Arthur Merchant
Librarian at Clarence Dillon Public Library
Arthur Merchant shares his career journey from communications and radio in high school to becoming a librarian, with a focus on archives. He attended college with a major in business administration and a minor in computer applications but tried various fields before finding his passion in digital library work. Merchant also discusses the importance of trying different paths, even if they don’t work out, as they can provide valuable skills and a sense of direction. During his academic journey, he found joy in documenting library history through digitization and metadata.
Gladys Cepeda
Bilingual Youth Services Librarian; Co-Chair of the BCCLS Diverse and Underserved Populations Committee at North Bergen Public Library
Gladys discusses the significance of networking in the library field in this section of the YouTube video interview. She recounts her career progression from working in a library to earning a Master’s in Information and Library Science at Rutgers University, where she became an active member of student associations and served as a graduate assistant. These experiences provided her with essential networking opportunities and new skills, particularly in building authentic relationships.
Andrea Simzak Levandowski, MLIS '08
Project Manager for Small Business Development and Technology at New Jersey State Library
Perseverance and persistency are how Andrea Levandowski got her foot in the door, and maybe those same qualities will be useful for you! See Andrea’s story and find your way into you desired industry whether it is Libraries or any other communication and information field.