Reflection of what past careers and life experience and bring to the library

Virtual Library Visits provided insight into how expertise, experience and librarianship can translate into a highly specialised vocation. Many librarians who presented, reflected on their career journey, leading up to their present positions. It was both enlightening and exciting to hear of the many specialist librarians having backgrounds in areas such as the arts, business and events management.

Mathilde Serraille the librarian from the Paris Opera’s music library explained that the most important factor in being a music librarian is a knowledge of music notation and that being a musician is key to understand annotation in sheet music such as the bow markings. She stated that when searching for music librarians, the music qualifications are of the most importance and a library qualification is secondary.

The inspiring Kylie Carlson from Yarra Libraries reflected on her journey before becoming a library manager, and how this journey influenced her approach. Kylie Carlson’s innovative and empathetic approach to inclusive learning spaces in the library drew from her life experience and past career as a business owner and a mother to a child with special needs. Her dedication to social justice has transformed the Yarra Library into a hub that has provided essential services to the most vulnerable members of the community.

A surprising discovery was how the librarians at the William Angliss College’s Learning Resource Centre, were required to be specialists in preserving and archiving rare works on paper.  These items included the “Antipodean Cookbook” by Mrs Lance Rawsom, and the “Zimmerman Collection”, comprising ornate and embellished menus dating back to 1862. The careful digitalisation project has restored these beautiful menus and made them available online to the world.

A teacher librarian is a logical path for educators who value libraries in education. The combination of areas of personal experience and professional expertise can combine to create a professional that is highly specialised and innovative, able to deal with a rapidly changing industry. After the study visits I reflected on my journey and qualifications and felt encouraged that somewhere, there may be a position requiring all that I can bring.

The Yarra Library Delivery Van during the covid lockdown.