Email: morgan.brickeyjones@uta.edu
Institution/Location of Institution: University of Texas at Arlington
Job Title: K-12 Librarian
Brief Job Description:
Reach out to and engage with groups from elementary, middle and high schools in the area to share University resources and inspire K-12 students to view the University Library environment as a place focused on experiential and project-based learning.
What are some things you like about your job or about working in libraries in general?
I love working with kids of all ages and this job pairs that with STEAM-focused technology and field trips. Visiting a college campus is a magical experience, the atmosphere can be electric and fun. Being a part of a college visit- for some their first college visit- is so exciting to me.
What’s a project or committee you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?
I am working on the UTA Library’s first summer camp! We are making decisions about our curriculum, learning objectives and themes. It’s so exciting to make a program that is not only going to be fun, but also affordable for working families, and full of quality experiential learning for kids in my community.
What got you interested in libraries?
I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in going to the library! The first time I drove my car by myself I went to the library. Like all of us, I’ve always loved to read. I didn’t realize that it was a career in public service that not only encourages reading but also helping people discover what they need. I went to undergrad at a school that had a library program, and the rest is history!
What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?
I love how NMRT is open to my colleagues in ALA at different places in our library journey.
Do you have any advice for other new librarians?
Seek out what you love to do in the library- programming, selection, cataloging, computer help, etc. Once you figure out what you love to do on a daily basis, then you can find a job in your library (or another) that focuses on doing that thing. The first step is definitely the hardest, but if you stick with it you will be rewarded on a daily basis!