Monday, September 28, 2009

Why do I do this?

I recently read Jennie Laws Blogpost Why do I do This?, which was a follow up to Woodsiegirls post entitled Careers Advice. Both looked at why they had become librarians and how they had got to this career path. I thought I would add my reasons on becoming a librarian.
Well, I went to Bath Spa University in 1992 to do my BA in History and English. Whilst there I spent a lot of my time working in the library, went to the courses on how to use inter-library loans. I really enjoyed my time there and graduated in 1995. I really wanted to then be a librarian. In 1996 I went to Kingston and worked for an agency and even went for a job interview as a librarian and did not get it. Well, a few more jobs came and went (but nothing like what I wanted). Then in 2004 I worked for a friend as a carer and assisted him on his movie in the USA. Whilst working as a carer I was able to save up to do my Masters Degree in 2005 at City. As part of my degree I had to work within a library. I worked at a public library in Seven sisters as a volunteer for 2 years and really enjoyed it.
Whilst doing my masters I became interested in Web 2.0 and library 2.0. I began blogging whilst doing my degree and have been ever since.
In 2007 I passed my masters and began looking for a job. I got my first paid job working as library assistant in a public library on the Holloway road in October 2007. It was a temporary role, but it was enjoyable to enjoy going into work. In march 2008 I got my present role at an academic library in Bloomsbury.
Although it took me a long time to get the job in a library, I never have regretted it. Its the best job in the world.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Online Information event in October, 2009

This year I will be going to Online Information, but only the Tuesday one. Tony Hirst will be moderating the semantic web coming of age, with speakers such as Conrad Wolfram and Stephen Arnold. At the same time Brian Kelly is moderating a talk called building on use of personal web 2.0 technologies. Also Phil Bradley is talking at Twitter 101: top tips for information professionals. Unfortunately, I'll not be able to go on the Wednesday as I really wanted to hear Ellyssa Kroski.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Middlemash......the data move's to Birmingham

Following on from the success of the library mash ups in London and Huddersfield, it seems there will now be one in Birmingham on the 30th of November. Unfortunately I'll doubt I will be going.

Panlibus talks to Hazell Hall, Strategic Leader at LIS Research Coalition

Panlibus had an interesting podcast with Hazel Hall, Strategic Leader at LIS Research Coalition. In the interview she discuss what the coalition will be doing, her role and the future of the group. Certainly this is of interest to any academic librarians out there in the UK. Check the media coverage page for a more in depth look.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009