Catherine Damiani
University of Rhode Island GSLIS Student and Student ALA Chapter President
Barrington Public Library (RI)
Library Assistant
A little about Catherine’s job:
As library assistant, I answer reference questions in person and over the phone, act as lead library assistant for the library’s weekly Tech Help Desk program, co-lead a book sharing program and other community programs, and am responsible for contributing to the library’s social media pages.
1) What are some things you like about your job or about working in libraries in general?
I love that at the end of the day I know I made a difference in someone’s life. Whether it be requesting an item, holding a book club meeting, or working on a reference question, I know that the person who I helped left the library with more information than he or she walked in with.
2) What’s your dream library job?
My dream job is to work in either a public or academic library in Reference services full-time. I have spent more time in public libraries than I have in academic, but I have found that I enjoy what both places have to offer and would love to work in either setting.
3) What’s a project or committee you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?
As the President of Student ALA at URI, myself and the rest of the executive board are planning a technology conference which will be happening in February! Since the profession of librarianship has shifted quite quickly to a more technology-based format, we wanted an opportunity for both library school students and librarians to come together to find out what resources are out there for this ever-changing field.
3) What got you interested in libraries?
I have been working in libraries for over 8 years now and have loved all the roles that I have fulfilled. Research and finding what seems like an impossible answer drew me to the profession–I like a good treasure hunt! Educating those I serve has also drawn me to the profession. I say this because it is human nature for us to be curious and to want to find an answer to the questions we have, so I think this is the perfect job to help others in that quest!
4) What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?
The community is one of my favorite things about NMRT. I love seeing emails from the listserv come through with librarians asking what others have found has worked in a situation, the different types of learning opportunities that are available, and the overall feeling of being a part of a larger group that will influence this profession’s future.
5) Do you have any advice for other new librarians?
“Get involved” is my advice for new librarians! Professional organizations have helped me meet many great contacts in Libraryland and I have subsequently been in on some great opportunities. The biggest opportunity I had as a result of getting involved was attending ALA Annual in Las Vegas this past summer with the Student-to-Staff program. I would have never found out about this awesome opportunity if I had not been involved with my library school’s Student ALA Chapter!
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