‘A Day in the Life’ is a new Perspectives feature by BCLA’s Public Libraries Interest Group. The aim is to highlight interesting folks from around the province who are doing amazing things in public libraries. If you, or someone you know, would make a good profile, please email Heidi Schiller at [email protected].
Name: Joanne Bartlett
Job Title: Resource Corner Coordinator, Chetwynd Public Library (Chetwynd, BC)
Length of time in position: One year
Describe your job in three sentences or less:
The Resource Corner provides a variety of services including customer service to library patrons, proactive communication through social media channels as well as the library website, free social media advertising for non-profit community groups and community resources and referral services. I manage the community calendar, plan and implement certain library events, frequently update local user groups’ contact information, and provide current law materials for the public. Aside from the many online services I provide, I am available to help community members fill out forms, search for specific information, and otherwise assist in any way I can, including through outreach services.
What do you do on a typical day?
On a typical day I provide services to library patrons, update the community calendar and social media feeds, circulate upcoming events and information to many service providers in town and offer assistance to the public. I also spend time updating the community user group database, searching for new and updated information that might be useful to add to my resources and assisting with any other tasks that pop up.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
I love being able to connect with and help people whether it be through an exchange at the circulation desk or by sitting down with them to help them access and understand information they are searching for. My job shifts periodically depending on what the community needs and I really enjoy the constant change and flow of information and being able to provide that information quickly and efficiently.
If you could change one thing about your job, what would it be?
My job is so unique that I do not spend much time on daily library tasks, so if I could change one thing it would be to add more time to my week to get to know the library a bit more in depth.
What is one thing people would be surprised to know about your job?
I think most people would be surprised at the vast amount of information that I have access to and can provide. The Resource Corner really is a hub of information for the community.
If you weren’t in the library profession, what would your fantasy job be?
My fantasy job would be to own a shop that would be a combination studio, café, bookstore, and gift store where I could spend my time creating and buying and selling all things unique.
Project Coordinator, BCLA