Rebecca O'Connell

	Rebecca O'Connell Visit Rebecca's Home Page at www.rebeccaoconnell.com Send Email to her at: rebecca@rebeccaoconnell.com
*Authors Among Us - Children's Writers Who Are or Who Have Been Librarians*

Featured Titles by Rebecca O'Connell

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What influenced you to become a librarian?
I had several part-time jobs in libraries, and I liked the work. I liked the atmosphere.

Do you have a library/information science degree?

Yes, I got my MLS from the Univeristy of Pittsburgh in 1992.

What kinds of library positions have you held and where?

've been with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh my entire professional career. I've held several Children's Librarian positions within the Carnegie system, since 1992. I am Senior Librarian in the Children's Department of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Do you plan to continue in the profession? Yes.

Which came first in your life, your career as a librarian or writing for children?

Librarian came first. I always liked writing, but I didn't start writing seriously until 1996. I had been a librarian for four years by then.

Did your library work have anything to do with becoming a children's writer?

Hard to say. (I don't really know what my own motivation was.)

Did your library work directly influence your work as an author?

Yes. When I was just beginning to learn to write, I found that being familiar with a very wide variety of children's literature was a great help. I could tell what themes were popular (or, maybe, overdone).

Did you ever set any scenes in your books in the library?

No, but two of my characters walk past a library. One visits a bookstore.

What are the greatest benefits of being a librarian to you as a writer?

Lots. Having access to so many children's books helped, of course, but just as important was my access to publisher information, review sources, and other professional information sources, like Horn Book.

Are there any drawbacks to being a librarian and also a writer?

Not that I can think of.

How do you manage the time-juggling act?

I just wrote when I wasn't working at the library -evenings, weekends, holidays, etc.

Do you find any conflicts or job-related difficulties in being both a writer and a librarian?

No, the library has been really nice and supportive of my writing. When Myrtle of Willendorf was published, the library sponsored a reading and signing. They even provided refreshements. The library administration has asked me to judge a writing contest the library sponsors, and to speak to groups of teens at library functions. And, of course, the library purchased several copies for its shelves.

Are the library patrons aware of your writing?

Library patrons are aware to some extent, but I wrote a YA book, and I work in the Children's Department, so I don't often have a chance to booktalk my own title.

Do you feel that librarianship has specific benefits to you as a writer?

Mainly familiarity with children's literature and professional resources.

Comment from Rebecca O'Connell:

I enjoyed looking at the long list of writer-librarians. I had no idea there were so many. I'm proud of us!

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Last Updated April 17, 2011