Interview with Marie Harms - Library Consultant from the State Library of Iowa

Post date: May 23, 2013 4:04:47 PM

Marie Harms– Library Consultant

· How did you get into the library field/what made you want to become a librarian?

o Got into library world by answering job ad for part time library staff person. BA in English, moved up into library consultant in regional library position in Mason City – paid tuition to get library degree at the U of Iowa over 4 summers – 8 week leave.

· Where did you earn your Masters degree?

o University of Iowa

· What was your specialization/concentration and why?

o Specialized in Public libraries

· What is your favorite job or task at this particular library?

o Training – on technology. Cataloging, ILL, and website

· What opportunities do you have for advancement in your position?

o Would like to have a more managerial role, which would be more of a different job. Assist state librarian, etc. or be public library director – but career path is more in “state” library realm.

· Have you ever dealt with censorship challenges at your library? If so, what were the outcomes or what procedures do you have in place to deal with it?

o Worked at a public library for a few years but have not dealt with a challenge directly. As a consultant has advised on how to proceed. Mainly about having a good policy in place. Fill out official complaint form, etc. Have worked with libraries who have something with the Freedom to Read policy. Not all have a process for a challenge. Class – PLM class talks about censorship and talking about policy. Process, talk to librarian, don’t pull because of complaints, cannot be pulled unless board rules that it needs to be pulled.

· What sort of child-specific programming does your library have?

o N/A

· Do you offer classes or programs for the public on new technologies such as e-readers or skill advancement such as resume writing?

o Teaches librarians all over the state how to create websites, what makes good content, and how to keep the websites updated.

· Are there teen-specific programs to encourage their coming into the library more often?

o N/A

· What is the mission statement of your library? Do you have specific goals or focuses?

o Has mission statement on website, something about life-long learning and training librarians, serving them, helping them to be the best that they can be.

· How well would you say that your library tries to stick to the rules and principles of the ALA and of the ALA Bill of Rights?

o Definitely need to educate other libraries on is, why, and how it is the best practice. Have a small quasi-public library mostly based on government. Take it very seriously.

Conclusion:

Talking to Marie was truly a joy. She was very helpful and informative, giving me all sorts of information for my Practical Librarianship Project (I’ll attach that information below as well) and also offering advice for my future career as a librarian. She will be a great person to stay in contact with in the future and she has offered to answer any questions I may come up with while in graduate school. She is really looking forward to having more librarians enter the field and complete their Master’s Degrees. I will certainly be staying in touch with her in the future.