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Naomi House’s interview with success story Sarah, INALJ Mississippi, Head Editor.  Check out her articles for INALJ here.

Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Sarah:  I was previously working at the Paoli Public Library as a part-time Library Aide until December 2012. At that point, they could no longer keep me working as much as they had been due to financial strains. I’ve been working as a “Library Sub” since then at Paoli Public Library. So, when they need me, they call me. This job is basically a downgrade of my previous job in terms of hours; however, it is still very much rewarding to help out at the Paoli Public Library.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Sarah:  I have not been to many libraries, but the ones I have been to are of a wide variety. I’ve been to the Library of Congress, the Waterfield Library at Murray State University, the William T. Young Library at University of Kentucky, Paoli Public Library, Fort Walton Beach Library in Florida, my elementary and high school libraries, the school library at the American Indian Christian Mission in Show Low, Arizona, and probably more that I can’t remember. While I love the history and design of the Library of Congress and the feeling of home at Paoli Public Library, I have to say my favorite library is the Waterfield Library at Murray State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English – Secondary Education. The services at Waterfield introduced me to Inter-library Loan, which I greatly value. I love being able to check out books and materials, even if our library doesn’t own them. Plus, the spiral staircase going to the lower level of Waterfield reminds me of Harry Potter, a major plus!

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Sarah:  This is such a difficult question, but I guess I’ll have to go with the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. He makes Aslan and the adventures of all the characters come to life; his writing is magic. I also love Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters, which offers wisdom if you know how to look. I also admit C.S. Lewis is my favorite author.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Sarah:  My favorite thing about libraries is that they connect the reader to information and stories. Libraries are a resource that I hope won’t be taken for granted; I feel libraries are a treasure hold, where invaluable jewels are kept. If you’re looking for research information or a good story, the best place to look is at the library!

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Sarah:  If you haven’t followed IFLA New Professionals Special Interest Group on WordPress, do it now! http://npsig.wordpress.com/
Also, if you’d like to keep in touch with what I’m learning, go ahead and follow my WordPress blog too: http://sarahderinger.wordpress.com/.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Sarah:  Don’t be afraid to apply; the worst they can do is say no. Don’t give up! Your dream job could be just around the corner.

Sarah Deringer
Library Sub for Paoli Public Library in Paoli, Indiana

Sarah Deringer is a graduate student at the University of Kentucky. She is expected to graduate in December 2013 with a MSLS with School Library Media Certification . She graduated in 2011 from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s degree in English and a focus on Secondary Education. She is also the INALJ Head Editor for the Mississippi page. She is a student member of ALA, and has served as an intern and a part-time library aide at Paoli Public Library in Paoli, Indiana. Her job has changed at the Paoli Public Library to a part-time library sub position.