Ida Mae Craddock, Librarian, Albemarle Lab Schools
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
The most challenging aspect of the job is meeting the needs of such a diverse group of curious students. Finding the time, resources, and equipment necessary is not always easy, but is an amazing and wonderful professional challenge.
What’s the most common misconception about your job?
That we shush people. As librarians, there is a common misconception that noise is never permitted in the library. However, our spaces allow for quite a diverse level of noise. Some areas are quiet – others can be quite active. So shushing people is neither practical nor in line with our philosophy of creative common space.
What outside experience prepared you best for your position?
A research background (I know! You thought I was going to say technology, right?). According to Moore’s law, everything we know now about technology will be out of date every 18 months or so. While based on the size of superconductors, this law broadly applies to technology and technological knowledge. So, having a strong technology background would only hold me for two years… maybe. However, being able to find the answers I need from reliable sources quickly and efficiently is a skill that is absolutely invaluable. It’s also a skill that will take our students forward into industry, technology, education, and life and a skill I am always happy to pass along.
