23 November 2009

future, uncharacterized

Maybe this is selfish of me, but I think that I like the sound of a job where usefulness is immediate and not removed. Where people ask you questions and then you give them answers, and then you have the satisfaction of knowing that you've filled someone's need, no matter how small it was.

Someday, I want to be a librarian. I think. I'm not really sure what this entails. I am not sure what "information science" is about, really. All I know is that I like working in libraries. I have worked in a couple. I like the environment of openness that seems to accompany the places: openness of people (we all stand around wanting to help people when we work there, as well as do other things), openness of knowledge, and openness of learning. (Because they are both available and accessible.) Even the building is open, usually. Unless it's a certain kind of library maybe (one less appealing).

I also think that a place where you feel like you're doing something to improve the place itself, because you have some sense of initiative and creativity, and you can find ways to improve the way things go, is so incredibly great.

And libraries are so integral to the community they are a part of. I want to be a part of building this, because I have come to a realization that I don't much love the corporate model. The one (there may be many, and maybe this isn't one) where you are confined to cubicles for the better part of your living days, and where you stare at a computer screen, and you don't interact with humans much, and where you're just trying to make money, and where other people just want to make money, and it's all about accomplishments and authority and position.

This is all well and good, but I want a part in something bigger than that.

I wish I knew more about these things.

2 comments:

Home on the Grange said...

I totally relate! The only problem: A quick comparison of pay rates for "corporate world" employees and librarians, reveals why so few people aspire to becoming library professionals. At the end of the day, it's all about putting food on the table.
On the bright side though, there are a variety of corporate positions that can actually bring a sense of satisfaction, so all is not lost :)
Chin up my friend!

Katy said...

Well put. I miss my library days too. That one on one interaction where you actually see the people you help!

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