Ta-Shire Tribbett graduated from NCCU SLIS in December 2012 with an MLS, and works for the Thurgood Marshall Law Library at University of Maryland’s Baltimore Campus. Here’s her story!
What is your current position, and what are your duties?
My current position is Government Documents Coordinator/Night & Weekend Supervisor at the Thurgood Marshall Law Library at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus. I am responsible for daily management of the depository collection of Government Documents here as well as hiring, training, and supervising the night and part-time staff. I also coordinate general planning and schedules for all intra- and interdepartmental training for new staff in one or more department as well as handle some social media and outreach for the library.
How did studying at NCCU SLIS help you prepare for your current work?
I had over 5 years of working in academic and public libraries before completing my MLS at Central, but my education gave me the background and the philosophy of why we do what we do.
What are your career goals?
I would love to be a subject librarian for African American studies or the Head of Research and Instructional Services at a four-year institution.
What advice would you give to students going through library school right now?
If possible, I would advise them to volunteer , or seek a part-time library job. School just teaches you theory, but skills make you marketable.
What advice would you give library students about job hunting in the library field?
Be open! As I discussed earlier, I have career goals, but I’ve been open about my job opportunities. I have no legal background whatsoever , but my skillset made me the ideal candidate for my current position, and in exchange I’m adding things to my resume that I’d never dreamed!
What advice would you give to people considering applying to library school?
Do it because you love it, because it’s something you’re passionate about. I love what I do and I can’t believe I get paid for it. Make sure you are practical about what you’ll get out of the experience and plan on getting into the field soon so you can be ready for a job when it becomes available.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
The Fourth Bear : A Nursery Crime by Jasper Fforde, Boston Noir (An Akashic Noir Series), and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Buying and Selling a Home by Shelley O’Hara.