This interview is over 1 year old and may no longer be up to date or reflect the interviewee/interviewees’ positions
My interview with INALJ success story, Julia
Naomi: How did you find your current job?
Julia: It came through on the UMD listserv and then popped up on the INALJ Daily Digest (now called INALJ Jobs). I was initially hesitant, but it sounded perfectly suited to my abilities and career goals, so I applied. And so far, I’m glad I did!
Naomi: Favorite library you have been to?
Julia: St. Louis Public Library Main Branch. It had a wonderful atmosphere (old, traditional library with old, traditional librarians – I like that). It’s undergoing major renovations and I hope it doesn’t lose it’s charm.
Naomi: Favorite book?
Julia: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It’s the perfect novel.
Naomi: Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Julia: That libraries are everywhere. These places are not always called “library”, but I’m glad that most places see the value of having or creating a repository of knowledge.
Naomi: Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Julia: I don’t follow too many blogs, but a few I’ve enjoyed reading:
http://lonewolflibrarian.wordpress.com/
http://embeddedlibrarian.com/
http://librarianinblack.net/librarianinblack/
http://inalj.com/ (of course!!)
Naomi: Best piece of job hunting advice?
Julia: In my case, my goal was to be a nontraditional librarian. I had to think very carefully about my past experiences and how they could fit into my new career. All I can say is that it’s important to take a hard look at your resume, because there is a job out there that will be the perfect fit for you.
I am from St. Louis, MO. I have a BA in Psychology and a MA in Counseling from Webster University. I started my professional life in behavioral research, working my way up the ranks at Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. I generally loved my job, but after 10 years it was time for something new. So, 2 years ago, I picked up my cat and moved east to attend the iSchool at the University of Maryland. I’ve always been fortunate to quickly find a job in my chosen field and this time was no different! Not long after graduating this past May with my MLS, I started my first job at the beginning of July as a Records Analyst. Additionally, my temp job at NIH during graduate school has led to a volunteer position at the NIH Library I will be starting soon, assisting with the Social Media University program by setting up a CampusGuides page for the program. My internship at the World Wildlife fund led to a small consulting project that I have been working on since June, helping in the development of an information resource center for a small policy firm. Otherwise, I like to spend my free time baking bread, catching up on my big backlog of magazines, and searching for the perfect satchel.
reposted from 7/9/12, formerly titled Julia Barbalace ….In Six