By george I think I've got it!
I recently started volunteering at the local public library. My reasons were two fold. One, it was an easy way to get some actual library experience. Second, volunteering is a good thing to do and part of me felt that now that I have time I should.
Anyway, I work at the reference desk. It's very different from the reference I do at the archives. Most people just want to know if we have a certain book. There isn't that much indepth information searching. Sort of helps me realize that I enjoy the work that I do. My job affords me the opportunity to really explore what is available on a topic. I don't have a time limit or someone hovering over my shoulder as I work.
At the same time, the archives doesn't let me see the little kids coming in to join the summer reading club. They all come up to me and ask to sign up. Their excitement is so adorable and reminds me of how I fell in love with libraries as a child. Today, I even got a chance to amaze an adult patron, showing them how to find like items. A hint to those of you out there, subject headings really are useful. OK you all just fell asleep at that bit of biblio knowledge.
Either way, I still love libraries and helping others. My parents both love(d) their jobs and I was scared for a long time I would never be that lucky, but I think I might have.
Anyway, I work at the reference desk. It's very different from the reference I do at the archives. Most people just want to know if we have a certain book. There isn't that much indepth information searching. Sort of helps me realize that I enjoy the work that I do. My job affords me the opportunity to really explore what is available on a topic. I don't have a time limit or someone hovering over my shoulder as I work.
At the same time, the archives doesn't let me see the little kids coming in to join the summer reading club. They all come up to me and ask to sign up. Their excitement is so adorable and reminds me of how I fell in love with libraries as a child. Today, I even got a chance to amaze an adult patron, showing them how to find like items. A hint to those of you out there, subject headings really are useful. OK you all just fell asleep at that bit of biblio knowledge.
Either way, I still love libraries and helping others. My parents both love(d) their jobs and I was scared for a long time I would never be that lucky, but I think I might have.