Success Story Leanna!
Naomi: How did you find your current job?
Leanna: I found my job on a whim when I Googled “Law Librarian Detroit”. It’s always been something I have wanted to do but gained experience when other opportunities came up. I applied just for kicks (I thought I didn’t have a chance) and they called me the next day for an interview. I received the offer and start on Monday. It is really a dream come true with a lot of hard work ahead of me.
Naomi: What is your favorite library?
Leanna: My favorite library that I have been to is the British Library. It just had the best collection of maps, archived books, and transcripts from the worlds most famous authors and poets. I loved that it was available to browse for free. The library seemed to be the perfect combination of traditional and modern.
Naomi: Favorite book?
Leanna: My favorite book is Native Son written by Richard Wright.
Naomi: Favorite things about libraries/library technology?
Leanna: My favorite things about libraries/library technology is that new things are being developed all the time. Libraries are really evolving into this wonderful hybrid of books and technology. Librarians never know what new system or application will be most helpful until we put them to use in our own libraries. It is an exciting challenge!
Naomi: Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Leanna: You should definitely be following the Green Garage Library. Green Garage Detroit and its library are paving the way to bring access to the masses on the subjects of sustainability, urban farming, and organics. I also belong the the ALA Think Tank group on Facebook. It is a place where librarians from all realms come to talk about new technologies, issues, and news. Go ahead and find us- ask to be let in and I’ll see you there!
Naomi: Best piece of job hunting advise?
Leanna: The best piece of job hunting advice I have received was from library school orientation. One of the speakers said to apply for anything you think you’d love doing, even if you have no experience doing it because you never know- you might be the person they are searching for!!
I’m Leanna and I have finally found a job in Law Librarianship- something I’ve wanted to do for a very long time. I grew up right outside of Detroit, MI and am currently looking to move into the city. I have my B.A. from the University of Michigan in Anthropology and my M.L.I.S. from Wayne State University. I worked as an IB, independent school librarian for the past year and a half in both Michigan and Louisiana. I am newly married to a SLIS student with three tanks of fish. I am currently on a mission to travel around the world with my husband- gaining valuable life experience along the way!