1001 Australian Nights

I am very excited to be attending the ALIA Library Click 06 Conference in Perth. I once worked in Perth as a Youth Services Librarian and in this role established a new career and enjoyed myself enormously. As part of the Wednesday program of the Conference I was fortunate enough to listen to Andy Wright's presentation "1001 Australian nights: the importance of librarians telling their own story".

The story began with his grandmother - a wrinkly who was a wrinkly and could read. I smiled immediately, the fondest memories I have of beginning reading are sitting on my grandmother's lap and listening intently to her stories, ones she would read and ones she would talk to me gently and slowly about. Just lovely.

Andy then lead the story gently towards libraries and his first visit to a new local library. Certainly a memorable visit. Any my own visits to Libraries are part of my memories growing up, growing in knowledge and loving life. As a Youth Services Librarian I realised as I was listening that sharing my love for children's literature, especially reading aloud to children as part of story telling was not only a favourite part of my work but also an act which fostered this love in others around me.

A random act of kindness, which sometimes I think is not significant, is really what I believe and hope makes a difference to the people I work and interact with in the context of Libraries and life. It is for me as a Librarian now working in a different state, with adults in an academic / government environment is very different but still provides an opportunity to influence the way in which people utilise the Library. Collecting that very large pile of books on the essay question due the very next day for a panic stricken student is always rewarding. Searching the database for that unique piece of information that will make research stand out, and even finding the right book on the shelf at the right time is rewarding. Knowing my collection, waltzing through the Library shelves sharing the collection hot spots with an eager reader are acts that delight me and hopefully make a difference to the poeple with whom I work. This for me is a small way in which I can influence the way in which people learn and enjoy libraries.

The walls of my Library do not contain me. In fact, when I first began in this very different workplace, I thought the Library to be far too quiet. So telling and listening outside the walls of my Library became part of my everyday. As Andy encouraged all Librarian to do, I began connecting with diverse people. I indulged in the art of conversation. I joined colleagues at morning tea and developed an understanding of what they do in the context of their individual work areas. I attended lectures from students who have researched their information in the Library and I listen avidly to guest presenters visiting from interstate and overseas. I take a risk and share my personality, I share my ideas and I listen to others. This I have found to be an instrinsic part of my role.

Interestingly, Andy mentioned the way in which people just don't do what you tell them. However it constantly surprises me after holding a Library Orienation, something I love to do, that people have listened. They have used the prompts provideed and spread their wings and utilised available resources they may not have noticed before. Often the Library is revisted and more questions asked and of course, the support in reaching information literacy independence is always available.

So as stories are a springboard, I am inspired to blog, to share my story. And feel heartfelt that stories help balance life. Andy concluded by saying Librarianship is a noble profession in which you can change lives. Be proud. Librarianship has certainly changed my life. I am content, I enjoy my work and realise the opportunity I have to make a difference to others, even if in a small way is significant.