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Naomi House’s interview with success story Alexandra (also known as Allie), INALJ Head Editor for Iowa.

Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Allie:  I was a graduate assistant for the Digital Initiatives and Art Slide Library at Long Island University for almost a year while still in library school. I kept in touch and visited occasionally after graduating. A year and a half later, when one of the librarian’s in the department left, she recommended me to replace her. I had been working a string of temporary grant-funded jobs in the city when my old boss e-mailed and asked if I was interested in the position. I jumped at the chance since I had loved working there and it was a much better commute.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Allie:  That would definitely be the Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland. It was exquisite. I haven’t been yet but I’ve also always wanted to visit the Theological Library at Strahov Monastery in Prague, Czech Republic.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Allie:  This is my least favorite question because it’s so hard to choose. I recently read The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman and it’s held a special place in my heart since. A close second would be Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan. All about the author’s experience volunteering in a Nepal orphanage, it is surprisingly funny and well written.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Allie:  I’ve always loved that libraries/archives are constantly changing and there is always something new to learn. I knew from the start that I wanted to go into a profession that would keep my attention and interest. I’ve definitely succeeded in that respect.

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Allie:  INALJ of course! 🙂 I’ve also found Hiring Librarians, Ask a Manager, and Open Cover Letters to be extremely helpful.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Allie:  Focus on quality over quantity. I got much better results in my own job search once I started writing carefully thought out cover letters and resumes than when I tried to apply to as many jobs as possible.

Allie Janvey is currently a Visiting Librarian in the Digital Initiatives and Art Slide Library at Long Island University. Her position involves a unique mix of archival and academic librarian work. Whether it involves working with the William Randolph Hearst Archives that are housed in the department, creating LibGuides or helping to teach library instruction to students, Allie finds her new job challenging and interesting. She earned her MSLIS with a concentration in Archives and Records Management from the Palmer School at Long Island University in May 2011. She also holds a BA in American Studies from Muhlenberg College. When not working, she enjoys baking, writing, and running. 

Formerly entitled, Allie Janvey …Success Story and reposted from 2/28/13