Emma Bruty

I have worked in libraries since 1996 - 17 years of which have been in public libraries.

I realised in 2003 that I loved it so much, it was time to take it to the next level.

I commenced my degree - Bachelor of Applied Science (Library and Information Management) at Charles Sturt University in the latter half of 2003 - undertaking elective subjects - before embarking on the degree proper in 2004.

Working full-time and studying part-time, I developed time management skills of a high calibre. It sharpened my focus and fostered my determination to excel. I graduated in March 2011.

From June 2005 until recently, I was working in my dream job of Children's and Teenage Librarian at Darebin Libraries. During this time, I gained skills in developing programs and seeing them through to their successful conclusion. I was responsible for maintaining the website for the libraries' Sponge Club junior membership, keeping it up-to-date and relevant to borrowers aged 5 - 12 years.

I am presently working at Victoria Police in the Freedom of Information Division. My role as Support Officer**includes skills I developed as a **librarian - research, gathering information and refining requests. I am glad to be able to use these skills whilst seeking to return to library work.

As a child fortunate enough to have books and regular access to the library, it saddens me to realise that there are many children who haven't those same opportunities. I would love to see a world where no child or person is ever without books to read, or without the capacity to read at all!

Working as a librarian is a hugely important role to play. I would very much like to move into a new area of libraries - particularly academic and university libraries. I am currently volunteering at the Ballarat campus (also known as Aquinas) of Australian Catholic University_,_**undertaking tasks involved with the work **information and liaison librarians are responsible for.