User:PhyllisAllen123
The reason why I chose to become a librarian:
There are several reasons why I chose to become a librarian. Just to name a few, I enjoy the library dynamics; assisting others and the ability to learn from the library resources. Due to these reasons and others unstated, I have worked in both public and academic libraries for over twenty-five years. Throughout this time, I have worked in the circulation department and the technical service department. This has enhanced my overall experience and knowledge as a Librarian.
Working in the Technical service department has enabled me to complete task that ensures a library operate smoothly. For instance, I order books and audios directly from publishers and upon delivery I checked in the materials to make sure we received what we ordered against the invoice. If we do not receive a material or the material is damage upon receipt, I submit a claim and return the damaged item. Then to ensure payment by our accounting department, I check in the received material in the computer against the invoice. I then create labels, place barcodes on the items and stamp them with security strips. I even have experience in repairing damaged VHS and cassette materials and correcting damage pages in books. Whereas, my experience in the circulation department allowed me to gain the valuable experience of supervising and operating inter-library loan by using OCLC Worldshare, and Aleph system U-borrow module.
As a current supervisor at Florida A&M University College of Law Library, currently working in the circulation department, I check in and out materials through the Aleph system. I update loose-leaf materials in binders. I help patron, students, professors and administrators find materials within the library. I reshelf books and shelve new books. I take great pride in this because I remember my first library position as a library clerk in the technical service department printing labels and placing them on books. I even remember using the card catalog to search for books and typing information on the card catalog for patron to find the material they were looking for. I remember receiving pallets of books and checking materials in to make sure we received what we order and putting in a request with publisher and claims. From these lower tier duties and task of when I first began my career working in a library to my now supervising position, I have grown fonder and more passionate about my chosen career as a Librarian. I graduated December 2014 with my Masters in Library Science Degree from University of South Florida.
Phyllis Allen blog on Inter-library loan http://phyllisallenusf.wordpress.com
Email Address: phyllisallen@mail.usf.edu
