edited by Sheryl Panka-Bryman
Gina Cacace
Please talk about your current professional position. Describe what you do and for which organization.
I am the Circulation Clerk at the Hahnemann Library in Center City. We are part of Drexel’s Health Sciences Libraries and serve the Hahnemann Hospital staff, Drexel students and faculty, and the public. I am responsible for shelving as well as assisting patrons at the circulation desk.
What is your past professional experience?
My first job out of high school was working at a small family practice office. I implemented the digitization of its patient records. I worked in the basement and the scanner often jammed, but I saw the benefit of my work–a more efficient office and better patient care. I spent most of my undergraduate years tutoring math and working in computer labs, where I developed a love of technology.
What do you find most interesting about your work?
The best part about working in a health sciences library is that you get a feeling that the work you do is very real. When you help students find test prep books, and later hear of their successful completion of USMLE Step 2, or assist a doctor or resident with finding books on a particular subject, you know your work has had a real life impact.
What qualities or traits do you find most helpful in your work?
Working at the circulation desk takes patience, attention to detail and a desire to help. My goal is to have each patron leave the desk with a book or some other bit of information that will help them.
If you weren’t a librarian, what else can you imagine yourself doing?
I’m not yet a librarian (I graduate from Drexel’s iSchool with an MLIS concentration in Digital Libraries in 2011) but I could also see myself as a teacher or a blogger (dream job!).
What do you do for fun?
Most of my free time is spent on my coursework in Drexel’s MLIS program, but I try to carve out time to sew, cook with my mom back home in NJ, hike with my boyfriend (mostly in the Pine Barrens) and play fetch with my kitten, Eleanor Roosevelt.
Is there anything about you that others might be surprised to know?
I was once kicked out of a library! I wrote about it on my personal blog: <http://www.itsonlythat.com/2009/08/why-libraries-are-awesome.html >
Why would you encourage members to become actively involved in the Philadelphia Regional Chapter?
Since I am a new member, I am not too familiar with the activities of the Philadelphia Regional Chapter. I’m looking forward to learning more about the work you all do and how I can help!
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