Evidence Base
Birmingham City University
Edge Building
Perry Barr
B42 2SU
Email:
jo@joeyanne.co.uk
Website:
http://www.joeyanne.co.uk
Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/joeyanne
I’ve worked in libraries since 2005, when I first ventured into voluntary experience at a local public library and school library after completing my BSc (Hons) Sports Science and moving to the West Midlands. I’d always wanted to work in education in some sense, and was keen to discover more about the work of a librarian, which combined two of my main interests; providing customer service, and helping to educate others. I fell in love with it straight away, and was lucky to be able to get a full-time graduate trainee position at the University of Wolverhampton, and a Sunday job at my local branch public library, part of Staffordshire libraries.
I decided to pursue a postgraduate course, which I started in September 2006. I study part-time via distance learning, which also enables me to continue working whilst studying. I had various different roles at different campuses at University of Wolverhampton between 2005 and 2010, including my first professional post as a subject librarian supporting education and health. In 2010, I moved to Evidence Base at Birmingham City University to take up a role as a research librarian.
Why do I do this?
I’ve found that the more I put into the profession in terms of supporting CILIP and professional activities, the more enjoyment and fulfilment I get from it (sounds so cliché but it’s true!). I’ve really enjoyed meeting other professionals and sharing experiences and support, and I wanted to help out on a local level. Successful marketing and communication is a passion of mine, and something I hope to be able to improve within the branch and its members.
Something beyond work
Since becoming a librarian I seem to have developed some stereotypical interests outside work, including crafts (particularly cross stitching which I find incredibly relaxing) and animals. I love visiting nature parks and zoos, and spending time with our two attention-seeking cats at home.
I also spend a lot of my free time online, I’ve been blogging since 2007 as Joeyanne Libraryanne reflecting on professional issues and my own experiences; my posts tend to cover my interests in information literacy, enquiry support, marketing and social media. I keep up-to-date with professional developments through blogging, microblogging and communicating with other information professionals online. I’m a big advocate of sharing (something I think is common to the profession), so I also enjoy writing articles for LIS journals, and speaking at related events.