The list below was generated from two book discussions done by Michael Stephens’ MLIS class.

  • Not afraid of change & technology
  • User-centered focus
  • Spot trends and market them!
  • Plugged in & using new tools to communicate
  • Be a Maven/be a Connector
  • Listen to users
  • Don’t judge interest
  • Gather lots of input & diverse opinions
  • Learn from Games-leadership, teamwork, and strategies
  • Leave your comfort zone
  • Remove barriers – too many roles
  • Provide opportunities to flatten the world
  • Communicate regularly with users
  • PLAY
  • Travel & learn
  • Create networks for discussion
  • Create change from the bottom up – and make CEO fulfill interests of User!

The list is a good starting point for anyone who’s interested in becoming a librarian as these are some of qualities required. “Loving to read” is no longer that important a reason for wanting to be a librarian. I think I said that when I interview for my job.

When I introduce myself as a librarian, some of them will usually comment that I must love reading. But I think the basic trait a librarian should have is that you must love helping people. This could be helping a user to find some information, a novel to read, or enjoyment in reading. If you don’t have this basic trait, then all the traits mentioned in the list above will be irrelevant.

What do you think?

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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }

1 CW May 2, 2007 at 8:32 am

I agree with you 100% - loving to help others is vital. If you’re not interested in helping it makes it hard to stay motivated. Love of reading is secondary although it can help with the job in a lot of ways.

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2 Isaak Kwok May 2, 2007 at 11:18 pm

Yah, it’s quite true that a love of reading can be of help in doing our job in helping people.

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3 Ivan Chew June 6, 2007 at 10:40 pm

True. You can love to read but if you don’t translate that love of reading towards helping others share that passion, that you’re not a very good librarian, imho.

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4 RaiulBaztepo March 29, 2009 at 8:54 am

Hello! Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource! PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language ;) See you! Your, Raiul Baztepo

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5 honie03 September 17, 2009 at 9:33 pm

Your right saying you love to read is not a reason anymore…that’s why we want to be a librarian not just to read books in the library because you want to help many people. Thanks for this blog it help me a lot in my research assignment.

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6 sandrar September 17, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Hi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog. :) Cheers! Sandra. R.

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