13 Questions With: Elyssa Gould

June 26, 2017

With the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference taking place June 22-27 in Chicago, Librarianship.ca is profiling members of the librarianship community from the United States.

Electronic Resources Librarian & Assistant Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Who inspires you in your career?

My fellow librarians, coworkers, and supervisors inspire me every day. But I think my true inspiration comes from my parents, who always worked hard, did their work with dignity and integrity, and made time to enjoy their family and hobbies.

The first job you ever held and at what age and your first position in the library and/or information services field?

My very first job was at the age of 12, as a babysitter for two children. It was terrifying!

My first position in the library field was at the circulation desk at the library at Georgia College & State University, where I completed my undergraduate degree. I worked there for three years.

Why a career in librarianship?

Like many, I stumbled into librarianship. I majored in English literature, knew I didn’t want to be a teacher, but wasn’t sure what else to do with my degree. I started paying attention at work and realized I identified with the library – its mission, environment, and role in education. I asked one of the librarians how to become a librarian, and the rest is history!

Coolest thing in your cubicle or office?

A picture of our family dog, a long-haired dachshund, wearing a tuxedo. (Yes, it’s adorable.)

What is your guilty pleasure?

Scrolling through Instagram.

Career advice – what’s your top tip?

If you don’t need to be in a specific geographic area, go anywhere for your first job. I learned so much about myself and my abilities by taking that leap. A bonus was that it turned out to be a wonderful first job.

What useless skill(s) do you possess?

A great memory that produces random celebrity trivia.

Proudest moment in your professional life?

Any time I can help someone successfully connect to an electronic resource, especially if they’ve been having trouble figuring out how to access the resource.

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

I would start the day with breakfast, coffee and a good book at a coffee shop; spend a few hours sewing or quilting; and meet up with some friends for dinner.

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

I think I’d be working in the craft industry in some capacity – maybe writing for a sewing or quilting magazine.

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

Read a lot.

How do you stay current in your field?

I read a lot of listservs, blogs from librarians, and relevant articles. I learn a lot about current activities by being involved with the Association for Library Collections and Technical Services (ALCTS). I attend a few conferences every year.

What would you like your headstone to read?

I haven’t thought about this before…