Like many other librarians in the world, my love of libraries began during my childhood. Some of my earliest memories include borrowing my favourite art and handicraft books from the children's section and then poring over them when I returned home. Similarly, some of my clearest memories involve me standing behind a makeshift desk pretending to checkout paperbacks that my brother dutifully brought over from a nearby bookcase. Perhaps it was this imaginary turn on the circulation desk - combined with my love of information and knowledge - that gave me a solid foundation to pursue librarianship as a career.
These days my interest in librarianship as a profession has become much more multi-faceted. I have worked in a government library, provided online reference assistance to the academic community, and am currently a public librarian helping children and other age groups discover resources they need and love.
I am passionate about providing and ensuring access to information for all. Areas of professional interest include information literacy and instruction, reader's advisory, collection management, and library use of social media and Web 2.0 capabilities.
Outside of librarianship I am an avid watcher of hockey, lover of art and history - and any combination thereof - and reader of many books. You can find and follow me on Twitter @swalk24, and check out my library-related blog Z682. In my spare time I also write and maintain winterblooms, a blog dedicated to exploring my crafty side.
