
Joe Stoner
Library Manager
Alameda County Library
Newark, CA USA
“Today, libraries are all about enabling and inspiring people to achieve their goals.”
Alameda County Library
Newark, CA USA
“Today, libraries are all about enabling and inspiring people to achieve their goals.”
Library Manager
I manage a public library with about 20 staff.
Being a public librarian is usually a combination of providing programs, community outreach, and assisting library visitors. I tell people my work is a bit like teaching and social work, without the paperwork. Some of my fondest memories are playing trombone during school visits or racing cardboard sleds during a summer camp. Many times I think visitors of all ages just need encouragement. Several people told me of a loved one who just died. I'm honored to hear everyone's story.
Here's the first step for everyone
#1. Talk with library staff about how they got hired. Each library system has unique hiring processes. #2. Volunteer, especially with library programs. #3. You can study anything in college—anything—and become a librarian. If you aspire to management, business or accounting could help, but I know Music, Art, Dance, and Theater majors who have had impressive library careers. #4. Get a master's degree accredited by the American Library Association. Many places require this to be a librarian.
"But librarians don't make money. It's boring. Does anyone even use the library anymore?"