Posts Tagged ‘Specialization’
I am very grateful to Antoinette for allowing me to interview her to find out about the complexities and intricacies of her job. While I was originally keen on the idea of working as a special collections librarian, specifically of a religious collection, I have come to reconsider. Unfortunately, it would seem that the position is less suited for me than I would have hoped. Despite my initial interests in this type of collection and the appeal of being largely free to do independent work, I have found that Antoinette’s position does not suit my tastes.
When I began the project, I fondly remembered other religious libraries that I had been to and wished to pursue more research into such a position. Research that I completed revealed more about the types of collections religious libraries have and less about the specifics of what the position would entail. Upon interviewing Antoinette, I was again intrigued by the collection, but less so with the isolation and lack of support. Her descriptions of her job seemed to reinforce my love of organizing information and materials into efficiency, however it seemed like the job was likely to be a never-ending task. While I did enjoy the never ending indexing of information in the Heritage Centre of my library at home, the prospect that headway would be very difficult to see made me feel deflated.
Through Antoinette’s interview, I appreciated the importance of PLNs, multi-tasking, and learning from others, especially for solo practitioners. I was informed that the Redemptorist Librarian/Archivist position may also be known as a cataloguer or curator. As neither of those titles, or tasks as the name suggests, interest me, the position would not be a good fit.
This project has given me insight into the types of things that need to be assessed when looking for a position. It helped me realize what I am interested in, and what I am not. Like Antoinette maintains about the importance of weeding and developing specialist information, I am now able to weed certain types of jobs since I know that I dislike the idea of solo work. The project has made me aware of what kind of work I would like to do in the future. This will help me focus on positions in which I collaborate with a team to accomplish a common goal. While I may not have the variety that a position like the Redemptorist Librarian/Archivist affords, I know that I can specialize in my position and proficiently perform it.
Elevator Pitch
Posted on: 25/04/2012
Hi, I’m Sarah Nolan. I am a graduate of the UCD School of Information & Library Studies programme for which I have received a masters. I also have a BA in Liberal Studies, with a Thematic Plan focus on Creativity. I have worked in a public library for 6 years, holding 4 positions throughout. I am aspiring to earn a position as a public librarian where I can work with a dynamic team of colleagues, as collaboration and innovation are key interests of mine.
While this pitch may seem a bit wordy, I feel it accentuates my good vocabulary, my educational and professional background, as well as my future professional goals. I like to add the focus in my BA because it shaped my undergraduate education and continues to be a central feature of my professional interests.
Sarah Nolan 