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Clarisa, Outreach Librarian at State Library: Advize Career Interview
A circuitous but ultimately fulfilling career path led to a current role as Outreach Librarian at the State Library of North Carolina.
The interviewee's journey highlights adaptability and passion, showcasing diverse experiences in federal, local, and state government libraries.
Responsibilities include community engagement, program coordination, and direct outreach, connecting with diverse groups statewide.
A typical day involves virtual meetings, program development, and collaboration with community leaders, requiring patience, flexibility, and empathy.
The most rewarding aspects include exploring North Carolina's history and working with a collaborative team, while the biggest challenge involves aligning personal goals with the state library's mission.
The interviewee emphasizes the importance of public service, a commitment to helping others, and the emotional rewards despite potential challenges.
Undergraduate students should consider entry-level positions like library assistants or roles in archives, museums, or digital labs.
The interviewee's unique background—including a diverse undergraduate education and identity as a first-generation Latina—has shaped their approach to mentorship and advocacy within a field seeking to create equitable access to information and resources.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Clarisa Arguello
Outreach Librarian
State Library
Florida International University, 2008
University of Miami, 2014, Master of Arts in International Administration (MAIA)/ Florida State University, 2016, Master of Science in Library and Information
Education
Public Service
Communication and Marketing
HSI Grad, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
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Career Path of an Outreach Librarian at State Library
Clarisa's career path is a testament to adaptability and pursuing passions; starting with a circuitous educational journey across Nicaragua and the United States, a pivotal part-time library job led to a career spanning diverse roles in "federal, local, and now state government," including academic, research, and public libraries, culminating in their current Outreach Librarian position where they aim to serve "immigrants, first-generation people" through programming.
Main Responsibilities of an Outreach Librarian at State Library
Clarisa, the Outreach Librarian at the State Library of North Carolina, focuses on community engagement, "bringing folks together" through programming, partnerships, and direct outreach—"walking around and talking to the community"—to promote library resources. This statewide role expands upon prior experience, allowing Clarisa to connect with diverse groups, from K-12 educators to genealogy researchers, across varied locations, demonstrating a dedication to accessibility and information dissemination.
A Day In The Life Of An Outreach Librarian At State Library
Clarisa's career as a librarian has spanned diverse roles, from providing "almost like working social services" in a public library setting with early literacy programs and STEM education to currently working as an Outreach Librarian where a typical day involves virtual meetings, program coordination ("setting up programs in the future"), and community outreach, including collaborating with prominent figures like the North Carolina poet laureate and participating in multiple committees focused on policy and DEI initiatives. The work is dynamic, requiring adaptability to meet the needs of various audiences, including "so many different customers."
Most Important Skills For An Outreach Librarian At State Library
Clarisa, an Outreach Librarian, emphasizes patience and flexibility ("pivot") as crucial skills, given the demanding nature of collaborating with external partners. Beyond that, the ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy is paramount, as the job requires navigating difficult situations with library patrons while effectively managing projects and communicating information; "empathy is one of the most important skills."
Favorite Parts of Being an Outreach Librarian at State Library
Clarisa, a newly appointed Outreach Librarian at the State Library, finds immense satisfaction in learning about North Carolina's history and sharing this knowledge with others, stating "I am learning about this new place...the best way to get other people to learn about it also". This exploration of their new state complements their enjoyment of working alongside "really great people" at their workplace.
Biggest Challenges Faced By An Outreach Librarian At State Library
Clarisa's biggest challenge as a newly hired Outreach Librarian at the State Library is "learning the mission for the state library" and aligning personal goals with it, unlike prior roles where this was more straightforward. This involves navigating unfamiliar territory, relying on coworkers' expertise regarding North Carolina's context to develop programs and events, a process that is proving both helpful and insightful.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Library Industry As An Outreach Librarian
Clarisa, an Outreach Librarian, finds immense satisfaction in the collaborative library community, "a united group of people fighting the good fight" for equitable access to information and resources. The modern library's evolution into a vital community hub offering "a safe space" and diverse services—from story time to 3D printing—is what fuels Clarisa's passion for the profession.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Library Industry According To An Outreach Librarian At State Library
Clarisa, an Outreach Librarian, dispels the stereotypical image of a librarian, emphasizing that the field is vibrant and welcoming to those driven by "a desire to help people" and committed to public service. Success in this career requires understanding that it's not the highest-paying industry, but it offers significant reward in making a difference, even while facing challenges like potential censorship.
What An Outreach Librarian At State Library Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Librarianship
Clarisa, an Outreach Librarian, wishes someone had prepared them for the emotionally taxing aspects of the role, describing it as "hard coming into work and hearing about someone who's struggling," while also highlighting the rewarding connections formed with community members over time: "I've helped high school students write their college essays...and then they'll come back and they'll say, thank you so much." The job's emotional toll necessitates establishing boundaries between work and personal life to maintain a healthy balance.
Entry-level positions for aspiring Outreach Librarians at State Library
Many entry-level library positions exist for undergraduate students, including "library assistant positions," and roles in archives, museums, or even the film industry, with titles varying depending on the institution. Opportunities also exist as student assistants in university libraries, often transitioning to "library assistants" or roles in digital labs focused on "preservation of materials" and digitization, a growing field within the library profession.
Significant Career Lesson From An Outreach Librarian At State Library
Clarisa, an Outreach Librarian, emphasizes the significant impact of empathy in her career, noting the importance of "being empathetic to people" and understanding their circumstances beyond the immediate interaction. This approach, combined with expressing gratitude—"thank people for their time"—fosters appreciation and creates a positive work environment, regardless of the specific role.
College Experiences That Helped an Outreach Librarian at State Library Succeed
Clarisa's undergraduate experience, initially in journalism then liberal studies, unexpectedly shaped their career as an Outreach Librarian; the broad range of courses, including "ethics classes" and "environmental science classes," provided a diverse knowledge base that surprisingly informs daily interactions with library patrons, proving that even seemingly "random" classes offer unexpected benefits. This eclectic academic background fostered a well-rounded perspective and coping mechanisms, highlighting the value of pursuing intellectual curiosity beyond a strictly career-focused curriculum.
How Identity Has Influenced an Outreach Librarian at the State Library's Career
Clarisa, a first-generation Latina Outreach Librarian, describes navigating a career path with "a lot of pressure to do well," fueled by family legacy and the desire to overcome challenges faced by underrepresented groups in the library field. This experience, coupled with "knowing where you're coming from" through personal experiences interpreting for family, has fostered a commitment to mentorship and advocating for others, using their bilingual skills and professional expertise to break down barriers and build a more inclusive workplace.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/clarisa-arguello
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