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.
Community Engagement, Public Libraries, Outreach and Partnerships, Information Services, Adult Education
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. Clarisa's role involves diverse responsibilities including planning and conducting library programs and events, developing community partnerships, and actively engaging with the public to promote library resources.
2. She bridges the gap between the library's resources and community members by directly interacting with people in various settings, such as coffee shops and streets, to spread awareness about available services.
3. Her work extends to assisting patrons with research, particularly in genealogy, and collaborating with educators and teachers to provide them with resources for K-12 students, showcasing the expansive reach of her outreach efforts across various locations and communities within the state
Transcript
What are your main responsibilities within your current role?
I am the outreach librarian at the State Library of North Carolina. The state library has three different sections.
I work for the physical space, which is called the Government and Heritage Library. I do programming and events.
I develop partnerships with organizations in the community and with other state agencies. I bring people together, bridging the gap between the information we have and how people can access it.
I go out into the community, passing out flyers and letting people know about our programs. I talk to people in coffee shops, restaurants, and on the street. My goal is to inform them about how the library can help them.
I also work on the reference desk. Many people come in to do research, particularly genealogy. I help those individuals find information within the library.
Additionally, I work with educators and teachers, explaining and showing them the resources we have for K-12 students. It's similar to what I was doing in Miami, but on a statewide level.
I travel to different cities, driving to various locations. Last week, or the week before, I was by the beach. A few weeks prior, I was closer to the mountains. I conduct information sessions for educators.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/clarisa-arguello