This interview is over 1 year old and may no longer be up to date or reflect the interviewee/interviewees’ positions
by Rachael Altman, Head Editor, INALJ Alabama
Meet Tiwanna Nevels: INALJ Alabama Assistant Editor and Acquisitions, Collections & Assessment Manager at the Levi Watkins Learning Center at Alabama State University
Searching for jobs is an adventure. Searching for jobs in the state of Alabama sounds like a daunting task, but, to my surprise, there are a lot of awesome jobs out there. The secret is creativity. You also have to keep an open mind. We are librarians. Think of all of the skills we have and think of the amazing things we can do! During the first week, INALJ Alabama had 457 views! We also made to the the University of Alabama SLIS list-serv. I hope to hear of some success stories in the near future. Keep spreading the good word. Let me know if you have any questions of comments about the INALJ Alabama page. Keep your head up. Today is a new day. Happy hunting. Thanks for reading. –Rachael
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Rachael: Favorite Library you have been to?
Tiwanna: The Black Diamond in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is an extension of the Royal Danish Library. It is an amazing library made of black glass! It is also considered a cultural learning place. It has a huge auditorium used for concerts, conferences and literary events. There are exhibition spaces and a bookshop. Most of all it has two museums and an amazing view of the harbor. It’s a must see!
Rachael: Favorite book?
Tiwanna: The bible…Keeps me honest and thankful.
Rachael: Favorite website/blog?
Tiwanna: I love the blog spots “Curly Nikki” and “The Good Hair Blog.” I am a natural [hair] diva and this is where I get tips on how to keep my skin and hair healthy.
Rachael: Favorite thing about libraries/library technologies?
Tiwanna: I totally love libraries that bridge the gaps with its patrons through the latest technologies or help them study and research by using innovative and unconventional methods. Libraries with with funky and comfortable furniture are always fun. Libraries, like North Carolina State, totally involve their students in the implementation of services in the library, which gives students a sense of belonging and attachment to the people and space.
Rachael: If you could take any of your hobbies and create a job of it or integrate it into your job, what would it be? And how?
Tiwanna: I would have a shoe boutique in the library. There you could use the iPods and iPads to do research catered to podiatry or kinesiology all while buying shoes! We could also collaborate with the occupational therapy and physical therapy departments to host small programs in the boutique.
Rachael: You have been working in libraries for a number of years–what positions have you held? How did you get these jobs?
Tiwanna: I have been a Reference Librarian, Cataloging Manager, Acquisitions, Collections & Assessment Manager, Cataloging Associate and Literacy Associate. Getting these positions took lots of branding through job shadowing and low cost or free educational opportunities. For example, while working in reference, I asked for opportunities to do literacy classes. These opportunities were recorded on my resume, which helped me to become marketable as a librarian for my next position.
Rachael: Best piece of job hunting/career advice?
Tiwanna: Always have a career path and goals. Once you have reached a goal, start reaching for the next one.