I have been asked by many of my coworkers, past and present, what it is like to go from a large library (Nampa Public–2nd largest city in Idaho) to a small branch (Hidden Springs Branch of Ada Community Library).  What’s it like? What do I do each day?  

Well, the biggest difference is that I truly do everything now.  In the large library there are different departments with different responsibilities.  I was in Public Services-so I did reference, programming and outreach.  I also worked on the library’s website.  In my current library I find myself doing “circulation” stuff most of the day, checking things in, checking things out.  I also find myself doing “page” stuff–shelving, cleaning up strange messes, searching for lost or missing items, pulling holds.  I do “reference” stuff and “programming” stuff–I answer questions and perform storytimes.  I still do outreach but on a smaller scale since it is a smaller community.  I do “IT” stuff–I troubleshoot computers and contact the main IT person at the main branch about issues and concerns.  I do “management” stuff like hire and train new employees, coordinate schedules, handle difficult customer issues, make decisions and work on staff development for myself and those who report to me.  I do “maintenance” stuff–I restock the toilet paper and plunge the toilet, take out the trash or take home the recycling when necessary.  I even find myself doing “tech services” stuff–I checkin and process serials and discards.  

This is truly a great experience made even greater because I am part of a large organization so that access to materials and information for our customers and staff is easy.  I am able to learn from a different set of managers and coworkers in a different environment–which only expands my experience as I worked with fabulous people before.

I’m on my adventure; and, hey, I’m learning libraries from the inside out now.  :-)