Becky O'Neil is a youth services librarian at the Westerville Public Library who gives an overview of her career path and the roles and responsibilities of a public librarian. She describes her education and work experience in libraries. As a public librarian, her main duties involve helping patrons find information through books, media, computers and databases, as well as coordinating programs and events for all ages. Public libraries serve as community centers that provide collections, technology access, meeting spaces and local history resources. Librarians work both inside the library assisting patrons and outside in schools and at community events. Other types of librarian careers include academic, special, school and archival librarians.

1. Career: Librarian Becky O’Neil Youth Services Department Westerville Public Library

2. What we’ll cover A bit about me! So, what exactly does a librarian do? What goes on at a public library like mine? What does a public librarian do? What are some other types of librarians? What are some other jobs in libraries? How can you get involved? Question time!

3. I always loved to read… Image courtesy of Flickr

4. …but I didn’t work at a library until I was in college. Otterbein College – image courtesy of Flickr

5. During and after college, I worked at the Westerville Public Library, and I really liked it…

6. …enough that I got my Master’s of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University. Image courtesy of Photobucket

7. I love my job! I get to talk about books. I get to meet new people. Every day is different. I learn something new EVERY day! I get to do creative things. I help people and make a difference!

8. But what exactly does a librarian do all day? …any ideas?

9. Put away books?

10. “Shhhhhh”? Image courtesy of auburn.edu

11. Nothing but reading? Image courtesy of Flickr

12. Not true!

13. Librarians help people find information. Books Magazines and Newspapers Computer (Internet and Databases) DVDs and CDs Sometimes research, sometimes enjoyment The more you know about everything, and how to find out more, the better librarian you are!

14. A public library is a kind of community center. Collection of books & movies to check out Meetings & events Programs for all ages – entertainment and education Computer and Internet access Space to work Local history - Museum or archives Tax forms & voter registration

15. A public librarian’s job, Part 1 Working with people in the library Reference and Readers’ Advisory Programs Computer assistance Different departments/areas of the library

16. Media Department

17. Video Game Area

18. Children’s Area

19. Teen Area

20. Teen Magazines

21. Drive-up window

22. Video Editing in the Tech Center

23. Anti-Saloon League Museum

24. Local History & Archives State Street, Uptown Westerville, 1960

25. Program: Henna Tattoos

26. Program: Puppet Shows

27. Program: Angel the Cockatoo

28. Chess & board games

29. Program: Writing Clubs Choosing a story topic from the parachute

30. Program: LEGO Competition

31. Visit from C-SPAN’s Campaign 2008 Bus

32. A public librarian’s job, Part 2 Working with people outside the library Visits to schools and community events Reference and readers’ advisory: email, online chat, telephone Library conferences and education

33. Look familiar? 

34. El Dia De Los Niños @ Westland Mall

35. Telephone/email/chat Image courtesy of Flickr

36. Public Library Association Conference, Minneapolis 2008 Image courtesy of snakejones.com

37. Other kinds of Librarians Academic librarians (colleges and universities) Special librarians – art, law, hospital, prison, corporate, government School librarians and teachers Archivists and curators Computer scientists and database administrators

38. Other jobs in libraries Circulation Tech services – cataloging, repair Webmaster/web content Page (shelving) Collection Development – choosing and ordering Administration – manager, director, accounting Outreach – deliveries to schools & nursing homes

39. Depending on the size and type of your library, you may get to do some or all of these things. Web design Ordering books Book reviews Instruction and teaching School visits Cataloging Processing new books Weeding out old books Circulation statistics Budgeting Reference and research Computer technology Display, flyers, marketing Storytime and programs Oh yeah…and sometimes, reading!

40. Interested? What you can do: Study what you like Stay up-to-date on technology Volunteer at a library Work at a library

41. Thanks for listening! Questions?