Is it too much to tell you about my first day at my new library job?
Even though there is always a honeymoon period when you start a new job, I can tell that I am going to love it. They had a welcome party for me! Nothing fancy. The term doesn’t start until next week and some staff are still on vacation but everyone who was there came to meet me and several people from other places in the law school came too. Apparently the law library has the best parties of any of the departments on campus and it is a source of pride with them. There is a little friendly competition. Everyone is so nice. And I met someone who is friend with one of my former coworkers so that was fun.
My brain is full of new procedures, new software and databases and where to find things like pens and paper and how to use the phone. Tomorrow we are going to spend time shelving. I am told it is a good way to get to know what is in the collection and where in the library it is located. I apparently will be getting the privilege of opening the library in the mornings. I was told all I really have to worry about is turning on the lights and opening the door.
One of the really nice perks is that even though I am at the law library, I can check out books from any of the libraries in our consortium and either have them delivered to my library or to whatever of the consortium libraries might be most convenient for me. This is so wonderful because there are sometimes books I’d like to read that my public library doesn’t have because there wouldn’t be an audience for them at the public library; chances are good I will be able to find it at one of the university libraries.
My counterpart is also in library school, just started, and will be graduating about the same time I am so we had a fun lunch comparing notes.
Okay, enough happy gushing. I have to go do some schoolwork. I haven’t done any of the reading yet for the week because I have been so wound up with changing jobs. Now I will be able to start to settle into a routine. Back to books tomorrow. Maybe even Harold Bloom!
I have anonymously enjoyed your blog over the past couple of weeks. I think I started reading when you were offered the new job. I am so glad that you had a GREAT first day experience.
If I weren’t near 50 – and money was no object – I would definitely go back to school to get a Masters in Library Science. As it is, I will be content to just live vicariously through your incredible posts!
Sounds wonderful! And the ILL is a very nice perk! As an alumna I would have to pay $14 to get a book through my alma mater. Grrr.
How wonderful! It sounds like an amazing first day and I can tell you will be thrilled with the new job.
Congratulations on a warm reception and a great first day!
Shelving is definitely the best way to start learning a new collection — shelving, and shelf-reading. Sounds like you’re on a good path!
I don’t know about the school where you work, but when I was in law school, the law librarians were very highly regarded by the faculty and students. I learned early on that if you’re friendly with the librarians, the quality of your research is better and you get a better grade on your paper.
And I know my faculty advisor had a favorite librarian that he always went to when starting a new brief or paper. He always specifically named her in the first footnote of his papers, thanking her for all her help.
I am so pleased! This sounds wonderful (a welcome party – wow) and exactly what you need. I look forward to hearing much more about it from now on!
OMG. I do like that perk of being allowed to have books transferred to your work place. This is a great job. Now, if you have colleagues who are kind and funny people, and a boss you love and respect, you have the best job in the world.
I’m so glad it went well. How nice to have a welcoming party! Having people enthusiastic about your hiring is great. It sounds like there’s a lot to like at your new place.
You write from the heart.Really felt the child like energy while reading your blog.sweet
Sounds like a great first day–and isn’t it nice to know that your new workplace throws the best parties?!
So glad to hear it sounds like it’s going to be a nice, new change! Next thing you know, you’ll be making me want to work in a library again
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Already sounds like a great place. Wishing you lots of luck and hope that honeymoon period lasts a very, very long time!
Thank you everyone for the well wishes! I am loving my job and thinking myself very blessed of late.