A Third SLAIS Alumnus Working in Ottawa

As part of my ongoing mission to answer the question, "What does it take for a SLAIS alumnus to be a successful librarian in Ottawa?" I interviewed Caitlin Fralick, a recent graduate, working as an Adult Services Librarian at the Ottawa Public Library at the new South Central District Branch. Let me start off by congratulating Caitlin!

1. What courses have benefited you the most in your current position in Ottawa?

Since I'm working as a public librarian, the courses I took on services to various user groups, like young adults, children and families, are especially useful. The public library management course I took is also coming in handy. My primary responsibilities are reference and collection development, so any courses in those areas, like advanced information retrieval, are an asset. Who knew that slogging away at DIALOG might actually be worth it someday?

2. What is one thing you wish you knew about working in Ottawa before you arrived?

I wish I'd known how many opportunities there are for librarians outside of traditional positions. There are so many research-oriented jobs within government and at NGOs and other non-profits, and we can really use our skills in diverse ways here. I also wish I'd known how much politics matter; it's true--politics are a huge topic of discussion here, and everyone, from the bus driver to your neighbours knows what's going on. It pays to be on top of things, locally and federally, before you get to the city.

3. What resource(s), as a new librarian in Ottawa, do you find indispensable?

The Ontario Library Association is a great organization to belong to, especially as a newcomer to the professional community in the province. Their website and newsletter are a great way to stay on top of things. It's also nice to be so close to the CLA headquarters, especially this year, when our president is the chief librarian at Ottawa Public Library. So far it seems like just being in Ottawa keeps you connected--you can't shake a stick without hitting a librarian around here (in a good way, I swear).

4. What should SLAIS students consider doing to find a position in Ottawa?

Join OLA! Or at least lurk on their job site. It seems like there are always tons of postings for positions within government, at universities, and in the public library system. The Faculty of Information Studies at the University of Toronto also has an excellent job site, which is worth checking out for positions in Ottawa and across Canada. And take a French course, or brush up on the French you already know--even in areas that aren't primarily bilingual, bilingualism is still usually a requirement of work here. Reading Chatelaine in French really paid off for me! Buy a good winter coat (or at this time of year, an air-conditioner). And try to be here by Canada Day--it's the only time that librarians can party as hard as college students, put on maple leaf temporary tattoos, and get away with it.

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If you know a SLAIS Alumnus working in Ottawa, then I want to interview him or her! Ask them to visit my blog.

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Photograph: Lansdowne Park. Photograph is provided by the City of Ottawa Photo Gallery.