This post is inspired by “5 Things I didn’t realize I’d be working on….. (when I decided to become a librarian)” at the ACRLog.  Although when I first read it, I knew I would have to adapt it.  Firstly, because I decided to become a librarian at age 11 and secondly because I have already been a librarian for over 23 years.  I didn’t want to have to think about what changes I had to deal with between Grade 6 and graduation, let alone since then.

So, my take will be what I didn’t realise I’d be working on when I graduated as a librarian.  Also, five is just a number picked out of the air.  When we ask for your feedback (because we are curious and want to know more about you – only fair after we open ourselves up to you ), don’t feel obliged to share five – anywhere between 1 and 50 things will be fine.

So the 5 things I didn’t realise I would be working on when I graduated as a librarian are:

1. PCs. I had never seen a PC, let alone known much about them before I started my first job as a librarian.  My workplace had an Apple IIC and an Apple IIe and I was stunned and excited.  Within 6 months, I was the local expert on those machines (and managed to become so without breaking anything).  Now, I can’t imagine being a librarian (or me in any sense really), without one.
2. The Internet. Yes, the Internet existed when I graduated.  After all, its been around since the 1960s – which is when I was born!  Never could imagine how important and useful and painful and exciting and challenging it would make being a librarian when I graduated.  Couldn’t live without it now.  Get withdrawals sometimes if I’m away from it too long, but thats another story.
3. Creating websites. Kind of goes hand-in-hand with the internet, but even as far back as 1996 when I created our first library website with HTML, I couldn’t imagine how website creation would change.  In coming weeks, we will be launching our new library website, using the Drupal open-source content management system.  Its been a huge learning curve, full of frustration, as well as great joy and triumphs.  I can’t wait to continue developing it further over the coming year.
4. Public libraries.  This is more of an ‘in’ than an ‘on’.  When I was studying library science, I always imagined working in a school library or special library as I thought that these libraries would give me the variety I thought I wanted to make me a happy librarian.  The first job I got was in a public library – and that was from a reluctant and not great application letter.  And 23 years later, I am still extremely happy and satisfied working in public libraries.  Something to be said for serendipity……
5. The same organisation.  This is more of a ‘for’ than an ‘on’.  I started work with Dandenong Valley Regional Library Corporation at the end of 1985. The library service split in two as a result of the Council amalgamations of 1995 and one half became Casey-Cardinia Library Corporation – my current employer.  In those 23 years, I have had 8 1/2 different jobs, worked full-time for many years and now part-time for nearly as many and have enjoyed it immensely.  Never thought I would stay in one job for more than 5 years,  let along remaining with one organisation long enough to accrue two lots of long service leave!

So that’s my quick list of how my expectations of being a librarian have changed very dramatically since graduating.  Its all been very positive for me.  It may not or may not have been similar for you.

What has changed for you since you graduated?  We would love to hear your stories, whether that time period is one year or 40+.  Libraries are changing all the time and so are our expectations and experiences.  Please take the time and share yours with us here.