How I became a librarian: the bumpy road to MLSuccess

Information Outlook, Jan, 2005 by Donna M. Fisher

I finally managed to remove all of the books from the elevator. I stood up, smoothed my hair, and straightened my dress. I tried to maintain a librarian's dignity as I replaced the final volumes any way I could and regained control of the wayward cart.

My beautiful books were now in complete disarray, but at least they were safe.

Or so I thought.

I continued on my route, tripping only momentarily when the heel of my shoe became caught in the hem of my dress. All was well, I thought, as I heard the elevator doors close slowly behind me.

Alas, this sound was followed by a soft swish-swishing as one stray book quietly fell 15 floors down the elevator shaft.

Building security was not amused. Happily, the books were undamaged and eventually delivered safe and sound. The months since then have passed without similar incident, although I've switched to taking the stairs whenever possible. Life as a professional librarian is wonderful. I love my job. I've met some fascinating people, and each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth. Since that first day on the reference desk, the many lessons I learned in library school eventually returned to me.

Along with understanding what question the patron has asked, I've tried to remember that understanding what questions aren't asked can be just as important. Telling a patron that Canada has 10 provinces without mentioning that it also has 3 territories might be just as harmful as giving the wrong answer entirely.

Earning my MLS was much harder than I could have imagined, but even my early skeptics have been converted. My husband recently showed me an article in a national magazine listing "Librarian" as one of the top 10 choices for a second career. My father has gone back to calling me by my given name. My friends are thrilled that I have found professional fulfillment.

Unfortunately, I'm still working on convincing one remaining critic. My 10-year-old inevitably turned into a teenager who often can't imagine anyone older or crabbier than his mother. But at least I can be consoled that he's decided it has nothing to do with the fact that I'm a librarian.

Donna M. Fisher is the librarian at Senniger Powers, a law firm in St. Louis, Missouri.