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.
Community Engagement, Social Services, Information Sharing, Access to Technology, Lifelong Learning
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
Government & Public Sector
Communication and Marketing
HSI Grad, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student
Video Highlights
1. The collaborative and supportive nature of the library profession. Librarians share common challenges and offer mutual support, especially during times of pressure or criticism.
2. The evolution of libraries into community hubs providing various services beyond books. Modern libraries offer resources such as computers, internet access, printing services, workshops, and social support, creating a safe and inclusive space for everyone.
3. The positive societal impact of librarianship in promoting reading, learning, and access to information. Librarians champion the right to read and learn, empowering individuals and communities through access to essential resources and information.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your industry?
Libraries are amazing. I love that you can talk to anybody in the library world, and we all understand what everyone's going through. We support each other, and I think that's huge and really important.
This is especially true now, as libraries are facing a lot of scrutiny. Adjacent to libraries and librarians are teachers, and I feel like we are a united group of people. But at the same time, we face difficulties from others. Many people ask, "Do people read books anymore?"
That's not what the library is about anymore. We are a community space, focused on sharing information, providing social services, and much more. We are a safe space.
Librarians are fighting the good fight for everyone. They champion people's right to read and learn what they want. Everyone should learn as much as they can to stay informed.
It's important to know who is making decisions that will affect you and why. Librarians help people understand these things and share that information in various ways. This includes story times, arts and crafts, learning to code, playing chess, and book clubs.
We are a safe space, a third space. If you don't have a computer or printer at home, you can come to the library. It's a great place to find resources.
Some library systems even let you borrow gardening equipment or hotspots for internet connectivity. This allows kids to do homework or people to look for jobs. Some libraries lend out tablets, Chromebooks, and laptops, and you can even 3D print items.
It's a completely different world, and for the most part, it's free. That's what I enjoy most about this industry: the people we're helping and the people I work with. It's a great place, and we support each other. I love that.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/clarisa-arguello