Name: Daniel Giddens

Position: Information Services Officer

Qualification: Bachelor of Arts, (English major) Graduate Diploma in Information Management (RMIT University)

Organisation: RMIT University Library

Previous positions: New graduate, volunteered at the Mill Park Branch of the Yarra Plenty Regional Library Service, and the AFI Research Collection.

What’s great about your job?

I’m new! I’ve only been in my first job since graduating for 2 ½ months. RMIT’s Bundoora campus Library is a great place to work. I’m learning a lot and looking at ways I can make a valuable contribution. I was attracted to the role for many reasons. First, because I wanted to start my career in academic libraries. They are a hive of activity and it’s nice to know that I am helping people towards careers/advancement in my own small way. Which sort of leads into my next reason, in general, I chose the profession, because I wanted to help people find the information they need, serve a community (and broaden my own knowledge along the way). But there are also aspects of teaching; teaching information skills classes, information technology; I will have to become more familiar with how it and other techniques can be used to enhance/improve the library and the service provided, and marketing; using my creative flair on displays and other promotions, that I will enjoy too. There is a whole variety of things the profession in general can offer you. Whatever limits you may have set on the profession, don’t!

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

The people I work with are fun! While we all have a job to do, a laugh or two is never too far away!  There is a whole range of people who work in libraries with different personalities, strengths, skills and abilities. The aspect of my job I am finding the most fun at the moment is creating displays in the library to promote events.

Describe a typical day at work.

As I am part time, my days are pretty full; checking e-mail, continuing with any task I have been given (at the moment I am looking at new ways we can promote things in the library and am about to work with a group on revising the library’s self-guided tour) or asking the other information services staff if they need any help, working on the reference desk for one or two shifts and perhaps a meeting might be in there somewhere. My work life isn’t boring and that’s the way I’d like it to stay.

What do you find rewarding and challenging about you job?

Helping others find the information they need, or getting them started in the right direction. Some people are clear on what they want, others aren’t, some will want something very specific…

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

Good time management skills. Good customer service skills; a positive attitude, an interest to help people find what they need, the ability to make people feel comfortable to tell you what they need, a love of challenges, a desire to find out, a knowledge of the systems and techniques to help others find information, and the commitment to keep learning so you can continue to get better at it.

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