JOB Talk: Reference librarian
JOB Talk: Reference librarian
Name/age: Stephen Culkin, 50
Occupation: Reference librarian
Employer: Greensboro Public Library
Contact: 373-4119 or stephen.culkin@greensboro-nc.gov
Years in field: 24
Salary range: In 2007, the middle 50 percent of librarians earned between $39,250 and $60,800, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A typical salary for a reference librarian at a local public library is between $45,000 to $50,000, according to Culkin. Salaries may differ for reference librarians working for corporations, universities, law offices or health systems, for example.
Education and training:
■ Bachelor of Science in special education, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
■ Master of Library Science, UNCG
Goal of the job: To perform research and help people find appropriate information that they can effectively use for personal and professional purposes.
Tasks:
■ Answer questions and assist patrons using the library’s resources.
■ Analyze patrons’ needs and help them search for appropriate information to meet those needs. Often the process includes an instructional role, allowing the librarian to demonstrate the process of the search and how to effectively and efficiently use a variety of information resources.
■ Work with the interlibrary loan service, a database that allows users to track down titles that may not be available at the user’s branch.
■ Teach one of the library’s basic computing classes.
How did you become involved in this line of work?
I was teaching in the public school system and acquired a part-time job with the library as a means of generating extra income to help pay off some student loans. I immediately loved the job and the environment. I enjoy working with people and have always been a bit of an information junkie. I found being able to work with and help such a wide variety of people to be very rewarding. I like that the job provides the opportunity to engage in frequent “teachable moments” with library users and am grateful that I get an opportunity to learn something new each day.
How has the role of a reference librarian changed with technology?
Technology has had a tremendous impact on how we create, store, access and deliver information. The library is able to provide so much more information to users than in the past. Library card holders can easily search and access thousands of journals and e-books; can download audiobooks to their computers and transfer them to MP3 players; and can utilize numerous specialized databases for business, academic, vocational and recreational purposes.
As a result of advances in technology, librarians find themselves in an instructional role more often than in the past, helping patrons to best use all resources now available to them. Technology has expanded the library far beyond its walls. We now use databases to find and order materials for our patrons that are held in libraries all over the United States. Those with a library card can go online to e-mail a question or chat with a reference librarian 24 hours a day.
Libraries have not been threatened by technology; rather, we have been leaders in embracing it to better meet the needs of the communities that we serve.
What advice do you have for people interested in this job?
A sincere commitment to customer service and the ability to effectively relate to a diverse population is a must for those interested in working in a public library. Librarians should develop a familiarity with a variety of information sources and be aware of trends related to publishing, computers and relevant technologies.
Individuals who are in school to become a reference librarian or have just earned their master’s should consider accepting a part-time position or even volunteering to get experience if a full-time position at a library is not immediately available. The majority of reference librarians I know have either transferred from another department within the library or have worked in the reference department in a part-time capacity prior to attaining a full-time position.
Job Talk highlights a different job in the Triad area with input from those who actually do them. Interested in participating or have a suggestion for a job you’d like for us to feature? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or patrick.collins@news-record.com.
Stephen Culkin 070509
Stephen Culkin, reference librarian at the Greensboro Central Library.
Nancy Sidelinger Special Sections Photographer
