In the beginning...

When I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a mailman.

Other students selected baseball player, ballerina, or actress. My goals were more realistic. I liked the routine of watching the mailman(person) come to our house at the same time everyday to deliver valuable information. There was so much consistency. I loved the anticipation of waiting to see if I received a letter or card. My first fascination/trauma with mail delivery was when our house was under strict orders to keep our dog inside the house because our mutt dog, Chico, bit our mailman. Chico was a very cranky, old dog that loved to wander aimlessly through the neighborhood.

I arrived at Gustavus Adolphus College in 2000. I was most certainly a financial aid candidate, and I had agreed to do work-study on campus. Being assigned to the Gustavus Post Office was obviously FATE!

My duties were to stuff mail in the student, faculty, and staff mailboxes as well as sell stamps, etc. I loved the transaction. I often times ended up stuffing my own mail. My mom and grandmas were excellent with mailing letters and cards. I will be forever grateful for their kindness.

I think that my love for mail delivery helped develop my passion for libraries. Primarily, it is the transaction. It is the transfer and the delivery of essential information-- with the exception of spam mail. As a librarian, I assist students with this transaction everyday through reference interview of various mediums. This exchange is essential for students and librarians. It's the delivery of an information need. I am grateful to work in a field where this transaction of information exists. I am also grateful that I work in a field where I am not getting bit by cranky, old mutts.Retweet this