Comments on: The Many Hats of Librarians

By: Andy Burkhardt

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:31:08 +0000

Becky, I love the idea of librarian as cheerleader and sounding board. I think I try to do some of that too. I even did it today on Twitter. Also, venting is necessary especially at this time of the semester. Librarians can often be really helpful just by listening. Listening to either problems, frustrations, or an explanation of their assignment or topic can be really beneficial for people.

By: Andy Burkhardt

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 22:26:23 +0000

Jimmy, that’s a lot of stuff crammed into one job. You’re kind of a one man tech guru. It’s fun you get to do so much different stuff and probably stuff that’s not even in your description.

By: Becky

Becky — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 15:32:50 +0000

In addition to all the ones you mention, I’m also a cheerleader and a sounding board. I spend a lot of time around midterms and finals playing cheerleader to students trying to finish up papers or projects. Just letting them know that someone believes in them or reminding them they know they can do it. (Or even faculty when they’ve got that stacks of papers to grade!!)

I also act as sounding board or even someone to vent at for both students and faculty. With students I’m always sure to listen but not side with them. Same thing with faculty. Not going to side with them, but sometimes they just need an ear.

By: Jimmy the Geek

Jimmy the Geek — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:31:09 +0000

My title is Technology Coordinator. Basically that means I do the work of a Technical Services librarian, plus all the work of an entire IT department. That includes web developer, social media specialist, tech support, help desk, PC technician, network technician, network administrator, systems administrator, systems analyst, database administrator, and Chief Information Officer.

I love my job!!

By: Andy Burkhardt

Andy Burkhardt — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 14:28:25 +0000

Peter, those “aha” moments are some of the most rewarding for me. We don’t always get to see them, but I always try to remember that we don’t always see all the good we’re doing. Maybe you’re tutoring a student and you don’t see progress while he’s there, but perhaps a week or two or six later that light goes on because of your help. Just because it’s not visible doesn’t mean we’re not helping.

By: Peter Coyl

Peter Coyl — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:56:30 +0000

I should clarify that I am a Librarian, but part of my job is “after school supervisor and homework tutor”.

By: Peter Coyl

Peter Coyl — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 10:55:18 +0000

I am an after-school supervisor and homework tutor. After the students are done with the normal school day, those that are waiting for transport home come to the Library and do homework (or in the case of the Kindergartners color and run a muck). sometimes it is the worst part of my day, and others it is the best, especially when I can answer a child’s question about their homework and see the “aha!” light bulb go off in their head.