Wondering how your library handles marketing and design? Is it centralised by your council? Do library staff just make their own marketing material (posters, socials etc.). I find it bananas how much print and digital design library staff are expected to do, with no digital marketing or design experience or study.
Yesterday I was at a community event running an art installation for the library and a parent of a kid that has been in my programs before kindly offered to go get me a sausage sizzle for lunch because I was so busy. It’s not an easy job working with the public, but sometimes people are lovely.
I read all different genres so I'm open to anything, but I do like a good, witty historical romance with lots of banter. I really liked Tessa Dare and Lisa Kleypas once upon a time although neither has had a new book out in a very long time.
Do NOT suggest Julia Quinn. I have tried. I can't. Each to their own, and I try not to yuck others' yum, but I have never liked any of the female protagonists.
Do you think your council supports you? Sometimes I think councils/boards/directors like the idea of a library, particularly when it is an appealing architectural showpiece or event space, but not for what it really does in supporting communities. I don't think many have a huge understanding of what library staff really do.
This is a space for all Australian library workers-public, academic, school, special, TAFE, uni, archives, and everything in between. Whether you’re a librarian, technician, assistant, student, or just library-adjacent, you’re welcome here.
Anything the community might find useful, interesting, or relatable, for example:
If you’re wondering “should I post this?” - you probably can. Just be nice to everyone else OK?
This is a relaxed, supportive space. Be respectful, be constructive, and assume good intent.
You’re free to share honestly about your work and experiences, but:
I was thinking about how many aspects of a librarians role are not specifically taught when you study. I’m in Australia and my postgrad qualification that made me a librarian was half archival and half librarian. In terms of being a public librarian I did learn some good stuff about running projects, creating proposals and using data, but honestly so much of what I use day to day comes from active listening and motivational interviewing skills I learned studying mental health, and tech + marketing skills I have from being a web designer most of my life.
I have also been thinking about librarians who I’ve noticed seem to dislike helping the more vulnerable or “difficult” members of the community - but I mean if you’ve trained predominately in cataloguing and reference interviews should helping the homeless be in your skill set? Should you feel confident in helping a senior who is fearful of technology, cranky and stressed but needs your help? I’m wondering if the job is too wide or the schooling is too narrow? What do you think?