This interview is over 1 year old and may no longer be up to date or reflect the interviewee/interviewees’ positions
Naomi House’s interview with success story Mary-Alexandra.
Naomi: How did you find your current job?
Mary-Alexandra: I actually found my current position as librarian for Touro University Worldwide through networking. A professional contact and good friend shared the job posting and I applied.
Naomi: Favorite library you have been to?
Mary-Alexandra: There are so many wonderfully beautiful libraries I haven’t had the opportunity to visit just yet. Though I do have a soft spot for the Oviatt Library, since I spent many hours studying for my bachelor degrees there.
Naomi: Favorite book?
Mary-Alexandra: One of my favorite books is The Giver by Lois Lowry, but I highly recommend The Dark Tower series by Stephen King. One of the things I love most about The Dark Tower series is how Stephen King essentially illustrates his journey as a writer, beginning the series in 1974 and releasing the eighth installment in 2012. The novels are beautifully written and definitely invoke the imagination.
Naomi: Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Mary-Alexandra: I have always been drawn to libraries, the smell of old books and the free access of information. One of my favorite things about libraries in the current information environment is how easily accessible library materials have become. While I tend towards physically visiting libraries to checkout books, there are so many information hungry individuals who are physically unable to do so. I love how library technology has evolved to the point where patrons can utilize libraries beyond their physical structure.
Naomi: Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Mary-Alexandra: Other than INALJ.com, I frequent Indeed.com for job listings. I also highly recommend visiting SLA.org and CLA-net.org.
Naomi: Best piece of job-hunting advice?
Mary-Alexandra: My top three pieces of job-hunting advice are:
1) Network
2) Have an open-mind
3) When in doubt, apply anyway
Although rejection can be difficult, there is nothing worse than not applying.
I am a graduate of the University of North Texas Greater Los Angeles Cohort where I earned an MS in Information Science with a concentration in Information Organization as well as a Graduate Academic Certificate in Digital Content Management. I also hold bachelor degrees in both English and Journalism from California State University Northridge. I live in Southern California with my husband, three cats and a life-sized statue of Dracula who consequently does not pay rent. I love to read fiction novels and dabble in writing short stories, though my passion for making information accessible to all who seek it is why I became a librarian. I am also a 2013 Beta Phi Mu inductee!
All Jobs for INALJ can be found here: http://inalj.com/?p=1441 Updated daily