It’s no secret that library school doesn’t fully prepare you for the realities of the profession, and this roundtable discussion dives straight into the heart of it. As a librarian fresh out of grad school, I’ve navigated the stress of job searching, the whirlwind of a brand-new profession, and the challenge of finding my footing in the field.
Entering the workforce and trying to find your place can be daunting. It’s full of emotions and moments of pure panic. I am hoping to provide a safe space for other librarians to share these thoughts, feelings, and even complaints without fear. Moving on from being a student to being a professional brings a rollercoaster of emotions that no one is truly prepared to grapple with. Some move across the country to places they’ve never been before. Others stay local and still face the trials and tribulations of adjusting to their new roles.
Join me as I share my experiences from graduation to (almost) completing our first academic year. This roundtable is more than just my story—it’s an open conversation about the shared struggles and triumphs of early-career librarians, advice from seasoned professionals, and the questions or stories you bring to the table.
As part of the roundtable discussion I want to use music as a way to express our experiences with words I can't seem to find for myself. I ask for participants to think of a song that captures part of your first-year journey - highs, lows, and weird in-betweens.
Let’s spill the tea, break the mold, and build connections (while curating a 10/10 playlist) as we tackle the journey of being a new librarian together.
