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I Survived My Freshman Year, And You?
by Vincci KwongI graduated from library school in May 2005, and started my first professional position in August 2005. I work in a medium-sized college library with eleven librarians, where I am one of nine reference librarians with primary responsibility for providing reference service, library instruction, and web development. I'd like to share with you how I developed an understanding of my job responsibilities in the first year.
Reference
As a reference librarian, my number one priority is to familiarize myself with the reference collection. I started out by browsing sections of the reference collection, and pulled out and looked over reference books that I was not familiar with. One of my colleagues gave me a very helpful suggestion, which was to take a look at the reference books which were left on the tables and then re-shelve them. This allowed me to see which reference books are frequently used and where they are located (or shelved).
It was also important for me to familiarize myself with the library's policies and procedures. The reference department maintains a reference manual which serves this purpose, and I spent my free time at the desk studying the manual. Though I learned a lot about the process of the reference interview in library school, I didn't have much chance to practice. So during my first few weeks, I sat next to my colleagues at the reference desk and observed their reference transactions. The observations proved very beneficial, and the tips and tricks that my colleague shared have been invaluable.
In addition to reviewing the reference manual and observing reference transactions, I also review completed e-mail requests. In our library, e-mail reference questions are answered by the librarian working at the desk. When the transaction is completed, they put the messages from the "Inbox" and "Sent" folder into a folder labeled "Completed Requests." Once a week, I open the "Completed Requests" folder and take a look at the messages. Reviewing the transactions and answers supplied by the librarians gives me ideas on how to handle a particular type of reference question.
I also took the library audio tour which students take to learn about the library. When I took the tour, I had a map of the library with me so that I could take notes along the way.
Instruction
When I was in library school, I didn't take any classes related specifically to instruction; however, I had the opportunity to do a lot of class presentations. In order to get myself ready to teach bibliographic instruction sections and the required information literacy course, I audited a variety of classes presented by my colleagues. During the classes, I paid close attention to the materials being presented, my colleagues' individual instruction styles, and the response from students.
In preparing to teach bibliographic instruction sessions, I prepare a reference sheet with notes about the material to be covered and e-mail it to the professor who requested the instruction session, asking for further comments and suggestions. After teaching an instruction session, I carefully look over each evaluation sheet and jot down any students' comments for my own future reference. Reviewing the comments helps me to see what I have done well and what I should work to improve the next time I teach.
The first time I taught an information literacy class, I co-taught the course with a colleague. This helped immensely, as at that time, I did not yet have teaching experience. It was a great experience since it helped me learn how to work with students and how to resolve conflicts with students. At this point, I feel pretty comfortable with teaching. But, if I could start all over again, I would equip myself better by reading books and articles related to information literacy, learning, and teaching style.
Web Services
Before I started working with the library web site, I made sure I had the necessary tools. A lot of information on open source software can be found by searching for the particular tool. For example, if you need a reference source for a programming language, check out tutorials from W3 Schools.
With all the tools in place, I then contacted the library's web site host in order to retrieve the login information. Once I was able to log into the server, I familiarized myself with the system, and studied how the current pages are set up. Then I was ready to begin to create new pages. In the meantime, in order to make sure all links on the web site were working properly, I used W3C Link Checker, a free web-based tool that checks for broken links.
Since the library's web services department works extensively with other library departments, I scheduled individual meetings with all department heads so I could find out about their expectations for their department's web presence. After I gathered all these expectations and ideas, I started to set up a work list based on priorities. During the first few months, I did every single task by myself. But then I recognized that some maintenance work is repetitive and required less expertise, so I decided to delegate repetitive tasks to a student worker so that I could free up some time to work on other projects.
Professional Development
At Indiana University, librarians are faculty and on the tenure track. As such, we are evaluated according to a number of criteria, including service and professional development. As a new professional, I've found it's not really possible to be asked to be a part of professional organizations' committees on a national or state level. However, I keep volunteering as opportunities come up. For example, I volunteered to serve at the registration desk at the state library conference. It always seems easier if you start out small. Start by volunteering to serve on committees within the Library, then volunteer to be a part of a committee on campus, then with local and state library associations, and so forth.
As with professional development, there are a few ways that I keep myself updated with the newest trends in what I do. I've subscribed to lists, I read web development blogs, I browse library journals, and I have attended numerous workshops, webinars, and conferences. One great resource is a webinar series by the SirsiDynix Institute. Not only is it free, but it covers current topics which are important to librarians. If you missed a webinar that you are interested in, check out their archives.
Just like going to college, the first year is always exciting but stressful. However, by taking the time to learn about the library, your job responsibilities, and expectations, you will survive it, just like I have. Good luck to all!
Vincci Kwong graduated and got her MLS from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2005, and started her first professional position as the Head of Web Services at Schurz Library, Indiana University South Bend in August 2005. Schurz Library is a medium-sized college library with 11 full-time librarians. Her primary job responsibility includes reference service, library instruction and web development. Currently, Kwong is a member of several professional organizations, including ALA, Indiana Library Federation and the Chinese American Librarians Association.