Further Questions: National Library Week Edition #NLW15

This week we asked people who hire librarians

As you likely know, it’s National Library Week. Therefore, instead of having a question centered around (what often is) a source of stress for many job seekers, let’s celebrate libraries on Further Questions this week. So, tell me, in a sentence or so, what do you a) love about libraries, and b) what do you love about the hiring process?

Libraries are a source of resources from the latest mystery to motion pictures, which I could never afford on my own. Selecting cataloguers for SLC brings me into contact with delightful people from many places.

 

 

– J. McRee (Mac) Elrod, Special Libraries Catalouging

For all of my life, I have remained delighted in – and loved best – the concept that libraries provide materials that open up the world of knowledge and that we can check out by the simple process of having a free library card. Heaven!

 

What I love about hiring is finding that perfect person to fit the job, the teammates and the community and watching the magic of awesome service happen as a result. Nothing is better.

– Marge Loch-Wouters, Youth Services Coordinator, La Crosse (WI) Public Library

A)     I love libraries because I love the democratic ideal of them…that anyone, from anywhere can have access to a wealth of information. I love the “People’s University!”

B)      As a hiring manager, I like it when I can give someone a chance to move up and prove their mettle. Sometimes I go with my gut and raise eyebrows on the search committee, and I love it when the people I choose who may not have been the strongest candidate on paper or during the interview end up being the absolute best hire.

– Margaret Neill, Regional Library Branch Manager, Main Library, El Paso Public Library

Through the hiring process, I get to meet so many people who profess their love of libraries and who often articulate very clearly what they love about them — sometimes it is as big as the access to information that we offer, and sometimes it is as basic as the smell of books. I don’t see my hiring duty as being simply a way to get shifts filled and cover our business hours — I see it as a way to bring together a wonderful group of people who can collaborate and bring the best of the library directly to our patrons.

– Marleah Augustine, Adult Department Librarian at Hays Public Library

What I love about libraries: Nobody ever uses the word “overeducated.”

 

 

 

-Angelynn King, Head Librarian, Delaware Technical Community College, Owens Campus

Thank you as always to our contributors for their time and insight.  If you’re someone who hires librarians and are interested in participating in this feature, please email us at hiringlibrariansquestionsATgmail.com.