POLOKWANE – When one walks into a library, you are most likely to find a clean space with rows and rows of knowledge and fiction to get your imagination fired up.

But one tends to forget that it is librarians who keep library’s neat, tidy and organised.

Review spoke to Annette Pienaar, Assistant City Librarian as well as some other librarians about their work.

Annette Pienaar has been working at the library for 29 years.

1. What did you study to become librarian?

I studied B. bibl (Bachelor of Library and Information Science). These days, the course is called B. info (Information Science).

You can also do B.A and then a higher diploma.

2. What does your work entail?

You have to be able to work with people and have good customer service.

“We are providing information, assisting in finding resources as well as internet searches. Our library has internet facilities and we often assist learners with projects. You have to be dedicated to your chosen career,” she says.

Annette says the library also offers an outreach programme to Gr 7 learners to teach them how to use books and find them in a library.

‘We host a debate tournament each year involving about 50 schools as well as National Library Week and National Book week.

3. What do you need to be a librarian?

You have to be physically fit as you have to stand a lot and walk around.

The most important thing is you have to love to read and be able to give background on books.

Salomé Lephale is a library assistant and says that interpersonal skills, communication skills and listening skills are very important.

Molatelo Mathlebjane is also a library assistant and says that telephone etiquette is important in their field of work.

Emma Lehonye is a senior library assistant and says that apart from good customer service you have to be friendly.

maretha@nmgroup.co.za