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I am an MLIS student. I want to know what librarians love most about their jobs. If I don't hear anything good I will become an "information professional"

When I first finished my MLIS, I decided to bill myself as an "information professional". But now that I'm out in the 'real' world, I realize that there is a lot of power in saying "I'm a librarian" (especially with other librarians). I also like the term Jessamyn West uses (freelance librarian). I think I've settled on "librarian and information professional" for myself. That pretty much covers it, but can be a mouthful!

What I love most about my job: doing stuff that makes a difference for people's daily lives. It's not food, clothing, or shelter, but I really think that my work matters, and that's important to me. I help people find the tools & info that they need to make decisions, solve problems, be entertained or find amusement/relaxation, connect with others, and generally enhance the quality of their lives. Honestly, I think it might be the best job in the world!!

janieh,

I always thought that would be a great part of librarianship - especially reference work...thanks for the encouragement.

Chris, how great to see you again! I hope you're doing well.

Can you tell us about your anime program in our Library Programming forum?

while you're at it, tell us your fabulous funding story too!! it's great that you were able to secure that; i'm sure it's related to your new building - right? congrats!

Hello and welcome!

I got to work for a year at an undergraduate library. I also loved the wonderful variety of students who approached my desk. And yes, they kept me on my reference toes. It was a constant learning experience for all of us. I envied the librarians who had been there for awhile and seemed to have just the right answer for everything. It will all come with experience.

'desertrat', I can tell through all your posts how enthusiastic you are about your job. I love the stereotype-busting. I wish I could get my mom to read your comments. She is so stuck on that worn-out image of the spinster librarian with her hair in a bun and a shushing finger to her lips.

I'm sure it's your passion for your work that helps you think outside the norm and not get stuck in a rut. It is this kind of energy that will guarantee the survivial of public libraries. Keep up the great work everyone.

And keep telling us what you all love about your jobs because enthusiasm is contagious.

So far I haven't seen a prison librarian kick in to this discussion. So, as a prison librarian, I will say that a lot of the same things that have already been said (love you, desert rat!) apply for me as well. I get a lot of ego food about being seen as the person who can find the needed info to change people's lives for the better and coach them along in the process (that is really more rewarding in prison than in a public or academic setting because the progress is so very documentable). Since moving from public to prison library, I've learned to get gratification about how MUCH I can do with so very little money (Yep, I clip coupons, too). I love that every day brings me new challenges and new things to learn about as I share them with others. My life is NOT about ordering a disorderly world--instead, I help make the disorder more sensible and accessible to my customers, so that they are more likely to find their own wonderful surprises. In a special library situation, the other professionals I work with recognize that I have strategic planning, managerial, organizational and communication talents that contribute to the quality of our organization. I am not of your younger persuasion, so back when I was in Graduate Library School (and yes, we called it that instead of some acronym), I toyed with the concept of being an "information professional." That was so '70's!--basically a brag that we could learn how to use computers. We have done that pretty well, so the phrase seems kind of trite now. These days, librarian is a word that can be said proudly and without the bun. So many bunless people have joined our profession that I believe our rep has changed. And, in this information era, our job is so much more important because there is so MUCH MORE information out there to be managed. I've got my librarian action figure on my desk, and am just waiting for the day when a blockbuster movie comes out with the librarian action hero to replace that whole "desk set" impression. I still wince every time I am forced to view my husband's most favorite movie (It's a wonderful life) where the wife is doomed to the job of librarian if her husband hadn't been born. WRONG!! I also want to have a discussion with old JK Rowling about how come her Madam Pince is so ugly, unhelpful and out of date. I think Hermione should become a Librarian/Auror and get things more accurate (or maybe they have some work to do in the UK, professionwise). Finally, I also love my job because I am a shy person who has a ready made opportunity to discuss important concepts with others all day long without having to come up with the painfully dreaded "small talk." ( I think the thoughts we discuss and debate are 'way more significant than what those elected official types choose to talk about most of the time!).

Thanks for the reminder (I guess I have to learn it over and over again untl it sinks in) that technology is not some new thing on the scene that librarians are just now figuring out how to grapple with. I had a conversation w/ another veteran librarian last month about how the same issues just keep cycling through LIS education, and the work that we do.

Maybe "information professional" is not new and thus trite. But I already have all those business cards with that on it! Guess it will have to do for now!

How is your library funded? Do you find that you have to make arguments for the value and importance of the library to the patrons you serve? Seems like it might be a tough sell to your funders. Also, so many things that librarians do can be considered "community building" - making connections for patrons with others in their community. Is this ever a part of your job? How does that play out?

There has been some spirited discussion about "the big L" in librarian here at the WJ. I am definitely on the "MLIS not required" side of the debate. I know a number of librarians - many I've met right here at WJ - who don't have the professional degree but are, as you say, doing the job!

I also agree w/ you about the real rewards behind any librarian's job - the satisfaction of helping people make that connection!