Cool Careers - Librarian

Interview with Sarah Meilleur: Librarian, Calgary Public Library, Calgary, AB

1. How would you describe what you do?

I’m an information expert, promoting literacy, freedom of speech, intellectual freedom, and reading. This is the code of librarians, though our jobs are widely diverse. As the Customer Service Manager of the Humanities, Community Heritage and Family History department at Calgary Public Library, my work focuses on preserving and promoting heritage and on providing opportunities for readers to expand their reading, explore the possibilities, and build connections with other readers.

2. How did you get started?

From the time I first entered a library as a child, I was entranced by all the possibilities (and all the books!) As a child my parents took me to the Memorial Park Library (a beautiful sandstone Carnegie building) once a week. The library staff there were always so friendly and welcoming, and would even set aside new books for me that they knew I would enjoy. Years later when I was in university, the same woman from Memorial Park library worked in my local branch, remembered me, and encouraged me to apply for a job at the library, telling me that I would LOVE working there. And she was right.

3. What do you like and dislike about what you do?

I love working with people, and making a difference every day. Public librarianship is an incredibly rewarding career. I dislike the lack of value society sometimes places on libraries and having to defend my profession. I guarantee that people who don’t value libraries, haven’t been in one recently. Libraries are active vibrant places these days, with something to inspire everyone.

4. How do you make money/or how are you compensated?

I feel as though I am fairly compensated for what I do. Canadian librarians are lucky in that by and large we haven’t seen the dramatic cutbacks in library budgets that have occurred recently in the United States. Canada still places value on literacy, and has been willing so far to support libraries.

5. What education or skills are needed to do this?

I have an undergraduate degree in English, and a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. This education is required to be a “librarian” or a department/branch manager. However, not everyone that works at a library has to have those qualifications. Libraries have circulation staff, reference staff, and support staff who have a variety of education levels.

6. What is most challenging about what you do?

The most challenging thing is continuing to demonstrate the relevance of libraries in the 21st century. There is a perception that libraries are dying, because of the internet, although on the contrary, use is only increasing. As the amount of information available increases, customers look to libraries and librarians to help them navigate the information overload. The library also plays a large role in 21st century literacies, and in providing a place for the community to engage with each other in new ways.

7. What is most rewarding?

The most rewarding part of my job is being able to see the direct impact the library has in improving the lives of our customers. From a professional perspective, the most rewarding part of being a librarian is learning something new every day. I am constantly amazed at the wide variety of projects I’m involved in, including digitization, e-books, collection development, and One Book One Calgary programming to name a few.

8. What advice would you offer someone considering this career?

Librarianship isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. We are a collaborative profession, passionate about livelong learning and always looking for ways to serve our community better. Be prepared to become consumed with libraries – and to be challenged every day in your job.

9. What is a common misconception people have about what you do?

People think I just read and shelve books! I am a passionate reader, and although I talk about books at work, I don’t get to read them there. Instead I’m working on a service plan to celebrate and promote reading with our community. Also, when I tell people what I do, they always tell me that I don’t “look like a librarian”. I suppose the perception is that librarians all have glasses, buns, and cardigans, but that is changing and the profession is becoming increasingly young and “hip”. There’s even a new breed of “hipster librarians” who are making waves in North America.

10. What are your goals/dreams for the future?

I love my job, and I see myself moving forward in my organization into new roles in the future. There is a real place for libraries in the 21st century, particularly as a community hub, and I would love to see that brought to fruition in new and innovative ways.

11. What else would you like people to know about what you do?

I encourage everyone to check out your local library and see what they have to offer. From services and programs for small businesses, children’s storytimes and amazing collections of picture books, to e-books and downloadable audio, your library has something for everyone, and I bet you’ll be surprised at what you find.

Thank you, Sarah, for sharing your career with Challenge Factory!

Interested in learning about other careers?  Check out our other Cool Careers interviews!