opportunities for professional development (2019). Library workers also agreed that conferences and workshops are great in theory but can be expensive (Stephens, 2019). I also agree with these findings. As someone who deals with a lot of social anxiety, I have been warmly welcomed into the library world and I’ve found that continuing with as much social interaction as I can get really helps me combat this anxiety. Regarding conferences, I will be attending my first one this fall and would not be able to do so without certain funds being covered from the exchange program for MLIS students that I applied for.

Additionally, the LEGO Foundation video discussed the topic of learning through play, which is an important topic to explore as adults. The video mentions establishing “creative confidence” during this workshop by allowing everyone approach a lego build open-ended, with a reflection period afterwards (2016). Learning from play seems to be effective in the sense that it can teach someone about “failure” in a comfortable setting and the workshop setting allows for individuals to reflect on what was notable during play.

I truly enjoy my role as a library worker and I love that this role involves continuous learning in so many different ways.

References

The LEGO Foundation. (2016). What do we mean by learning through play? [Video]. Vimeo. https://vimeo.com/173458519

Stephens, M. (2019). Wholehearted librarianship: Finding hope, inspiration, and balance. ALA Editions.