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.
Public Service, Empathy, Resilience, Advocacy, Desire to Help People
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. A passion for public service and a desire to help people are essential for success in the library industry.
2. Librarianship is not always quiet and reserved; it involves working in dynamic environments with diverse groups of people.
3. The industry faces challenges such as book banning, requiring librarians to be resilient and advocate for intellectual freedom.
Transcript
How would you describe people who typically thrive in this industry?
Some people have a stereotypical view of librarians, imagining them with their hair in a bun, always shushing people. That image is inaccurate; it's not what library work is about.
Today's libraries are often lively spaces where people talk, laugh, and gather. Anyone who wants to work in a library and contribute positively to the public will do well and thrive.
It's crucial to understand that library work is public service, regardless of whether you're in an academic, public, special, or law library. This service requires a specific mindset, and empathy is key.
The library industry is not known for high salaries. People shouldn't pursue this career solely for financial gain; they should be motivated by a desire to make a difference.
Librarians may also face challenges, such as pressure to remove certain materials or silence voices through book banning. You need to be someone who won't back down from these pressures or who is prepared to advocate for access in different ways.
Ultimately, those who want to make a difference thrive in this industry. Anyone can be a librarian or work in a library; the most important quality is the desire to help people.
Advizer Personal Links
linkedin.com/in/clarisa-arguello