Naomi: How did you find your current job? Benji: I am happy to say that I saw a listing on the INALJ daily digest, the very day I renewed my job search, and applied for it. Two weeks later, I was hired! I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet.
Naomi: Favorite library you have been to? Benji: I think Hogwarts has a really nice library. However, the librarian Madam Pince is a bit of a grump and I think everyone should be allowed to use the restricted section.
Naomi: Favorite book(s)? Benji: Oh, man….I’ll say. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner, Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis and a newer one, Icefall by Mathew Kirby.
Naomi: Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology? Benji: I am a big fan of programs for children, and most public and school libraries do a great job of offering these.
Naomi: Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following? Benji: Children’s/school librarians should follow Mel’s Desk. I can’t tell you how many flannel patterns I’ve stolen from her.
Naomi: Best piece of job hunting advice? Benji: Don’t get discouraged, and if you have to work a paraprofessional job for a while, do it, but don’t quit looking!
Hi! My name is Benji Martin and I received my MLIS from the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) in 2010. I am a soon to be elementary school librarian in Montgomery, Alabama and currently a Children’s Specialist in Charlottesville, VA. I didn’t realize that I wanted to work with Children until my very last class of library school (Storytelling),but I’ve been doing it ever since!