13 Questions With: Cheryl Murphy

January 13, 2015

Reference Librarian, Supreme Court of Canada

A hero who has inspired you in your career?

There isn’t one particular person who has inspired me in my career. My parents have been very supportive and encouraging of my educational pursuits. I had many teachers and professors over the course of my secondary and post-secondary education who had a positive impact on me.

The first job you ever held and at what age?

The first job I had, aside from babysitting, was working at Laura Secord. I started working there at the age of 16.

Your first position in the library and/or information services field?

My first job in the library field was working at the circulation desk at the Jewish Public Library in Montreal.

Coolest thing in your cubicle or office?

There is a Scottish themed calendar in my office. I receive one every year from a relative who lives in England. The scenes are beautiful and remind me of my plans to visit the United Kingdom someday soon.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Maraschino chocolate cherries

Career advice – what’s your top tip?

Always be open to learning something new. Our field is so broad that there are constantly opportunities to learn more about a particular subject area or develop a new skill.

What useless skill(s) do you possess?

I can recite the alphabet backwards. I find that this can actually be useful sometimes though.

Proudest moment in your professional life?

I would say getting the position I currently have as Reference Librarian at the Supreme Court of Canada.

If you had 24 hours all to yourself, how would you best like to spend it?

Depending on the season, I would probably take a day trip with friends or family to somewhere in the region that I have never been to before.

If you didn’t work in the information industry, what would you be doing?

I also have a Bachelor of Education, so maybe I would be teaching.

Finish this sentence: “In high school, I would have been voted the person most likely to … “

In high school I might have been voted the person most likely to cheer you up.

How do you stay current in your field?

Participating in webinars and reading the literature related to my field, as well as taking courses when given the opportunity.

What would you like your headstone to read?

Lived a good life