Quick Summary
In every Minnesota community, there's a library. And in every library, you will find workers dedicated to the betterment of their neighbor's lives. That's why the most important resource in a library is not its books, but the people who work there. Soon, Haley Begordis, currently an MLIS student at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee and Resource Sharing Assistant here at Minitex, will be one of them.
What is one thing you've learned at the University of Wisconsin about libraries that surprised you?
Budgeting, budgeting, budgeting! Librarians need to be careful about how much is being spent and where it is being spent. There are also a lot of fundraising and grant applications librarians need to complete in order to develop new collections, programs, and projects. Some libraries require more funding than others, but I never really thought about that!
What made you want to become a librarian?
Libraries are a third place that everyone is allowed to be in. They provide a sense of community which is hard to find in a lot of places. Programming and events allow patrons to interact with their neighbors and connect people of all backgrounds. Libraries provide resources and information, but I think community building is really what made me want to be a librarian.
Can you share a story about how the library had a positive impact on your life, or the life of someone you know?
Honestly, just the concept of libraries has had a huge impact on my life. I always tell people about the cool things that you can do at the library - like check out video games, go to story time, or get a pass to a State Park. And for Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) residents, I love telling them that they can get free museum and concert tickets! It’s fun to see the excitement people have when they realize libraries provide more resources than they previously thought.
