The Post-Semester Life of an Unemployed Aspiring Librarian
Posted May 29, 2012 by Sarah Barton
The calendar tells me that the semester ended three weeks ago. Instead of harping on how that does not seem temporally possible, I will briefly detail the post-semester life of an unemployed aspiring librarian in all of its glory.
The day after my final final I started volunteering at the Somerville Public Library. I had the opportunity to shadow the library director, and came away with all kinds of clichéd what they dont teach you in library school-type knowledge and insights about what goes on behind the scenes in a public library. I sat in on meetings, met interesting people, and did research for a grant proposal. In less glamorous news, I spent four days going through random documents that past library directors had left in the office. Im pretty sure that experience solidified my lack of interest in archives.
I also spent some time helping at the Friends of the Somerville Public Library Book Sale. On the last day of the sale, all VHS tapes were $0.25 each or five for $1. A little boy scored a bunch of Disney classics (the ones in those fantastically large white boxes with full color cover insert), and on his way out I heard him say to his father, Today is a very happy day for me. If that doesnt make you want to volunteer at a book sale, I dont know what does.
Finally, I met with someone in the Simmons Career Education Center to discuss my résumé. I figure that if I want to line up a job or internship or something for the fall, a good first step would be getting my résumé in tip-top shape. I went in there thinking that it looked pretty good, but I left feeling as though substantial improvements had been made. Its crazy how some library volunteer experience and an improved résumé can make me feel better about applying for jobs. Now I just need someone to hire me
This week I am briefly reverting back to student-mode and taking a course called Corporate Libraries. This course is offered a few times per year when regular classes are not in session, and is five consecutive full days of class. (Translation: one semesters worth of class time crammed into five days.) I have no idea what to expect, and will be sure to report back once I emerge from my temporary cubicle.