Professionals Making A Difference
Job Title: Area Librarian – South
Which means: Being responsible for ten branches in the southern region of the Okanagan Regional Library – including delivery of library services, planning and organizing library resources and managing staff.
What’s involved in your typical work day?: Since I just started this job I am travelling around and visiting with staff to outline changes that are taking place. A couple of the more significant changes soon to happen will be the move of a branch to a new location, and a renovation of another branch. Also, I’ve been discussing with community librarians ways to improve library service in their area and seeking feedback on issues of concern to them.
How did you get to your current position?: I’ve been with the ORL for 28 years. During that time, I’ve worked in a great variety of different positions in different locations, so I have gathered a considerable breadth of knowledge. That range of experience is going to be of value while I continue to assess ways for improving the services our libraries provide for each community.
How did you get involved with librarianship as a career?: I grew up outside a small village and I treasured our weekly visits to the little library behind the feed mill. I knew I would eventually be a librarian. Every year in high school I worked in the school library. I completed a Bachelor of Environmental Studies degree before getting my Master of Library Science.
That’s quite the leap, isn’t it?: All professional librarians must have a Master of Library Science, but to get that we need a Bachelor’s Degree. I chose Environmental Studies because I’ve always been drawn to environmental issues, probably as a result of growing up in a rural area that became industrialized over a relatively short period of time. It was disturbing to watch natural habitats disappear along with its wildlife. My early experiences and training contribute to my continued interest in environmental issues, even though I don’t work in the field.
What do you mean by that?: I strive to minimize my environmental footprint. I try to be conscious of what I do and alter my habits, like taking my own mug to the coffee shop, or shifting from storing work files electronically rather than in print copy, or using scrap paper for printing. Small steps by many can make a big change.
You don’t throw out old library books then?: Of course not! Books no longer suitable for the collection are sold at book sales, and there are lots of book lovers who are thrilled with the bargains.
Are you making environmental changes within the branches you’re responsible for?: I haven’t actually worked with them long enough to take that step but the question gives me something valuable to consider. It would be great to work with the branches to find ways to minimize waste and consumption. The issues we’re facing can seem a little overwhelming, but like I said, every small contribution counts.
Is your family as passionate as you are about conservation?: We’re a two hybrid car family. My kids are both studying Forestry, one of them in Natural Resources Conservation. Actually, being involved with the PEA has been interesting for all of us as I learned so much about the industry from my fellow members in the GLP Chapter.
How have you been involved with the PEA?: I have never not been involved. I’ve been the chapter chair, a Local Rep, sat on Bargaining and Joint Standing Committees, served a term as Small Chapter Representative and I’m on the Grants & Donations Committee. Having PEA as a support has created a lot of unexpected bonuses during a great personal and professional journey.
