Seven Weeks.

Here I sit.

Seven weeks until my graduation from the School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alabama.

Seven weeks until I enter the world of professional librarianship. That summer day in 2008 feels very far away. During my time as library school student I have experienced many different things both professionally and personally but since this is a professional blog, I will focus only on the professional advancements that I have made:

Spring 2009
* Graduate Assistant
* Research Study/Co-wrote an article/Presented a poster session
* Attended Alabama Library Association
* Volunteered at Shades Mountain Christian School Library

Summer 2009
* Southern History Library Assistant at Birmingham Public Library

Fall 2009
* Internship at Samford University's Archives
* Southern History Library Assistant at Birmingham Public Library
* Article accepted for publication

Spring 2010
* Internship at Samford University's Library
* Southern History Library Assistant at Birmingham Public Library
* Joined Society of American Archivist
* Applied and interviewed for the position of Archivist-Librarian at the Birmingham Public Library Archives
* WAS OFFERED AND ACCEPTED THE POSITION OF ARCHIVIST-LIBRARIAN AT THE BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

That is correct, readers, with seven weeks to go until graduation, I am already employed as a professional librarian. Not only will I be utilizing my MLIS, I will also be working with archives which is something I have always wanted to do. Additionally, I will work at one of the most prestigious archives in the South (okay, maybe just Alabama but still) with a very well-known archivist, Jim Baggett.

Though this is only a part-time job, I am not picky and willing to start small. The pay is excellent, I can easily purchase an individual insurance plan and I can take another part-time job to make ends meet.

My experience in library school has taught me a lot but not in the typical fashion. In a way, I created my own education journey. By supplementing my classes with internships, volunteer work and a part-time library assistant job, I participated in the "real world" of librarianship.

At Samford University, I talked to almost every employee in the library. Veteran librarians gave me advice about how to create an outstanding CV/cover letter/etc. They also offered me insight into the daily duties and responsibilites of academic librarians. Staff gave me their advice, opinion and insight about the profession from a paraprofessional perspective.

The connections and mentors that I gained from interning and working has given me an edge. Of course, I will still be diligent in networking and maintaining these connections.

Right now, I am thrilled with my position and eagerly await starting my new job on April 12. I hope to update more on this blog and I do apologize for my lack of communication. It has been an intensely crazy year.