Danielle Hansard …Success Story

This interview is over 1 year old and may no longer be up to date or reflect the interviewee/interviewees’ positions

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Naomi House’s interview with success story Danielle.

danielleh
Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Danielle:  I subscribe to several listservs and I pretty much read every single job posting I get. I saw this job posted through my alma matter’s listserv.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Danielle:  The main branch of the Detroit Public Library. It’s huge and has so much to offer, though I may be biased as I spent so much time there as a child.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Danielle:  This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen. I started working in libraries as a teen, shelving in the youth section, and I just can’t manage to get away from YA fiction! It’s my favorite genre.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Danielle:  Libraries are for everyone. Most libraries have programs and resources geared to all age groups and I believe that that’s the key to community outreach. In previous positions, I’ve taught computer classes to groups of senior citizens. It’s never too late to learn, and libraries promote this motto.

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Danielle:  Askamanager.org She offers great job hunting advice, and I’ve learned so much from just the comments from others.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Danielle:  Even if you think you don’t qualify, apply anyway, especially if the job sounds like something you’d love to do. You can always sell yourself in your cover letter, and if you’re lucky, the interview. It never hurts to try!

I currently work as a YA/Teen librarian in Dearborn Heights, MI, and I also work as a substitute librarian in Inkster, MI. I was born and raised in Detroit and started working in libraries at the age of 14. I received my BS in Education and my MLIS from Wayne State University. It sounds cliché’ to say books are my passion, but it’s true! I’ll also say that people are my passion, and I find joy in helping people find the information that they need. Aside from working the reference desk, I enjoy helping out in circulation, teaching computer classes, and working on collection development.