‘‘ L
I’ve loved having the freedom to be involved in so many different aspects of library work.
Apprentices
New prospects and new roles as apprenticeships pay off
EG bouncing, cracking knuckles and nervous laughter, you’d think I was asked to fly a rocket to the moon. But
instead, here I was in Jon Davis’s (Dewsbury Library Manager) office wondering why he thought I was going to get the role of a Customer Service Officer. Vacancies had popped up before Christmas and there wasn’t a doubt, I was going to apply although I had huge reservations whether I would even make it to the interview stage (I think I was the only one, everyone else seemed to have huge, no idea why, confidence in me!).
Throughout my apprenticeship I have always found myself relying on Jon Davis and John Greenwood (my manager) for reassurance when riddled with nerves. This time was no different
I thought I’d take the opportunity this month to update you on where I am in my apprenticeship and what the future looks like for me. Since starting work back in September, 2020 I’ve been involved in so many fantastic opportunities and it’s been great to share those experiences with you. I’ve worked alongside librarians, created webpages, hosted live events and created leaflets to promote each library in Kirklees. I’ve loved having the freedom to be involved in so many different aspects of library work.
As I’ve almost covered all the criteria for my apprenticeship, I will soon be moving into my assessment stage. This will be me leading my own project; it can be anything to improve the library service. I’ve got to keep silent about my ideas for now though, but I’ve got a few bubbling around in my head!
March 2022
(if they were fed up with my constant need for validation, they didn’t show it!). I have been incredibly privileged to be able to turn to two incredibly intelligent individuals for guidance and support and it would have been short sighted not to utilise their mentoring.
The application process I found quite straightforward, as I like writing (if that’s not obvious!). It must have been good because I received a call back for an interview.
Looking back, your average person would gain a bit more confidence knowing they’ve made it through to the interview process. However, we know I’m far from average and had myself convinced it had all been potluck and I would tremendously embarrass not only myself but John too (no pressure at all). After much obsessing and practicing, I sat in that
I’ve led projects already like my Halloween craft morning, Christmas card making event and flipbook making workshop, so I don’t feel too nervous about doing another. I’m actually really quite excited to see what I can achieve; and to be assessed on that will be really useful too going forward.
As well as entering my assessment stage, I’ve also been able to secure a permanent CSO (Customer Service Officer) role for Kirklees Libraries. As a CSO I will be in a frontline role dealing with customer enquiries. I am also going to take this opportunity to improve the footfall at our branch libraries; I’ve already started speaking to managers and other CSO’s about what ideas we are going to start to implement. Although I won’t be working alongside librarians very often, I’m going to be leading Storytimes and working with other CSO’s to organise
Ambreen Aziz is an apprentice librarian at Kirklees Libraries
www.kirkleeslibraries.co.uk
interview, trying not to talk 50mph and just pouring out everything I thought was relevant. It was a relief having a virtual interview, I could wring my hands and bounce my leg to my heart’s content without anyone noticing! So, did I get the post? Well I hope so, otherwise it would be awkward sat here today at Mirfield library on my first day as a Customer Service Officer.
INSIGHT
Hannah Armitage is an apprentice librarian at Kirklees Libraries
www.kirkleeslibraries.co.uk
events and make displays, so I can still let my creativity flair!
I am still doing my apprenticeship at the moment but very soon I’ll be starting my CSO role at the same time! I’ll be working my CSO hours alongside my apprenticeship hours so there’s going to be lots of work for the next couple of months; but I’m really looking forward to it. I love to be busy and even when a library’s quiet there’s always a busyness of creativity in my mind. IP
INFORMATION PROFESSIONAL 33
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