Great Things Come to Those Who Are Dedicated

I know I’ve been terrible about writing. Life gets busy sometimes. I’ve been doing a lot of reading and running, cooking and trying to clean. But today’s news is huge and I’m bursting at the seams with excitement. I didn't tell hardly any people that I was applying for the position just in case I didn't get it, but I did!

I just became Provo City Library’s newest reference librarian!!!

The position opened up because one of the librarians had a baby. As soon as I heard about it I put my application in. Of the 60 applicants I got the job! *bounce bounce* I start tomorrow. I’m so excited, and a tad nervous. New things are always a little nerve wracking. It’s new! I don’t completely know what I’m doing. On the upside, I know the staff. I know our patrons. I know how to use the systems we have. I know about our library. I know about eBooks. I know I have lots of resources to help me do my job.

I’ve wanted to learn about what reference does. What they can and can’t do. Reference is the big unexplored area for me that I want to know more about. True, I know a bit. I’m pretty sure that’s why I was hired. I know circulation, I sort of know tech services because Ezra works in that department, but I don’t yet know reference as well as I’d like. That’s about to change! I love being well rounded. I soak up knowledge like a sponge.

You know, when I quit Brick Oven because I was promoted to a clerk at the library, my BO coworkers thought I was crazy. “I wouldn’t give up this job, no way,” they said. Pay was the big factor. I took a huge hit financially by leaving Brick Oven, but I was so much happier. Finally, a year later, I can say that it was all worth it, totally and completely. When Ezra would ask me what I missed about Brick Oven, the only answer was “the pay.” Because of tips I made out pretty well. But now, not even that will hang over me. Finally, I have a job that I feel was worth my four years of college, my BA degree, and will pay me what I’m worth. I don’t think that would have happened if I’d stayed a page and worked two jobs. Sometimes you have to take a chance. You have to follow the spirit, work hard, give 100% and always go the extra mile above and beyond what is expected of you. I was learning about reference and asking questions that helped me get his job months before the position opened up, before I even knew there would be a position. I think that is the kind of dedication to your job that gives you the reward you deserve.

In a year and a half I went from a simple volunteer to a true reference librarian. Great things take time, but dedication is what gets you through.