LI 835

Librarian Responsibilities & Favorite Librarians

Martin, Paula
In my written reflection of LI 855 Collection Development/Management class I
wrote the following.
There are so many considerations to think about when building a
collection. Chief among the strategy of managing and maintaining is to know the
community being served. Using circulations statistics, library surveys, check-out
statistics, find the most used areas. Use the budget that is granted wisely. Plan,
evaluate, re-evaluate, and use vendors that offer discounts and will be
cooperative. Being a part of a consortium is such a good resource for sharing
materials and being able to offer more to users.
According to the number five of the Five Laws of Library Science,
written in 1931 by R.S. Ranganthan, the library is a living organism. This really
hit home for me this past semester. While library collections, staffing, budgets,
and the way we learn may change, it can all still work, because we can change
and grow with our ever growing society.
Richard Rubin said it best, What makes library and library information
science attractive as a profession is not merely satisfying information needs, but
caring about people, solving human problems, and improving lives (Rubin,
p.119). (martin, 2014, LI855 Reflection).
I really think and believe these paragraphs sum it all up for me in regards to being an
excellent librarian.

One of my favorite librarians is Heather Estrada, Librarian at Blue Mt.

Community College in Pendleton Oregon, whom I had the privilege of interviewing.
Heather is a SLIM OR 6 graduate. Heather exhibits such e strength and gives respect and
kindness towards all she comes in contact with. She has brought my life a sense of
purpose, and her belief in me has propelled me on. Not only has she been an excellent
interim library director, but also a math instructor and friend to me. I could not have
made it on this journey without her encouragement. In her work environment, I believe
she is the glue that holds the staff together. She maintains a calming presence and listens
and encourages the staff. She has a good reputation with the administration and faculty
also. In my interview with her, she maintained that while technology and library skills are
necessary, treating people with kindness is a much needed quality. I will be forever
grateful to Heather for recommending me to the SLIM program and for her great
encouragement along the way. Heather demonstrates the attributes of good customer
service by caring and providing resources for the community college library she serves.
Another favorite librarian of mine is Mary Finney, Director of the Pendleton
Public Library (PPL) in Pendleton, Oregon. Mary is also a SLIM graduate. Mary was the
Assistant Director when I was hired at the library in 2003. She quickly became a mentor
to me, and was very patient and willing to help when I needed anything. I appreciate her
steadfast spirit, and her willingness to take on new challenges as the library world has and
is changing to meet the demands and needs of the public. She has hired a Youth Librarian
who is really working hard at making the YA area as special as the childrens area is.
Mary has always been encouraging to me and I owe her a debt of gratitude for the

confidence she has instilled in me. Mary demonstrates great care for the community and
is open to fresh and new ideas for the public library she serves.
My last favorite librarian is Jennifer Costley, Youth Librarian at Pendleton Public
Library, Pendleton Oregon. Jennifer is also a SLIM OR 11 graduate and was hired at PPL
in 2012. Jennifer quickly added her style to the space for children and teens at PPL. She
has surveys to inquire opinions and really listens to the patrons towards building a
relevant collection. She created a teen web page which has huge amounts of resources
that are attractively displayed for the YA. The YA space is a work in progress as funding
is always an issue, but Jennifer is up to the challenge with helping to write grants,
obtaining help from the Friends of the Library, and thinking up creative ideas for donors.
Consequently, the YA space is continually being added to and updated. I really admire
Jennifers fun spirit, and it is very apparent in the participation of the YA and children
that she is already beloved. One of the ideas she came up with to raise money is the
Library Ball. She finds donors from around the area to donate prizes, and sells raffle
tickets in addition to the ball tickets. Jennifer demonstrates an innovative spirit that serves
the community well.

References:
Ranganathan, S. R. (1963). The five laws of library science. Bombay, New York: Asia
Pub. House.
Rubin, R. (2010). Foundations of library and information science. (3rd ed.). New York,
NY: Neal-Schuman Publishers, Inc.