NMRT Member of the Week Spotlight: 5 Questions with Natasha White

Natasha White

Natasha White
Southern Technical College, Florida
Regional Librarian

A little about Natasha’s job:
I am the regional librarian for a small technical college called Southern Technical College. My region is located in central Florida. I oversee two campus locations–Sanford and Mount Dora. I ensure that Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools standards are met across all central Florida locations. In addition, I manage the library locations by purchasing all the materials, coordinating all library instructions and workshops, reference, website and any other duties that are needed.

1) What are some things you like about your job or about working in libraries in general?
In my position, I really like having a variety of jobs or tasks. There is always something new and exciting that is happening and I have a lot of flexibility to manage the library as I see fit. I also enjoy working with the students. The students are a variety of ages just looking to advance their career. In general, I love libraries because they stand for freedom of knowledge. I have worked for a variety of libraries and they all have that one thing in common: the freedom to learn to expand one’s mind and be something more. Libraries are a true service to their surrounding communities and are often taken for granted.

2) What’s a project or committee you’re working on right now that you’re excited about?
I suppose the most exciting project I am working on right now is the project to standardize all the Southern Technical College libraries. The original Southern Technical Colleges expanded to purchase several locations in South West Florida and now all the libraries need to be on the same path with similar resources, similar programs, the same website, the same cataloging system and overall uniform. It is a very time consuming and often difficult, but it is a wonderful opportunity with many benefits.

3) What got you interested in libraries?
While studying for my Bachelors at the University of Central Florida, I spent many long hours in the library, working with the librarians, getting to know the resources, and becoming more and more fascinated with what libraries and librarians could offer. After graduating with my bachelors and being unable to find a job in my chosen career, I started exploring other career paths. My mind kept wandering back to my days and nights spent in the library, searching the databases and talking to the librarians. After careful consideration and a lot of research, I decided to get my Masters in Library and Information Sciences. Before I completely committed, I began volunteering at my local library,  and that is really what sealed my fate of being a librarian.

4) What is one of your favorite things about NMRT?
NMRT offers opportunities for new professionals in the field to really get their foot in the door. Working for a small college does not present a lot of opportunity for me to meet many library professionals and I am lucky if I am able to make a conference. So the fact that NMRT is able to connect new and upcoming professionals is very exciting.

5) Do you have any advice for other new librarians?
Don’t take the first position that comes your way. I know it seems hard to find a paying position, but not all library positions are the right one. Take your time, really read the description, and interview the library and staff during the interview process.

Are you a new NMRT member? Consider nominating yourself for our NMRT Member of the Week spotlight–we want to get to know you! New or experienced, give the gift of recognition by nominating a librarian that deserves to be featured here!

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