Name: Molly Brown
Your position: Outreach Services Librarian
 
Educational Background: MLIS - Simmons College; BA - Mount Holyoke College (Art History/Archaeology)
 
What is most interesting about your position? I am thrilled to be working with our Hospital Library Services Program member libraries to offer them the highest level of support and service possible for their differing needs, as well as assisting with Resource Sharing. I find the work of helping others succeed in their jobs and find satisfaction in their work to be highly rewarding.
 
What has been your biggest professional challenge? As a newly minted librarian, being told on my first day in my new position that I would be teaching a class the next day. All I could think was "they didn't teach me this in grad school", but it was a great experience and set me on a path of finding a passion for sharing information and helping others to learn the value of the resources we provide.
 
What was your background before becoming a librarian? Before my "a-ha" moment when I realized I wanted to be a librarian, I worked for several non-profits, had my own import business, and managed several small retail business in New Mexico and New England.
 
What would you be doing if you weren't a librarian? I am sure I would be an archaeologist or a neurosurgeon or a linguist.
 
What is the most interesting issue in librarianship today? I think an important issue (and one I am passionate about) in our field today is helping people understand the value of libraries: the myriad of resources libraries offer; the services provided by these institutions, especially as we navigate the constant influx of new information; and how to access credible resources as we move forward to create libraries of the 21st century. Working for an organization, such as the SCRLC will allow me to continue this work, and assist those who are in special libraries convey their own importance to those they work with.
 
What are you most proud of? Travelling with a small group of librarians to Kosovo to help open the University Library of Kosovo in Pristina. After years of civil war and conflict, being witness to the thirst for information and being able to assist in seeing this library come to fruition was a hallmark for me. Additionally, working with the International Librarians Network was a thrilling experience and taught me a great deal about international librarianship and the work of librarians around the globe.
 
What other organizations are you involved with? NYLA, ALA, Society of American Archivists, International Librarians Network
 
What advice would you give to a new librarian? Get as much experience as you can while in school - even if you have to volunteer to shelve books. Just learning how libraries function is invaluable. Don't be afraid to ask questions, find a mentor, and keep smiling!
 
What software/web tools do you use regularly? MS Office Suite, Chrome, Safari, Tableau Public, WordPress
 
Favorite social media platform:   Facebook
 
Favorite blog or website:  The Economist, the NY Times, and my own blog
 
What do you do to relax?   Reading non-fiction, writing, the NY Times crossword, exercising and enjoying the night sky.
 
What is the most daring thing you've ever done?   Traveling and living abroad numerous times on my own. It is amazing what we learn about other cultures as well as ourselves from getting out of our comfort zones and absorbing what the world has to offer.
 
What would you like to learn?   Another language and just about anything else that piques my interest - I am the classic lifelong learner.
 
Is there anything about you that others would be surprised to know?   My parents swear they did not name me after the unsinkable Molly Brown - but I still question this. Happily, she is a great figure in history to share the name with.

Welcome Molly!