Who you are: Amy Pelman
What you do: Audiovisual and Young Adult Outreach Librarian
Where you do it: Burlingame Public Library
RTT: Describe a project or activity that you have worked on that was outside your comfort zone. Why was it uncomfortable? How did you adapt? Were you glad you took on the project or activity? Would you do it again? Amy: The thing that comes to mind isn’t one project or a one-time activity per se. It takes form in ongoing projects and activities. And while it may not be something that people think of when they think of librarians, it is now, maybe more than ever, intrinsic to reference service. I am talking about instruction.
Teaching has traditionally fallen well outside of my comfort zone, particularly the traditional image of the teacher in front of the classroom, expanding the horizons of his or her students while drawing from a deep knowledge base. Never did I think of teaching as something as immediate and on-the-spot as what can take place in a reference transaction, or as a one-shot presentation given to a group of colleagues, students, or members of my community.
Here I am though, a librarian, and I am faced with instruction on a daily basis, and in many different manifestations. I have patrons that do not know about the address bar in a web browser, or what a “Hold” is in the library catalog. Teenagers that have zero sense of what the library does, or represents besides books. I am in the midst of creating a presentation for all staff about “taking a closer look at online subscription databases;” the aim is to bring about a greater awareness and understanding of these resources to staff at every level so that they may be motivated to use and promote these valuable tools.
How do I adapt? I just do it. I do it everyday, and I study professional literature, and I observe, and I practice, practice, practice. It’s too important not to do these things. And even though I didn’t really anticipate it, I am so proud that it is a key part of my profession. So yes, I’m glad I took it on.
RTT: If you were going to design a new house, what are the key elements that you would consider? Why?Amy: As I see it, the key elements involve form and function, design aesthetic, materials and craftsmanship. All of these things will inform the feel and functionality of the house. The elements will come together so that the house can be a personal space, a shelter, the ultimate place to let down, to gather loved-ones, and to exist in comfortably. Design aesthetic will mean rooms filled with light, rooms that are cozy but not cramped. Attention to form and function will ensure a harmonious floor plan comprised of elements that work well together. Durable materials and skilled craftsmanship will not only add beauty, but promote sustainability. When possible, salvaged materials of quality can reduce waste and conserve resources. The proper assembly of materials assures that they last as long as possible. Good craftsmanship infuses a house with a sense of strength and gracefulness.
RTT: What concerns about the future of libraries keep you up at night? Why?Amy: I worry that not enough people value libraries. I worry that public services are purposely de-valued in favor of commercial interests. I am concerned that not enough people view public libraries as a vital institution. I fear that it’s our fault for not conveying well enough how important we are, how hard we work, how passionately we defend a person’s right to free intellectual pursuits.
All these worries stem from the first-hand knowledge of how libraries and librarians are perceived. Also, how I viewed them while growing up. People are most often in favor of the idea of a library, but are consistently surprised by the depth and dimension of the institution. I told my teenage neighbor about the “Wii Will Rock You” event at our library, and he laughed, disbelieving. I tell school teachers about “Live Homework Help,” the free online tutoring service we offer, and they are surprised. Lots of people ask me, “What does one study in library school, books?” I encounter puzzlement that one even needs a degree to be a librarian. The average lay person can’t come up with a good reason that we really
need libraries. Sure, they’re nice, but we don’t
need them, not with bookstores and the internet.
The perception of libraries and their value keeps me up at night, not only because I passionately believe in public service and intellectual freedom, but also because my career is young and it is extremely hard for me to picture what the profession will look like in 30 years. I want to help shape and revolutionize that perception.
RTT: What is the one 21st Century tool that you cannot live without? Why?Amy: The Internet, hands down, no question. As one wise person said to me: "Life without the Internet would be, essentially, abysmal." In addition, no other tool is used as much or is impacting life on so many levels. I personally cannot live without it because of the powerful and instant connectivity it brings me - to information, entertainment and to people. Not to mention the fact that I love it so much that I practically got a Masters degree in Internet Searching and Savvy. :)
