Jennifer Osborn

Membership level Associate
Qualification(s) B.A. (Hons), Grad Dip Lib St. Employment
Currently I have two (paid) jobs that I do over 4 days a week. I'm a Reference Librarian at the University of Adelaide Library (working mainly with international and indigenous students) and I'm Staff Development Co-ordinator here (for professional staff.) In terms of unpaid work, (I do this for love, not money!) I'm a mentor, coach and presenter.

What are you reading?
At the moment I'm reading Georgia Blain's latest novel Names for nothingness (She's a fabulous Australian author) And I love reading crime fiction, particularly when the murder takes place in a library! John Harwood's The Ghost Writer is brilliant.

What are you listening to?
Ummm, this is a bit embarrassing (but what the heck!) I'm spending a fair bit of time listening to the sound of my own voice! I'm a member of Rostrum, I give presentations and training sessions regularly. I've learnt that the best presentations mean 'practise, practise, practise', 'rehearse, rehearse, rehearse'
Apart from this, Diana Krall and Janet Seidel. (jazz)

What talent do you wish you had?
I would love to be able to act. Presentations are fun, a kind of performance, but I'd love to do the real thing. (something really demanding and exciting, like Blanche Dubois in A Streetcar named Desire)

Who do you find inspiring?
The founding members of SALIN (South Australian Libraries' Information Network), five fantastic librarians with lots of energy, enthusiasm and drive. They're passionate about our profession, consummate networkers and a pleasure and delight to know.

Where would you like to be in five years?
At the risk of being 'politically incorrect' (I know that we're all meant to have great career plans these days), I really don't know. I believe in taking opportunities as they come and really enjoying my life. I don't believe in planning that far ahead.

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