Brand new ALIA SNGG GLAMR Professional Profile - Cilla Youl

For our latest GLAMR Professional Profile, we spoke to the wonderful Cilla Youl, Library Coordinator at the Rowden White Library (The Rowdy). Located on the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus, the Rowdy isn’t your typical uni library. Its only rule? No studying allowed! Led by Cilla and her team, the Rowdy is a wholesome, recreational space helping students unwind from the stresses of studying. In this interview, Cilla talks about some of her favourite aspects of her job and offers advice for people wanting to work in GLAMR.

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What drew you to working in the GLAMR sector? How did you begin your journey into libraries?

Initially I was not sure what path I wanted to go down after high school.  I was irritatingly interested in everything.  In the end I thought that being a librarian would allow me to help guide the research of others with the added benefit of learning a little bit about a variety of fields at the same time.  I studied at the University of Ballarat (as it was then) and completed a Bachelor of Arts in Information Management / Librarianship.  I volunteered at a public library on the weekends.

What is your favourite part of your job?

I especially enjoy working with our student casuals and Archive interns. Seeing them grow in confidence and in turn learning from them is an aspect of the job that I find really rewarding and stimulating.

Getting to go shopping in person at beautiful bookstores never gets old either!

What skills have you developed throughout your career that are most helpful in your day-to-day work?

Making something work with limited resources, on the spot problem solving, not being afraid to dream, and the art of relationship building (especially listening), have all been skills that I continue to practice every day.

What do you wish you knew before entering the GLAMR sector?

That I really should have paid more attention during maths lessons at school.  Statistics are such a valuable tool for libraries – great stories can be told in their reading and interpretation.

What can people look forward to working in the GLAMR sector? Why should they consider it as a career?

Please feel confident that the skills you are developing can be applied more widely out in the wider workforce.  Don’t limit yourself within the GLAMR sector.  You can never predict where you will end up, but this profession will provide a solid base.

What advice would you give students and new graduates starting in the GLAMR sector?

Skills can be taught, but most professions come down to relationship building – how we choose to treat each other.  Being present and genuine in our interactions with people goes a long way.

Mostly have fun – as much as you can!  It is possible while you build your career.

I wish everyone all the best!