For the love of books
In order to become a successful librarian, you have to love books and reading.
You also have to be patient and love explaining things to others.
This is according to senior librarian at the Springs Public Library, Tebogo Kekana.
To study to be a librarian, one can either study a three-year degree or a diploma through a tertiary education institution.
Part of being a librarian is the technical part of running the library, such as administrative work and management.
Also, dealing with the public is also an important part of the career, as is knowing the content of the library depending on which section you are placed in.
In Tebogo’s opinion, the busiest times of the day at the library are in the morning when the senior citizens return and exchange books and in the afternoon when the schoolchildren do research in the library.
According to her, the best part about being a librarian is when someone comes in like a blank page and you can see that you have given them the information they needed once they leave.
The worst part, in Tebogo’s opinion, is having a troublesome and rowdy user in the library who thinks they know everything.
Tebogo started working as a regional librarian in Klerksdorp in 1997, and in 2002 she worked as a senior librarian for satellite services in Johannesburg.
She started work at the Springs Public Library in 2008.
Tebogo says that anyone who loves books and working with people and has an inquiring mind, could decide to pursue a career as a librarian.
“Also, anyone who wants to share their knowledge with others,” she says.
Tebogo also encourages people interested in following this career path to study further after high school.
