This is the third and final post in which I am reflecting and reminiscing on my former position as Reference Librarian at the Lawrence Public Library. I’ll also include a little bit about my first day as Director of the Oskaloosa Public Library in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

By the time I left the Lawrence Library, I really felt I had done almost everything. Managing the Book Club in a Bag service, scheduling and teaching computer classes, keeping track of reference desk statistics, providing technical support for eReaders and audiobooks, creating reader’s advisory handouts, working on displays, serving on the staff development committee, processing interlibrary loan materials…I’m grateful that my supervisor allowed me so many avenues in which to explore my creativity as a librarian and information professional.

Reflecting on my time at LPL and in Lawrence, I really feel like I couldn’t have had a better start to my career in librarianship. I had a wonderful, supportive and encouraging supervisor, Lynn, and many great coworkers who were fun to work with and easy to get along with. Lawrence, too, was a great place to be as a young adult getting started – progressive, culturally vibrant, and full of interesting, friendly people. As evident in the approval of the upcoming expansion and renovation project, the library serves a community that recognizes the value of its services – which makes working there much more fulfilling. That renovation is one thing that I’m kind of sad I’ll miss out on – but I know I can always come back to visit and check it out.

I don’t know how often those visit will be, though – today was my first day as a director! Bright and early at 8 a.m., I met the city manager, who’s been acting as interim director, and he introduced me to some of the staff and gave me a tour of the building. One of my favorite parts: my office. My office. Going from a work space shared with about 8 others to a full size office of my own is a definite upgrade – and I’m pretty sure it made a few of my Facebook friends a little jealous. The rest of the day was spent filling out HR paperwork, setting up my email account, meeting staff and volunteers, observing, and reading over board packets, budget reports, and annual reports. Oh, and I also had the local news station come in and take a few clips of me working…or wandering around the library and straightening a few books, that is.

So what will I be doing tomorrow? Who knows?! Well…I do have a few meetings planned and I’ll be receiving training on the circulation desk. I’ll keep you updated on my adventures!