An LA librarian answers some FAQs
In conversation with Ziba Pérez, (she/her/ella) of Los Angeles Public Library
1. How have libraries adjusted to the new normal and what can we expect?
Libraries have adjusted to the new normal by offering virtual programming and joining the digital world with live streams on Facebook and YouTube which gives us a worldwide audience. So in a sense, the public libraries of Los Angeles have become more interactive internationally!
2. What is the highlight of your day?
The highlight of my day is putting a library item in the hands of someone asking for it. When they have the information for what they want and I can find it for them fast they are pleasantly surprised and are happy "customers" who leave the library with library materials, free!
3. Biggest challenge you face as a librarian?
My biggest challenge as a Young Adult Librarian is getting the teens into the library or showing them library resources they don't know exist. Getting services in the library to teens from the local high schools and middle schools or digitally online in our virtual library, they can access from home!
4. Can you tell us about your reading routine?
My reading routine is morning, noon, and night via the Libby app from my phone! I am always listening to something. The last audiobook I finished was about the band Nirvana. I love music and it's always fun learning new things about the music I grew up on (I'm a 1980's baby.)
5. Would love to know some of your librarian pet peeves!
My librarian pet peeves are when people think they have to purchase an audiobook or ebook or pay for a subscription from a major corporation for access when they should be aware that it's free with your library card!!
6. What can visitors do to make your job easier/convenient?
Visitors can use our online catalog via our website to search for what we have and where to locate it. Many people use their phone for everything but then they come into the library and seem lost when the answer is easily accessible on their phone via our website. They can place holds on items and have them delivered to their nearest branch, research topics in our databases for homework and receive tutoring for free online with their library card.
7. Which aspect of being a librarian is least spoken of?
One aspect of being a librarian that is least spoken of in my opinion is the technology involved. In ancient libraries, you think of print material only but in modern libraries, you must also know the digital aspects of every collection. We have many electronic resources and it is now a part of our job to educate the public that didn't grow up with the internet on how to set up an email account or create passwords.
8. How can I apply to be a librarian?
You can apply to be a librarian by obtaining a graduate degree in the field then looking for job openings all over the world and applying! It helps if you have working experience in a library as well so start with volunteering in a library and then apply for clerk or assistant positions to work in until you graduate with your Master’s degree which is generally the minimum requirement for applying. I received my graduate degree from the University of Illinois in Urbana Champaign in 2012 (Master of Science in Library Information Science.)