Are you working at a library or information science-related job? If so, what do you do at your job on an average day? Yes. Currently, I work at the UIC Daley Library as a graduate assistant for the reference department, as well as a building manager/aide for the circulation department. Therefore, my "average day" shifts depending on where I'm stationed.
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As a graduate assistant for reference, the majority of my time is spent working with the staff librarians at the reference desk, assisting patrons (mainly students and faculty) with a variety of research questions. Some of my other daily responsibilities at the reference desk include controlling the booking of seminar rooms in the IDEA Commons (which is where the reference desk is); providing guest wireless access for visiting scholars/students; and helping patrons with minor tech issues (i.e. scanners/copiers, etc).
While working at the circulation desk, I spend a good deal of time at the front desk charging materials out to patrons and discharging items that have been returned. And since materials from other universities can be returned at our library, I also route materials back to their home libraries. The circulation desk is also the pick-up desk for the majority of items placed on hold, so time is spent retrieving those items from the stacks and organizing them on our shelves. I also complete various minor tasks when time is available such as tattle-taping, erasing, filing, etc. Additionally, as building manger, I walk the floors at designated times during my shift to report on any maintenance or safety issues. It's also my responsibility (along with security) to clear out the building during closing procedures and organize certain paperwork.
What is/was your favorite LIS class and why? I'm really enjoying my Reference class so far; I feel like what I'm learning can be immediately applied to my service techniques as a graduate assistant.
What is your favorite aspect of library and information science and why? I definitely have an affinity for the creative problem-solving and public service involved specifically in reference work. I tend to be very curious and I enjoy searching for answers and learning something new everyday.