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Naomi House’s interview with success story Amanda, INALJ Massachusetts Head Editor.

Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Amanda:  I graduated from URI in December of 2011; at the time I was working as a Library Assistant in my hometown of Somerset, MA. I found my current job’s posting on INALJ and in February of 2012 I was hired by the Norton Public Library as an Information Services Librarian. I recently found out that as of July 1st I will also hold the position of Assistant Director and I’m excited to see what new challenges and opportunities this will bring.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Amanda:  I always love visiting libraries when I’m traveling. I have to say that I’m always impressed by the majesty of libraries like the Library of Congress and Boston Public Library and what they represent, but my favorite libraries are always the cozy ones. Small public libraries are where my heart lies, and where I feel I can always find community.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Amanda:  This is like choosing a favorite child, but the first chapter book I clearly remember reading on my own was Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. I have a vivid memory of visiting my elementary school library and finding the book with its faux leather cover and ribbon bookmark and bringing it home to devour it. The book has always held a special place in my heart, and my tattoo sleeve is Alice-themed.

I also have a mental list of “books everyone should read” which includes The Giver, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Book Thief, In the Shadow of the Banyan, and The Round House. I think the best books help us explore our own humanity and expand our selves in a way that helps us better understand and connect with others.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Amanda:  I’ve always loved libraries and the older I’ve gotten and the more that I continue to learn about libraries the more I love them. I love that libraries promote community and provide a space for people to learn and grow and make connections. I love that libraries are not just a place to find information, but also a place to become empowered through building information literacy skills. As much as I love the treasure hunt of a reference question, there’s nothing like teaching someone technology skills that allow them to independently meet their information needs.

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Amanda:  There are so many great librarians and information professionals out there blogging, I struggle to keep up with them all. I recommend checking out the Tumblarian community, Magpie Librarian, Hack Library School, Screwy Decimal, the Swiss Army Librarian, and definitely Letters to a Young Librarian…but I have way too many favorites to name!

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Amanda:  This may seem awfully simple and trite but I think the best advice I can give is “Be yourself”. So much of resume and cover letter writing is about putting out what you think the employer is looking for. It’s hard not to take that too far—especially when you need a job. But getting a job that leaves you dissatisfied or being in a work culture that isn’t the right fit for you can result in a lot of unnecessary unhappiness. So when you’re applying for a job and interviewing, make sure your true personality shines through; it could mean the difference between a dream job and a nightmare.

I am the Information Services Librarian and soon-to-be Assistant Director at the Norton Public Library in Norton, MA. I hold an MLIS from the University of Rhode Island with a certificate in Information Literacy Instruction. I knew I wanted to be a librarian from a very young age and in my years working in public libraries I have also been a volunteer, page, Library Assistant, YA Services Coordinator, and most recently a Library Trustee. In my non-library time I like to spend time with friends and family (& my two guinea pigs, Greg & Gladys), reading, knitting, getting crafty, visiting museums, and having adventures.

 

All Jobs for INALJ can be found here: http://inalj.com/?p=1441 Updated daily

 

Reposted from 7/2/13