Things 10 & 11

Working in Libraries was never a conscious decision for me, it just sort of happened. When my eldest daughter was about 18 months old I needed to get back to work to earn money, so when a 15 hour a week post was advertised in my local village Library it seemed like the perfect option (I'd been in retail management before and had no intention of returning to that!) I worked as a Library Assistant there for nearly ten years, holding story-times on a Friday afternoon for pre-school children, hosting school visits and "work experience" sessions for year 6 children from the local Junior school, all of which I loved. The job suited my circumstances at that time, but as my children were growing up I thought I should pursue more of a career for myself so applied for and gained a place on a PGCE course. Sadly this didn't work out (it's a long story which is best left untold I think) but I was fortunate to get a new job as a part time Library Assistant in our local Hospital Library where I have worked for the past 10 years, now as Senior Library Assistant. The environment and work is completely different to the Public Library, but interesting, challenging at times and diverse on occasion. We are part of a network of NHS Libraries across the South West and South of England with a reciprocal ILL agreement, so we can acquire most of the evidence the staff need from our partner Libraries. I also have lots of opportunity to attend courses and pursue any CPD opportunities that come my way, as my Manager is encouraging and generous in allowing me time to attend within my working hours. I still don't know if I want to further my career in Libraries and become a professional for a whole host of reasons which I couldn't list here, but if I do decide to I know that having a good Mentor will be invaluable. In fact I was thinking that finding a Mentor may well give me the push I need to make a positive decision towards gaining that qualification!