I began my career in public libraries in 2001. Like many who pursue librarianship, I had a great passion for books and literature. The library seemed a natural choice to indulge that passion. As anyone who has worked in a public library knows, that is only a small part of the complex work that is done within those walls. It did not take long for me to realize that I also had a passion for helping people and, though there are times that are trying, there is also much personal satisfaction in meeting the needs of the public whether it be placing a book in their hands, connecting them with community resources, or just being present to listen.
My first position was in a branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. I spent nine years there learning much about the inner workings of a public library and after relocating to Florida in 2010, sought a new library position which I found with the Martin County Library System. I started in a part-time position in the Children’s Department and within a year was a full-time Children’s Specialist. During my eight years there I increased my knowledge of library service such as program planning, collection development, and reference. During that time my children had grown and I made the decision to return to school to finally complete my undergraduate degree. Because of previous coursework, I was able to complete my Bachelors in Organizational Management in about two years and realized that I also had a great interest in management.
I left Martin County for the Saint Lucie County Library System in the fall of 2018 for a very comparable position. While I enjoyed working in Youth Services, I knew I wanted to move on into a management position, but without a Masters in Library and Information Science, this was a challenge. When Covid hit in 2020 and children’s programming was put on hiatus, my role turned to more managerial duties and I began seriously planning to pursue my Masters.
I finally began the program in Spring of 2022. In the meantime, I have become the Circulation Department Manager of a very busy public library and am now certain that library management is what I would like to do. Classes like Intro to Library and Admin and Seminar in Public Libraries have been invaluable. The University of South Florida MLIS program has given me the education I needed in combination with my personal experience to further my career in this field that I love so much.
jaymelibrary.com 