Short personal update:
My first day of the library job was good. It used up a lot of emotional energy which kept me from getting on the computer sooner. Had to meet a lot of people and adapt to a new situation.
But the people are nice and I have a natural affinity with libraries. At this one, people in my job check out books and shelve. My last library job was as “just” a shelver…and I would love to do that again, but it pays less. I like how this position mixes it up a bit.
I spent today mostly shelving (after library tours, introductions, etc). I’ll learn desk duties on Saturday. Putting those books on the cart just felt so right. It was wonderful.
I don’t think I’m meant to be a librarian. Not the kind at the reference desk. But I take to shelving like a duck to water. It’s where I belong.
There’s something beautiful about bringing order, about making knowledge accessible, about being the person who’s responsible for getting the books out there. At my last library, I took on a kind of responsibility for making sure everything was out there and in order. I loved excelling.
Paging (shelving) is not a lucrative profession. But perhaps someday I can be a famous writer who pages on the side. Or a SAHM who pages a few times a week. That would make me very happy.
photo by mayr
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There definitely is something quite calming and comfortable about things in order. It sounds like you were open to your new job and that it went well…I am happy that you seem happy!
I’m glad to hear you’re adjusting well to your new job. The first few days on a new job are usually the hardest but looks like you’re doing really well. Keep up the good work!
Given the order you keep your blog in it is no wonder you take so well to shelving!
If Hemingway can write as an Ambulance Driver, You can definitely be a blogger/shelver!
Glad you are enjoying it!
Oh! Have no fear, Mrs. M.
You already seem happy and everything from now on, should make you happier.
My first job was as a page. It was kinda icky though since I shelved the picture books. Little kids are messy.
It was kinda fun, its definitely something I could see myself doing as a part time job in retirement. Or if I’m ever a SAHF.
It’ll be EIGHT years ago in February that I started that job.
I saved 90% of my take home pay then. Spent it all on a trip to France a few months after I quit (good use for the money).
Happy paging!
Funny that you’ve been writing about this – I’ve been considering taking a part time job and library page is one that is open to me. I, too, am always wanting order – it feels good to put things just right. 🙂
@Kiran, I used my paging money to go to Europe too! Denmark, Italy, and Sweden. Definitely a good use for it. I hear you about picture books. I’d be happy never to shelve one of those again.
@Candice, paging doesn’t pay as well as some jobs (though in a number of libraries it earns more than minimum wage) but it’s certainly rewarding to people who like order.
How about owning a bookstore. Apparently it takes $100,000 to start and stock a bookstore, so it’s not entirely impossible.
I agree with the shelving thing. I worked in my school’s library and it was one of my favorite things. Working at the circulation desk had too many people who complain – and they’re not even buying anything! haha
Glad you are enjoying your job!
Too bad paging doesn’t pay well 🙁 It sounds like something I would enjoy doing part time!
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