Why I Became a Librarian

September 01, 2010

I have an unusual educational background from most librarians. Unlike many of my counterparts, who studied english or history, my bachelor’s degree is in marine biology. Of course, there are not many seas out here in the Mid-West, so why I am here in Missouri is a very long and boring story. However, studying to be a marine biologist gave me a love of research. I get such a thrill when I am looking at a problem, and with a little help from books and the computer, I find the answer. This has translated to my career as a librarian. Nothing makes me happier than helping a patron find the wiring diagram for their ’67 Chevy, an obscure newspaper article about their grandfather, or the next series they want to read. Being a librarian gives me something that marine biology could not, the satisfaction of having a patron walk away happy. My life’s path has taken many dips, turns, and curves. I have to say that being a librarian is the best road yet.

Karen W.
Lee's Summit Branch