Dear Faye,
I can't participate by phone but will answer your questions below. I am also willing to answer any other questions that you may have by e-mail. (A survey developed through SurveyMonkey might be useful).

I began working in a public library soon after I had my children (over 30 years ago.) I first volunteered as a story teller and then became employed as a part-time clerk in the children's room.
Later I became full-time as a clerk for the main circulation desk. I also assisted with ILL and adult outreach services.

Not seeing any chance for advancement without a college degree I decided to go to college. However I did not take library science. I pursued and received a BA in journalism.
After college I had difficulty breaking into journalism in my hometown. I was over 35 and although I had no experience only the BA, most places told me I was over qualified for their entry level positions.

I fell back on the experience I had at the public library and was able to be employed once again at the main circulation desk. (but only part-time).
When a former co-worker informed me of another part-time position (evening proctor) coming open at the nearby academic library I applied and was hired.

When a part-time position came open in circulation and I again applied and was hired. A full-time position as cataloging technician came open next.
I held that position for several years and then the woman (the former co-worker now c0-worker again, who had informed me of the evening proctor position) retired. I was asked by the director of the library to fill her p0sition.
That was almost ten years ago. So you can see I just happened upon serials but have been very happy in my position.

I stay current in several ways. Listservs help quite a bit. I also subscribe to AlCTS e-forums. I have taken webinars about new technology when appropriate. I also subscribe to several newsletters. (I.e. publishers: SAGE, Taylor & Francis, plus LYRASIS, an organization of a network of libraries) I am very active (currently co-chair of the program committee) in a consortium that our library belongs to - ACLCP - Academic College Libraries of Central PA.

Some of the challenges that I face are, of course, related to the fact that I am a paraprofessional. The professionals from other libraries do not always recognize the merit of my experience.
Here in my own library though as my skill and knowledge has grown, I have been given many duties that were previously those of my supervisor. I feel my value is recognized and respected. (Although not necessarily compensated monetarily).

The most recent triumph I have had was hosting a workshop for all support staff (not just serial paraprofessionals) of the ACLCP here on our campus. The workshop was divided in two parts. The morning session we had a speaker on time management
and in the afternoon the library director gave a presentation on our archival digital collections before we had a tour of our college archives. With the help a small committee we planned and organized the workshop. My director was very pleased.

I will be glad to respond if you have any other questions.
Best,
Wilma

Wilma L. Reeder
Serials Manager & Government Document Technician
Snowden Library - Lycoming College
700 College Place
Williamsport PA 17701
Phone: (570)321-4089
FAX: (570)321-4090
reeder@lycoming.edu

-----Original Message-----
From: SERIALST: Serials in Libraries Discussion Forum [mailto:SERIALST@list.uvm.edu] On Behalf Of Leibowitz, Faye R
Sent: Thursday, May 10, 2012 4:15 PM
To: SERIALST@LIST.UVM.EDU
Subject: [SERIALST] Paraprofessional managers of serials departments

I am the co-editor of the Balance Point column in the journal Serials Review. My next column will focus on the topic "Paraprofessional managers of serials departments."

If you are a paraprofessional manager of a serials department, would you be willing to participate in a 15-30 minute interview/conversation about this topic?  Alternatively, I can accept written contributions.

The Balance Point column is designed to provide a variety of viewpoints on the topics that are covered. I'm hoping to include contributions from individuals working in all types of libraries: academic, public, special, etc.

My column may touch on the following areas (and others!):
How did you become interested in the field of library serials operations?
What led you to pursue a career in serials management?
How do you stay current with new developments in the field?
Are there any triumphs or challenges that you have experienced as a paraprofessional manager?

Please let me know if you might be interested in sharing your thoughts and experience in my column.

Thank you very much.

Best wishes,

Faye Leibowitz
General Languages Catalog Librarian
University Library System
University of Pittsburgh
frleibo@pitt.edu

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