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Naomi House’s interview with success story Liz.

Naomi:  How did you find your current job?
Liz:  A friend of mine who is also a librarian knew I was looking for a job and sent me the posting because she knew I wanted a full-time position working with youth in a public library.  I applied immediately and received a call about interviewing roughly two weeks later.

Naomi:  Favorite library you have been to?
Liz:  I’m sure I’m not the first to say this, but the Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland.  I was in awe of the vastness of this library.

Naomi:  Favorite book?
Liz:  Matilda by Roald Dahl.  As a child, I was so impressed by the vast array of literature she read and wanted to be just like her. I also wanted her superpowers. I must admit that Pride and Prejudice is a close second.

Naomi:  Favorite thing about libraries/ library technology?
Liz:  I love that as librarians, we are immersed in a professional community that is constantly encouraging us to try new things.  There’s a strong online community where one can read about a new type of program that someone has tried at his or her library and how it went.  This can be a great tool for someone who wants to change or add programs in their own workplace.

Naomi:  Any websites or feeds or blogs we should be following?
Liz:  For those who work with young adults, Teen Librarian Toolbox (http://www.teenlibrariantoolbox.com/) is a great tool for reading about literature that is available to teens as well as library services.

Naomi:  Best piece of job hunting advice?
Liz:  Be persistent and set realistic goals.  Before finding my current job, I sent out over fifty applications and interviewed for at least seven other positions.  I earned my master’s degree in August and while I would have loved to find a library job right out of school, I knew it would take longer, so I set the goal of finding something by Christmas. That’s almost exactly how the timing worked out once all was said and done.

Liz Anderson currently works at the Oskaloosa Public Library in Oskaloosa, Iowa as a Youth Librarian. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Kenyon College and her Master’s of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh, with a focus in children’s and youth services.  When she isn’t reading, Liz enjoys watching movies and t.v., volunteering at local animal shelters, cooking, and exercise.