My Career Path

[Isadoorian]

I've been meaning to post this for a few days but kept forgetting until now.

I'm living with my mother again (moved in in June), and after a while she suggested things I could try doing to keep myself occupied or whatever, and one of those was going to school to become a Librarian, and I've decided since that's what I'd like to do.

I'd only be able to work so many hours a week due to my Income Assistance, but that's fine by me.

I'd rather work in a Public Library, as they're most familiar to me, and some of the tasks I'd probably do seem simple enough; I did some work experience at a library for a week or two in high school (I did it in one of my empty class blocks which was during school hours) but I stopped as it was quickly interfering with my ability to get back on time and I didn't want to get into any trouble with my teachers.

I remember organizing and tidying the back room a little, reshelving and rearranging books and magazines, collecting books and media from the outer disposal bins, and I believe that was it.

I'd imagine during actual work I'd likely do the same things as above, alongside working the circulation desk and helping Patrons when they need it, alongside helping plan events and the like.

If any of you currently work or have worked in a Library, I'd love to hear your experiences

 

[unperson]

Have been a librarian of sorts, so is my sister, but for specialist industries. I worked in tv, so was a news tape (prior to digital/computers) librarian, tape has to be stored at a cool temp, so it was a chiller room. My sister is a geology graduate, so she manages info/resources for firms in that fields. I think the field does suit autistics, but it's the other staff thing, you have to feel you can get along with the general staff. It's never the work, it's the people.

 

[Aspychata]

Great. Glad things are working out for you.

 

[Thinx]

I worked in Libraries for a few years, loved it. The hardest part was indeed relating with other staff, but think that's the case in all the jobs Ive done. I didn't know about autism then, and I took interpersonal issues to heart a lot, and very seriously. But it was ok after a while. I tended to use humour and intelligence as my best tools, the staff did like me.

I had to stop trying to sort out all the publics queries, I was forever going in the back room, asking the manager librarian how to sort out something or what we could do, and she would come out and say to the person No, sorreee, we can't do that. In a sing song voice, then go back in the little room. Leaving me wanting to say, no but couldn't we try this or that. But the Librarian Says We Can't was the best answer, I learned. Then my life was easier.

It was a nice job, I would do it again. It's a tad more technical as time goes on, you'd do well I am sure. I was an assistant, if you get qualified you'd be the one in the back who comes out and says, No, Sorreee....

 

[unperson]

I should add, I don't actually have a qualification (in library work), I just fell into it - t'was a gubbmint tv station and it was one of the jobs going there, employers often dump socially odd people in librarian roles or filing type work.

My sister has a Bach Science and I think she did post-grad in Librarian stuff, so if you already have a degree, you can probably just tack on a post grad course.

 

[Martha Ferris]

I have worked in two libraries as a volunteer and as staff and I loved it. I did all that you mentioned. The librarians in my area are responsible to the library boards as to their budgets and spending. They have to attend meetings. They also have to make decisions on what books to buy. Thinning the shelves to make room for more books and many other administrative tasks. They aren't ususally involved in the hands on front desk or stack work. They also have to come up with programs to present for the community. Librarian job description
It sounds to me as if you would like to be a library assistant or aide. If you want to do the whole thing and depending upon where you want to work you may need a degree in Library Science. Library Science Degree | What Degree Do You Need to Be a Librarian? | Study.com

 

[Shamar]

I've been meaning to post this for a few days but kept forgetting until now.

I'm living with my mother again (moved in in June), and after a while she suggested things I could try doing to keep myself occupied or whatever, and one of those was going to school to become a Librarian, and I've decided since that's what I'd like to do.

I'd only be able to work so many hours a week due to my Income Assistance, but that's fine by me.

I'd rather work in a Public Library, as they're most familiar to me, and some of the tasks I'd probably do seem simple enough; I did some work experience at a library for a week or two in high school (I did it in one of my empty class blocks which was during school hours) but I stopped as it was quickly interfering with my ability to get back on time and I didn't want to get into any trouble with my teachers.

I remember organizing and tidying the back room a little, reshelving and rearranging books and magazines, collecting books and media from the outer disposal bins, and I believe that was it.

I'd imagine during actual work I'd likely do the same things as above, alongside working the circulation desk and helping Patrons when they need it, alongside helping plan events and the like.

If any of you currently work or have worked in a Library, I'd love to hear your experiences

Seems like a librarian could be a good fit for an autistic person. Quiet, fairly repetitive. as unperson said, the big problem will be the people. Working in a library can be rather ........ distracting. I have done a lot of research in specialty libraries (geology and maps - I'm a geologist), and some days I could hardly accomplish anything because of all the sidetracking I did. Good Luck!

 

[VictorR]

One thing that I highly recommend when choosing any educational / vocational training program is how hands-on is it - having an internship, practicum, or co-op term can be highly useful in gaining work experience and a reference even if the placement organization doesn't end up hiring you.