Career

Friday was a great day. Or should I say, Friday afternoon was a great afternoon?

A short research visit to the Mitchell Library was followed by discussion of my forthcoming RCS research contract – to enable me to continue researching part-time after I leave the library – followed by a trip to Glasgow Uni for the launch of the Books and Borrowing Database.  It’s a fantastic resource, and I’ve watched the project with interest.  (website: https://borrowing.stir.ac.uk/)

A bit of networking over a glass of wine and some cheese straws, then I headed home with a distinct lightness in my step. It wasn’t just the glass of wine! I felt as though I’m finally adjusting myself into who I’m meant to be.

I like to think I’ve been a good librarian. I do believe I have.  But if I am honest, I chose librarianship because I couldn’t see myself as an academic.  I am an object lesson in not writing oneself off at the age of twenty-four.  If you’re like I was, or you know someone like I was, tell yourself/them to have more self-belief.

I’m giving my annual lecture on Scottish song books tomorrow.  Just shows that I can lecture.  Indeed, I’ve read countless papers over the past two decades. 

Just think how many books I needn’t have catalogued, if I’d been braver and more determined at twenty-four.   (I’m still cataloguing them – feeling a bit pressured, if I’m honest!)

On the other hand, how many intriguing enquiries I’d have missed, not to mention unexpected surprises amongst the book and music donations … there have been some advantages.

Image: Wikipedia picture of Hereford Cathedral Chained Library