13 Questions With: Kam Teo

December 14, 2015

Branch Manager, Weyburn Public Library

A hero who has inspired you in your career?

My grade 8 social studies teacher, Jeff Davis. He made history and learning fun.

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

The first job I ever had was at a Burger King in Saskatoon at age 17. I still have lifelong friends from that time. The first library position I ever had is the one I still have a decade later, branch manager of the Weyburn Public Library.

Why a career in librarianship?

It complements my love of and for history as a subject which I loved in school. The skills I learned than I still use today.

Coolest thing in your cubicle or office?

A picture of writer, W.O. Mitchell. Mitchell is a Canadian literary icon whose hometown happens to be Weyburn.

What is your guilty pleasure?

A couple of glasses of chianti, chocolate cheesecake, and a favourite book.

Career advice – what’s your top tip?

Whatever the career, do not do it for the money.

What useless skill(s) do you possess?

I have too many in which to list here.

Proudest moment in your professional life?

2012 was when the library used multicultural events to bring in newcomers to the library, a new dynamic in Weyburn and Saskatchewan in memory!

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

Research at an archive for my latest writing project.

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

Teach history.

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

Try to be cool but fail in the attempt.

How do you stay current in your field?

Attend library conferences to exchange ideas with colleagues in Saskatchewan and throughout Canada.

What would you like your headstone to read?

Veritas!