for my community connection I connected with Dana Ionson a librarian at Terry Fox Library
why are you passionate about your job ?
Because libraries! Libraries are amazing. They are the hub of the community. We have something for everyone! Regardless of age, gender, ability, income, you can join the library, use our resources and come to programs. Library programs connect people to each other and to their community. Library programs enrich the lives of community members.
what obstacles have you faced to get you where you are today?
I think the hardest thing for me was finding libraries! I didn’t grow up using libraries and didn’t really think about public libraries as an option for me. I finished my undergraduate degree in anthropology knowing that I liked research. I went into the MLIS program (Master in Library Science) thinking that I would work for an organization and do research. After the first term in the MLIS program I was on a summer break and a student position came up at the Squamish Public Library (where I’m from). I got the summer job and fell in love with libraries. I was very lucky – when I graduated with my MLIS there was a full job at the Maple Ridge Library that I started right away! This is not typically the experience of new graduates. Most new librarians need to work on call for some time before getting a permanent position.
what advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing?
Try to get some experience/insight into the library world. Join the Teen Advisory Group ( for youth) or Friends of the Library (for adults) and get involved. Come to library programs and get a better understanding of what libraries do. Visit the library often and borrow our resources! Once you are sure that you are interested in a career in the library investigate what education you need for the type of job you want. For a list of jobs and the education they require check here: https://www.fvrl.bc.ca/careers.php
would you be open to further contact from riverside students and if so, how can someone contact you?
For sure! They can email me dionson@fvrl.bc.ca
what are the education requirement for your position?
The librarian position requires a Masters. I have a Bachelor’s degree from UVIC in anthropology and a Masters in Library Science from UBC.
what are your favorite and least favorite parts of your job?
Favourite: helping customers find information or other materials that they would like. I especially love helping kids finding books that they are excited about. I love leading programs that bring people together or connect people to the library. I have so much fun leading storytimes for young kids, going out to schools to visit older kids and leading the monthly ukulele jam! (one of my favourite programs).
Least Favourite: balancing all of my duties. When I’m helping customers on the floor I often have a list of other things that I need to do, like; organize upcoming programs, communicate with other staff in FVRL on projects that we’re working on, and make sure I’m on top of my emails! There’s just not enough time.
I chose to interview ms.Ionson because I love going to the library and I am interested in working in a library someday.
I learned a lot form this interview for example I learned about the education requirements for this field and I learned more about what librarians do. I always thought being a librarian meant checking out books, shelving books and recommending books to people I didn’t think about the fact that librarians also have to organize programs at the library and order in new books.
https://www.pexels.com/photo/background-book-stack-books-close-up-1148399/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/row-of-books-in-shelf-256541/
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-laying-on-bed-while-reading-book-1524233/