Library Roots and Routes

I’m a day late (busy week!) with my Friday post, so the Caturday post will be up later tonight!

There’s a new wiki project for librarians exploring their roots and routes.  I thought I’d add mine as well.

Library Roots

Since I was a teenager, I’ve been the person people turn to and ask about information.  Even in the grocery store, I’ve been the one folks as where something is.  On the bus, I’m asked if I know where a stop/event/place is.

So, naturally, I went to law school.  Yes, I had no clue I wanted to be a librarian.  In law school, after some life-changing events, I decided I didn’t want to be a practicing attorney but then what would I do with my JD?  Hmmm….

A friend turned me onto the idea of being a law librarian.  I love doing research, I’m organized, and I like helping people, so why not?  Immediately after earning my JD I started my MLIS degree.  Being a law librarian seemed like a natural fit for me.  I could do research, I could help people, and I would put my JD knowledge to use.

Library Routes

Going into library school, I had a one-track mind: law librarian.  I even landed a student reference desk shift at the university’s law school library.  Then, in my second semester of library school, I started conducting research for law professors under the supervision of the “real” law librarians.  Also in my second semester, I started doing freelance research for a local, small law firm.

I started applying to law librarian positions in the spring and summer.  I only ever heard back from one.  But the more freelance and professor delegated research I did, the more I loved pure research.

I had two areas of interest in law school: urban planning and privacy.  Checking the job postings, I ran across one for a transportation consulting firm looking for a part-time market researcher.  Believing I was over-qualified for the position,  I applied anyway.

It’s my first “real” library position and I love it!  I get paid to read, research, and write about transportation projects in the United States.  Of course, it’s a *bit* more involved than that, but I feel like I’m making a contribution to the company and urban planning.  It’s a pure research position, which I enjoy.  I’m not sure where this position will take me, but I enjoy what I do everyday.

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