Denise Kane …INALJ Contributor

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 librarian Denise.

denisekNaomi:  What is your dream job and why?
Denise:  My dream job would be to work in an academic or federal library. Although, I really am not too picky. I really enjoy technical services, reference and instruction so I know there is a lot of flexibility there. Ultimately, I am just looking for a position where I am happy and enjoy my working environment. My dream job is one where I am able to contribute to the patron’s learning.

Naomi:  If you could take any of your hobbies and create a job out of them or integrate it into your job what would it be? And how?
Denise:  Hmm, this is an interesting question. Some of my hobbies include history (my BA is in history), comic books, television and movies. So, I think a library position involving television, movies, or comics would be pretty awesome. Likewise, a library position involving a lot of historical or government research and sources would be interesting!

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Denise:  The Library of Congress. I visited DC last summer and I initially arrived 10 minutes after the LC closed. I was devastated, because I really wanted to visit. Luckily, I have an extremely supportive husband, who rearranged his travel plans (we were on a work trip for him) so that I could visit the following Monday. It was amazing. I sat and just stared at the ceiling looking at all the beautiful mosaics. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen – literally brought tears to me eyes.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Denise:  My favorite book is The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. I think Pausch’s The Last Lecture contains many life lessons that people can benefit from. More recently, I really enjoyed reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett – I really could not put it down. Currently, I am reading The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg – it is a really fascinating read about how the brain works and forms habits.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/library technology?
Denise:  I love that libraries are all about providing equitable access. It doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in – the library is there to provide you with what you need. I absolutely love the look on a patron’s face when a librarian finds that elusive item the patron has been looking for. It is so gratifying connecting people with what they need!

Naomi:  For blogs/websites
Denise:  INALJ definitely! Even though I am a contributor, I look through INALJ every time it comes out. I enjoy looking at the job requirements and openings available. Since I am just getting ready to graduate with my MLIS, I mostly follow websites and blogs geared towards the hiring process. I really enjoy Hiring Librarians, because of all the advice it gives to new librarians.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Denise:  Well, I am going to be a new MLIS graduate in May, so I am not sure I have very good job hunting advice since I am just starting out. I think following through is an important step in job searching. For a recent internship, I know without following through and being persistent I would never have gotten the opportunity. I also think being polite and patient are important skills that everyone needs when searching for a job. Finally, I hope to learn from any rejection I receive in the near future – to know that even though I may not get a position, that I can learn from the experience and grow as a person.

I was born and raised in Southern California. I originally planned to be a high school teacher, but realized I liked researching more and changed to library science in the middle of my senior year at California State University, San Marcos. I enrolled at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science. I am interested in technical services, reference and instruction. I will graduate in May with my MLIS.