MapPros! Careers in Geospatial Technologies

Anne Graham

“The exposure to science and engineering research in the fields I have studied and the quest for data are a delight for me. Finding information on a particular topic is like finding the pieces of a puzzle. When you put the pieces together you get a new view of the topic.”

“Get field experience in your area of study before you get a job indoors. You will understand how things fit together better when you have seen the way things work.”

“… the power of GIS is definitely recognized in libraries. Librarians are needed to help find, collect, and supply data.”

Librarian - Anne Graham

Field: Librarian
Job Title: Civil and Environmental Engineering Librarian and GIS Services Coordinator
Place of Employment: Engineering and Science Libraries at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts

What is your current job and what does it entail?

I am currently the Civil and Environmental Engineering Librarian and GIS Services Coordinator for the Engineering and Science Libraries at MIT. This entails collecting books, journals and digital information, and providing reference and instruction services with a focus on the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. I am also studying the GIS needs of the Engineering and Science Communities at MIT.

In your day-to-day activities, who are the people that you interact with regularly?

Engineers and Scientists, mostly graduate and undergraduate students.

For your position, what skills do you need in geospatial technologies?

I use ArcGIS software because it is supported by the Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) Department at MIT. Finding data for users entails searching the MIT Libraries catalog, the MIT Geodata Search Tool, which can be accessed with ArcGIS software, the web, and communicating with the Libraries’ GIS Specialist and the IS&T Department GIS Specialist.

For your position, what skills outside of geospatial technologies are required?

I use librarianship skills to perform my job. Information-seeking strategies involve problem solving and perseverance.

What was the key factor in your career decision?

I wanted to work part-time in an academic setting.

What do you like most about your career?

The exposure to science and engineering research in the fields I have studied and the quest for data are a delight for me. Finding information on a particular topic is like finding the pieces of a puzzle. When you put the pieces together you get a new view of the topic.

What do you like least about your career?

I struggle with fitting my job into a 25-hour work week. It is what I want to do, but it is challenging. Finding the time to prepare for public presentations is my biggest challenge.

What do you do to relax?

I step outdoors to relax. I love hiking, cross country skiing and kayaking.

Who are your heroes/heroines?

I admire anyone who loves adventure, such as Bob Newton, my geomorphology and glacial geology professor; Sarah Andrews, who writes forensic geology mysteries; and my husband and daughters, who are incredibly fun.

What advice would you give a high school student who expressed an interest in pursuing a career in your field?

Get field experience in your area of study before you get a job indoors. You will understand how things fit together better when you have seen the way things work.

Are career opportunities in your field increasing or decreasing and why?

Yes the power of GIS is definitely recognized in libraries. Librarians are needed to help find, collect, and supply data.

E-mail: grahama@mit.edu

Salary Range: $40-60,000

 

Degree Major Institution

B.A.

Geology

Smith College

M.S.

Civil Engineering

Colorado State University

M.S.L.S.

Library and Information Science

Simmons College