Name: Beck Kennett

Position: Inter-Library Loans Officer

Qualification: Diploma in Library and Information Services, Adelaide TAFE

Organisation: Walkerville Public Library

Previous positions: Casual positions at Burnside Public Library, Port Adelaide Enfield Public Library Service, Norwood, Payneham, St. Peters Library Service; voluntary position at Woodside Public Library

What’s great about your job?

The people I work with and the customers I serve – I’m always meeting someone new! Getting to use research skills and finding information and books for people.

What’s the most fun experience you’ve had at work?

We had a Harry Potter party the day before the launch of the last novel. We got to dress up as witches and wizards! We had about 40 children in the library all dressed up as characters. There was a craft for them to do, our CEO read some of the sixth book, we had a quiz for them and provided food and drinks.

Describe a typical day at work.

Usually half the day is either on desk or acting as back-up to the person on desk. As we’re a network of seven libraries, we get a twice-daily delivery of items that have been reserved for our customers or our books returned to other libraries.

As I’m the Inter-Library Loans officer, I empty the courier boxes from other libraries in the state and process those items. Everyone in our library helps out with the children’s activities, so about once a month I do a Toddler Read and Rhyme session for 2-3 year olds, which involves a few nursery rhymes, reading a story and a very simple craft. Once a month I do a storytime session, reading a couple of books and doing a related craft suitable for 4-5 year olds. I also put new and donated books on the system.

What do you find rewarding and challenging about you job?

I love how much fun the kids have in the library with what we offer them, it’s great to see the next generation enjoying the library. I also enjoy the challenge of finding obscure books and/or information for people.

What are the personal skills & attributes that you need to do this job?

A bright personality, good customer service skills, patience, good computer skills, knowledge of books, helps to be widely read (customers always ask for recommendations), good general knowledge.

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