My Job in 5: Gregory Cash
Editor's Note: Mr. Cash was hand selected to participate in this weeks my job in 5 by your jobs in books correspondent just as Mr. Cash hand selected him for his first job in the books industry many years ago (a job at which our library patrons utililzed back issues of The Bookseller in the conducting of research) privileging a starry eyed college student with his first job surrounded by books at the Lovejoy Library, SIUE campus, Southern Illinois. On a personal note, he was an honourable first boss to have and The Bookseller has provided a seamless platform for them to joyously reunite once more, 20 years on.
1. Describe your role.
My role as an Assistant Director of Reid Memorial Library wears many hats including researcher, imparter of knowledge, historian, advisor, organizer of records and materials, job skills shaper, supervisor, team player and countless other hats that are hung on my head in random fashion.
2. What do you like best about your role?
As a librarian at a community college, I am fortunate to perform many roles that allow me to utilize my skill sets and develop personal passions. Doing historical research has been on the plate a lot lately and being part detective never hurts!
3. Which new projects or titles are you working on at the moment?
A colleague and I have been working off and on for a year on the history of the first soybean planting in the state of Illinois, USA, right here in our community. It may sound dull, but it has taken so many twists and turns, it is nerdy fun!
4. What skills do you need for your role?
Flexibility, creativity, organization, willingness to search for answers in the most unlikely places, and keeping a sane mind when talking any random student off the proverbial “this class is going to kill me” ledge.
5. What advice would you give to those looking to work in the industry?
Find a library that will allow you to identify and fulfill your passions, never be afraid to say that you don’t know how to do something but am willing to learn, and most of all accept that you don’t have all the answers, but you know where to find them!