By By BEN RAYMOND LODE / Niles Daily Star
NILES -- Conrad Rader was looking for a change in career. And, that is what the Canadian librarian has found at Niles District Library.
The new Adult Services librarian started in his position on Monday.
Originally from Montreal, but by way of Fort Wayne, Ind., Rader worked for three years as a reference librarian in the Fort Wayne, Ind., area before taking the position in Niles.
There he specialized in science and business in the business and technology department of the main branch of a 13-branch county library.
Rader said the new position, which is a step up career wise for him, gives him more responsibility and opportunities.
And, he is looking forward to getting to know the community and fellow staff members better.
That was at times difficult at the much larger Fort Wayne library, he said.
Rader graduated from McGill University, Montreal, Canada, in 1992, with a bachelor's degree in Theater and a masters degree in Library and Information Technology in 2000.
He said the Niles library will be a change from what he is used to, but he's looking forward to work at a smaller library, a library which is planning to take on new projects.
Rader said he is looking forward to taking part in the future development of the library and its services to the community, especially services and activities for adults.
Before Rader became a librarian he was a hotel manager for five years.
It wasn't until his sister said she thought he would be interested in stepping into the library world that he did so.
Rader feels strongly about libraries and what they can do.
But getting the community involved in the library is important, too.
Having worked at a larger library before, Rader said he probably brings a different perspective to his new workplace, a perspective which may lead to new solutions and ways of doing things at the library here.
Knowing little about the community apart from a few earlier visits, Rader hopes to learn more about the area from local residents.