So last May I graduated with my B.A. I decided that nothing would make me happier than to go into Library Sciences. I decided that eventually I would get my MLS, but that I wanted a little bit of work experience first. I've been applying to jobs like crazy and have had two interviews. They've both been good learning experiences, but I did not get the job. Then a job posting came along for, basically, my dream job. I want this job not because it is a job but because I want to DO it. I wrote my very best cover letter, and perfected my resume. I got an interview. I was ecstatic.

I have a few questions, though....

I have been looking over the 101 interview questions, formulating general answers that could be applied to multiple questions - getting to know my skill sets and weaknesses and the best ways to describe them. I've been learning about interview dos and don'ts. I've created a career portfolio to showcase my skills, honors and education. Yet still I want to know more and be the most prepared I can be.

Here is the job description in short:

Children's room.
Prepares/carries out programs like storytime/crafts/booktalks/class visits.
Assists w/ use of electronic resources.
Helps select materials/gather statistics/organize bulletin boards & other displays
Conducts tours of Children's room
Answers telephone calls/e-mails
Shelves materials/clerical tasks as needed
Works with other staff to ensure young customers are respectful of each other and exhibit library appropriate behavior

Now.... If you were interviewing me.. What would you want to know about me??? What would you ask me?

Some questions I've already come up with are:

How would you handle a disruptive child during story time?
and
What is your collections development philosophy?

But what else? What else is key to the children's room that I might not be thinking of?


Also, on another note... When I scheduled my interview the children's room librarian/my interviewer said that I would be meeting the library director...what does this mean? Am I reading too much into that? I've just never experienced that before at my other interviews, so I am curious that she would have mentioned it.

Thanks in advance for your help! :)

It is common in libraries to meet the director, dean, or other high level administrator, because they usually need to sign off on any hiring.

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

I would want to know about your knowledge of children's internet sites, and about your knowledge regarding sites children want to use--whether they should be or not is a different question. I would also want to know how you handle groups of children, because when seven or more come into the library after school this can be a major task.

I would also want to know about your knowledge regarding child development as it applies to reader's advisory and book talks. Have you done these in classrooms? What experience do you have working with teachers to promote the use of the public library?

These are skills my staff use regularly, so I know that these issues are important. Hope this helps, and good luck!

Today is the day!! Thanks for all your help :)