Yesterday, our group had the opportunity to visit the Waubonsee Community College Library for an engaging and informative presentation about careers in a campus library setting.
During our visit, we watched a presentation led by Becky Goode, who shared valuable insight into the wide range of roles that keep a college library running smoothly. She walked us through the essential skills needed for library work — including organization, attention to detail, customer service, teamwork, and strong communication. It was especially helpful to learn how each role contributes to creating a welcoming and efficient learning environment for students.
After the presentation, we toured the library and explored several behind-the-scenes processes. We learned how materials are selected for the collection, how books are cataloged and tagged, and how they are entered into the computer system before being placed on the shelves. Seeing this process firsthand gave everyone a better appreciation for the care and coordination required to manage a large library collection.
Several of our participants were particularly excited about the possibility of working as a Circulation Assistant or Shelver — roles that involve helping patrons, organizing materials, and ensuring that books and resources are easy to find. These positions sparked meaningful conversations about future employment goals and the steps needed to prepare for similar opportunities.
One of the biggest surprises of the day was discovering that the college library offers much more than books. In addition to traditional materials, the library lends out board games, puzzles, video games, and even pickleball equipment — highlighting how modern libraries serve as vibrant community hubs.
Overall, the visit was both educational and inspiring. We are grateful to the Waubonsee Community College Library staff for welcoming us and for providing such an informative look into the skills and career pathways within a campus library setting.
