Thong 20

Unfortunately the Library Routes Project website still seems to be down (other blog posts that I have read noted that the site was off-line back in October), so rather than waiting I’ve decided to blog about my library roots / routes here instead.

 

Know Where You Are Going! by sirwiseowl
on Flickr (made available under the Creative
Commons Licence)

I believe that my library roots go way back as I have been an avid reader since childhood. I always enjoyed my Saturday morning visits to the local public library with my mum who even let me use two of her library tickets as children were only issued with two (this was back in the days of Browne issue you understand). From these early experiences I harboured dreams of working in a library one someday.

An unsuccessful attempt at work experience in a local branch library whilst doing my A levels left me completely despondent. (I found that Browne issue, microfiche and a visual impairment were not a good mix.) 

So with all hopes of becoming a librarian dashed it was off to a job in the Civil Service fro yours truly for the next ten years.

2001- 2004

After working in IT as a Systems Analyst for twelve years, a job that I loved, I was faced with redundancy and no real idea of what I wanted to do next, except the certainty that I didn’t want to continue working in the IT sector anymore.

Now with the mortgage paid off by the redundancy money and realising that I had a range of transferable skills perhaps finally this dream could become a reality.

I applied for a job as a Library Assistant in one of the local public libraries and although unsuccessful on that occasion (due to my lack of library experience) the interviewer gave me some invaluable feedback. Acting upon the feedback I decided to undertake voluntary work in our local Scope charity shop and the local theatre in order to further develop my cash handling and customer service skills. This in turn led to my successfully obtaining a post as a Library Assistant.

At my first probationary review I was advised by my librarian that I would need to obtain professional qualifications if I wanted to progress in my library career. It was with her encouragement I undertook a two-year HNC, Library & Information Science course via distance learning with Edinburgh’s Telford College. Achieving this qualification helped me to get onto the next rung of the ladder as a Senior Library Assistant and also provided a gentle way back into formal learning after a twenty year gap!

2005 - 2011

But my dream had always been to be a librarian and so I applied to Aberystwyth University to study their BSc Econ Library and Information Studies course as it was offered via distance learning (a format that I had found with the HNC course really worked for me). 

It took six years to complete this course but I finally graduated in 2011 and during this time I had also realised my dream, having secured a job in 2008 as a subject librarian in an FE college library where I am still working today.

2012

This year, as part of my continuing professional development, I have completed the new City and Guilds Level 3 Certificate in Learning Support course offered by my employers. I felt that this course was particularly relevant since my subject areas involve a higher-than-average level of learner support.  

The Future

When reflecting on the route I wish to follow sadly chartership is not a realistic option for me at the moment as it is not recognised by my current employers as relevant to my role. Therefore should I decide to go down this route at a later date it is likely to be without any workplace support.

However having said after I graduated last year that I would never study again, after doing the C&G  course this year the study bug has bitten me again. But this time since having a Master’s is not a requirement of my job I have decided to undertake the course of study for myself and am currently in the process of investigating suitable MSc research courses that I can undertake via distance learning.