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Naomi House’s interview with success story Aimee.

Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Aimee:  I have been looking at job postings on INALJ for about a year now; wanted to start the search before graduating with my MSIS. In early January of 2013 I was looking through the Florida listings and found my current position; after reading the job description, I knew that it was the one I had to have. So I applied, received an email nearly two months later to come in for an interview, and within three weeks I began employment.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Aimee:  I may be biased, but my favorite libraries are the Francis U. and Mary F. Ritz Library at Dutchess Community College and the Sojourner Truth library at SUNY New Paltz. There is just something about the way these academic libraries are set-up; they are extremely effective with creating a welcoming environment for students to spend downtime while still having a serious academic focus for research and studies.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Aimee:  It’s hard to choose, but I’m going to have to go with “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck; he’s my favorite American author, and although it is a massive novel I cannot put it down once I pick it up.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Aimee:  I like that it is an environment where anyone, from all walks of life, can go to and receive the same attention and assistance. I am a patron-oriented librarian, and believe everyone has potential to grow and learn; libraries give people those opportunities.

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Aimee:  Makeuseof.com and Unshelved.com. Makeuseof.com is a great resource for learning about new technology, trends, and reviews on information that I feel is vital to the library/information specialist profession. Unshelved.com is a comic series involving the ins and outs of a public library; it’s humourous, so on a bad day you can take a gander and relieve a little stress. The strips also provide for nice cubicle decorations.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Aimee:  Persistence. The job hunter will receive more rejections than interview offers, and they need to be prepared to keep trucking along even if it feels hopeless. Also, relocate; if you can secure the funds, spread out the search. So many stay around where they attended grad school that the opportunities are limited. Remember that if you do have to commute, it’s not permanent.

Originally hailing from a small town in lower NY, Aimee Graham was a late student, having worked various jobs and serving in the United States Navy. In 2008 she began studies in Business Administration at Dutchess Community College, moved to State University of New York at New Paltz for her BA in English and finally completed her MSIS at the University of Albany, State University of New York in December of 2012. Currently she resides in the Tampa Bay area as an Online Librarian for Saint Leo University and is the Assistant Editor for INALJ Florida.