Q: I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring…

December 14, 2009 by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring. Until recently I worked with the developmentally challenged in a residence as a Case Coordinator but became burnt out. I went to a career counselor several weeks ago who administered several tests and after talking with me suggested that I consider learning Library Sciences either to be a librarian or a non traditional path. I am having trouble making up my mind if this the right career for me. Unfortunately, I have only 6 weeks to decide before I will need to submit an application! Is this enough time to make a good decision and if so, what should I be doing to in the meantime to aid that decision?

TA: Wow, this is an interesting, and extraordinarily time-sensitive, question. I know that we’re all required at some point in our life to make quick decisions, but this feels a little pressured in terms of the short period of time and the large impact of this decision. My advice would be to slow things down a little. Meeting with the career counselor was a great first step, and it’s indicative of a level of intellectual curiosity and self awareness. On the other hand, you shouldn’t pursue a graduate degree just because someone told you to, or because you tested that way. I would strongly recommend that you get some kind of library experience first, and then pursue the degree if it’s a career of interest. Try to find a job or even a volunteer experience in a library. And explore different types of work experience and environments—public services, technical services, public library, academic library, school library. There are so many choices. You’ve done the initial work of identifying a new field of potential employment. Take some time to do the in-the-trenches work to see if actually fits.

Q: What type of Information Studies job would suit me?

December 14, 2009March 29, 2013 by Tiffany ♥ 1 Comment

Q: I’m an MLIS student and my concentration is digital librarianship. Online databases and helping individuals retrieve information off of them is the largest interest to me. I’d enjoy helping students, professors, lawyers, or doctors. What type of Information Studies job would suit me?

TA: Now is the time to seize the opportunity. Once you leave graduate school, the ease of free exploration of different areas of librarianship grows exponentially more difficult. It’s an accepted practice to try different things when you’re in graduate school. You’re still learning and in many cases still trying things on for size. In graduate school, you can take classes across the curriculum and you can try different (paid or unpaid) working experiences, all in the effort to identify your area of specialization in the field. It sounds like you’ve narrowed your concentration to digital librarianship, but you’re still working on what type of library might suit you best. I would encourage you to use this time in school to try different working environments to see which challenge and engage you the most. You may also be able to earn course credit for some of your employment through field experiences or volunteer placements through your academic program, which might help balance the work hours with your course load.

Additionally, you should also consider other avenues of learning about areas of specialization, such as informational interviews and networking with colleagues through professional associations. I would also encourage you to join several listservs and follow the conversation. Are you interested in what they’re talking about? Do you have ideas to share regarding their topics of discussion? Do you want to learn more? Job announcements, which are often shared via listservs, are also a great source of information. Pay attention to the way positions are described, to the job responsibilities outlined in the announcement, and to the required and preferred qualifications, and use this information to shape your academic and professional pursuits.

Q: How do I use LinkedIn effectively?

November 9, 2009 by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

This answer is provided by our first guest author, Cheryl Kohen.

Q: I’m just starting to use the online social networking site LinkedIn, but I’m unsure how this will help me effectively network. What are some tips when searching this social media site?

CK: Created in 2003, LinkedIn is an online network website listing professionals from all over the globe, with over half of the members from outside of the US. In fact, LinkedIn just reached the over 50 million member mark this year, meaning that there are now more professionals to network with than ever before! Use this professional network to search for other users who directly relate to you career interests, find job opportunities, and research companies.

When creating a profile on LinkedIn, use the most recent and most relevant pieces from your resume. Also, update your status often with professional information, such as a conference you recently attended, or a presentation you recently gave (in-class or at work). Now that you’ve made the choice to create a LinkedIn profile, stay active with it. Keeping your profile accurate and timely will help build your online brand, and be another way that potential employers may find information about you.

There are several ways to use the advance searching features on LinkedIn especially when you are still exploring career paths. For example, find job titles that you aspire to have, and search for them as a job title in the advance search options. By searching these titles, you can view professionals who are connected to you that hold these jobs, and learn more about these positions. Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about alternative careers for librarians and information professionals, but are unsure what these positions are even called, use the job site LibGig and view the many categories that they’ve created for job titles. Again, search these job titles (e.g. Information Architect) as a job title in the LinkedIn advance people searching, and find people in your network who hold these positions.

Once you’ve located a professional that you wish to connect with on LinkedIn, see which contacts you have in common with and request an introduction. These introductions could lead to informational interviews, where you explore more about a career path by interviewing a professional who currently works in a field you are interested in. To learn more about informational interviews, read Quintcareers.com Informational Interviewing Tutorial.

Aside from searching for individuals, users may also search LinkedIn for company information. The company information in LinkedIn, though not as comprehensive as other reference sources, will provide the user with some key statistics of the institution, along with searching for additional professionals to connect with. User information provided in the company profiles include listings of current employees who are using LinkedIn, former employees, new hires, recent promotions and changes, and the most popular LinkedIn profiles from that organization.

Want more LinkedIn tips? See social media expert, Guy Kawasaki’s famous blog entry on the top Ten Ways To Use LinkedIn.

Q: Does the chance of finding a job increase or decrease depending on where you get your degree?

October 20, 2009 by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am currently seeking admission to graduate school for library science. Does the chance of finding a job increase or decrease depending on where you get your degree?

SM: It can. Getting your degree from a highly ranked program may help your job prospects. It all depends on who is on the hiring committee and how much importance they place on where you get your degree. Getting your degree at the same place as someone on the committee, or the director of the library you are applying to, may help your chances of getting that job. You never know. It won’t, I guarantee, get you a job in and of itself. You need to possess the skills and experience required for the job (which you can get while you are in library school), you need to be a good fit for the library and institution you are applying to, and you need to show proof of what you learned in your library school program (projects, skills, classes, experience, etc.)… so choose wisely.

You may not be able to move across the country or commute a long distance to go to library school. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t research several different programs, including online programs. You need to figure out which will be the best for your educational and financial needs and you need to find a program that will fit into your lifestyle, or be willing to change your lifestyle to fit the needs of the program. I do not think that going to the nearest school, just because it is convenient and just because you want to hurry up and get your degree, is the best thing to do. Let’s face it, you are not going to make a ton of money as a librarian so you should not spend a ton of money on your library degree. Luckily, some of the best programs are in large public universities. See if there is one near you, or in the same state that you live in.

If you plan on working in libraries during library school, which is something we always recommend, then take into consideration the number of jobs available in the institution itself or in the surrounding area. Your graduate education will help to define your career, and the people you encounter (professors, fellow students, graduates, employers, coworkers, counselors) will help to shape your view of librarianship as they become your mentors, your supporters, and your collaborators.

So, take some time to review different library schools. Look at the classes they offer and the areas they specialize in, and think carefully about what you want to get out of the program. Every program has its strengths. Visit the school, talk to people in the program, ask questions on an online forum like LISjobs Message Board.

Ultimately, it isn’t the reputation of the program, or school, that matters most. It is how you use your degree (+ experience + knowledge + communication skills) to secure that first professional job. Good luck!

A few links:

ALA Accredited Schools

ALA Scholarship Program

U.S. News & World Report Rankings – Library and Information Studies

Peterson’s.com

GradSchools.com

How to Choose a Library Science School

Top 5 Tips for Job Hunting in Tough Times

September 16, 2009 by Tiffany ♥ 1 Comment

In case you haven’t heard (or experienced first hand) we’re in a tough economic period and that has people looking for jobs, or rethinking the one they have. We’ve been getting a lot of emails recently asking for very specific help on finding jobs. Unfortunately, we can’t answer each and every individual email, but we can offer some general advice and guidance. We are also hoping that our readers will join the conversation and offer their advice. Who knows? Maybe you’ll meet someone, who knows someone, who knows someone with a job…

Top 5 Tips for Job Hunting in Tough Times

1. The best way to get a job is to have (or have had) a job
Employers want someone with experience. We are looking for someone who can take what they’ve learned somewhere else and apply it (maybe even build upon it) in our position. So be sure to take opportunities to develop your professional experience. While it may not be the best job in the world, or your ultimate dream job ever, any work experience you have will help you build skills, a resume and a professional network. So be sure to carefully consider any and all offers of employment (including temp, contract, volunteer, intern, entry level, etc.)

2. Seek and ye shall find (but it also helps to know the best places to look)
Even if you’re currently in a job, don’t forget to keep an eye on the market to see what’s out there. And if you’re currently without a job, you’ll definitely want to be on the lookout. Check all the standard places (employer websites, library-related websites such as LISJobs.com, LIBJobs.com, etc…) but also be sure to check with local government agencies, regional consortiums, large local employers and online nationwide job-hunting sites like Monster.com.

3. Keep your tools sharp and ready to go
Always, always, always have a resume. Even if (maybe especially if) you’ve been in your current job for a decade, have a current resume and make sure it’s perfect. We’ve written several articles on resumes, so refer back to those for the how-to’s and must-have’s of resume writing. Also be sure you’re comfortable writing a cover letter and asking for employment references.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice
If it’s been a while since you’ve interviewed, you’ll need to practice to make perfect. Practice with friends, family and colleagues and ask for direct feedback. Practice telephone interviews, practice giving a presentation, even practice shaking hands and introducing yourself. The more practiced you are, the more comfortable you’ll be. The last place you want to “refine” your interviewing skills is actually on the interview!

5. Use your (social) network
We all know it’s a good idea to use your professional network when exploring or seeking new opportunities. But I would encourage you to think broadly about that network. It extends beyond those for whom, with whom, or over whom you’ve worked. If you’re in the market for a new opportunity, be sure to utilize all of your resources: professional colleagues, neighbors, the other dads in the daddy playgroup, or the moms at Little League. And don’t forget social networking. The Linked In site is built around the principals of networking and recommendations. And, if used appropriately, Facebook is an option. Look for professional-affiliated groups to join on Facebook or other profiles that post job information. Just be sure to use caution when posting personal and private information together. It’s a very careful balance, but it can be done successfully.

Readers, what do you think? For those who’ve been there (or are currently there) do you have other tips to share? We look forward to hearing from you…

Q: I want to be a children’s or young adult librarian, but I have no experience. How do I make myself marketable?

July 31, 2009 by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I graduated with my MLS in 1998 but when I returned to my home state, I could not find a job. I took a job in insurance and hoped a business librarian position would open up. I have never had a library job except during high school and as an undergraduate. I really want to get into children’s/young adult librarianship. I am trying to read as much children’s and young adult literature as I can (since I did not have any course work while obtaining my degree) and I am volunteering at my children’s elementary school. What else can I do to make myself more marketable? Should I take more continuing education classes? Is it more realistic to think I will have to move to secure a position? Any advice is greatly appreciated!

SM: Well, the job market is not any better today than it was in 1998, so I’m afraid you have some work ahead of you. I’m happy to hear that you have stopped hoping for a job to come along, which is the first step in making yourself more marketable…. and this means getting the skills and experience that employers want.

Ask yourself the following questions:

If you had to choose, which would it be: children’s librarian or YA librarian? You should decide on one area of focus. There are many differences between the two roles especially when it comes to technology and to material/resources, but there are also many similarities when it comes to duties (outreach, marketing, preparing programs and book talks, etc.). Do your research and find out what each requires and which best matches your skills and interest. I’ve listed links to competencies below.
Are you willing to spend money and time to make it happen? Ongoing professional development is increasingly important for gaining and maintaining skills, and it also looks good on a resume. I highly recommend taking classes that focus on YA or children’s librarianship, especially since you did not take any in library school. I also recommend technology classes (e.g., social networking, gaming, web site development, graphic design). Fortunately, many classes are now offered online. And, get as much library experience as you can. Look into volunteer opportunities, and jobs, at your local public library. Talk to the librarians there, ask them about their daily duties and see if they can offer advice. Find out what organizations they are involved in, and see if you can get involved (both locally and nationally) as well. Library organizations can be excellent venues for networking and mentoring.
Are you able and willing to relocate for a job? Being geographically mobile will always help in the job search, because you will be able to apply for many, many more positions. If this is not possible, then you need to find all the libraries in and around your area and see if they are hiring, look at their jobs ads, and find out what you need to do before you can apply for positions. Most children’s librarians and YA librarians work in public libraries; and public libraries may require that a.) you take a civil service exam, and that b.) you reside in the city or county of that particular library system.
Are you also considering school librarianship? The role of school librarian, or library media specialist, may be another option for you if you enjoy working with children, but you will most likely need to get additional education and/or certification to qualify for a position in a public school. Private schools usually do not require teacher certification.

Congratulations on pursuing your dream job. I hope you find it.

Sites to check out:

For Young Adult Librarians:

Competencies for Young Adult librarians, developed by YALSA, The Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association (ALA)

Online courses for YA librarians

YALSA wiki

YALSA blog

For Children’s Librarians:

Competencies for librarians serving children, developed by ALSC, Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association (ALA)

Association for Library Service for Children, ALSC’s blog:

New Grant Will Support Youth Services Students Seeking Advanced Degrees

Online courses for children’s librarians

Finding Your Niche as a Youth Services Librarian by Sophie R. Brookover

American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

Q: How would someone who is totally new to librarianship get into it?

July 15, 2009 by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: Shamefully (or possibly beneficially) I have no experience working in a library save for a stint in high school when I was part of the library club. I worked as a library page for two hours a week almost twenty years ago and nothing since. I have, on the other hand, used libraries — especially in college.

On a more positive note, I got accepted into a library and information science program. I’m happy and shocked at the same time because now I need to get my feet wet. I am thinking it would be very nice if I started doing something in a library. I don’t think I should wait until an internship is posted and volunteer library associations are chuck filled with volunteers already.

So, now, my question is: how would someone who is totally new to librarianship get into it?

TA: Congratulations on your acceptance into library school. I’m not sure how no experience could be “possibly beneficial” and I’m a little curious what led you to this point of seeking the LS/IS degree when you admit that you haven’t worked in a library any more than as a page twenty years ago. But whatever your reasons, I hope that your interest, experience, and objectives are further enhanced by obtaining the degree.

You’re smart to begin thinking early about gaining experience. Today’s employers like to see a combination of education and experience in qualified applicants, and building related experience is a lot easier during library school than at the end of it, or when you’re actually on the job market. There are a number of options to consider to gain experience: A volunteer placement, internship (paid or unpaid), practicum for course credit, and paid employment as a library staff member. Any or all of these would provide an opportunity for you to work in an actual library, and to see and build a better understanding of the work of libraries. Additionally, you’ll be able to apply classroom theory to real-world situations, something that will benefit both your classroom and work experience. It’s also a great way to “try on” different types of work to see which you like best and may help you specialize and focus your course selections. And finally, all of these experiences will build a resume with current, relevant experience which will make you marketable to prospective employers at the conclusion of your degree program.

SM: Well, I would say you’ve already gotten yourself into it, mentally anyway, by applying and getting accepted into a library and information science program. You must have thought seriously about your decision to become a librarian, and what you might want to do with the degree.

Even though you don’t have much experience working in libraries, you obviously have a strong pull towards the profession, or you wouldn’t be pursuing it. And, please (please) don’t say that you love to read books. If you haven’t already, do some research into the vast variety of roles librarians can play, and the incredibly diverse institutions in which they can work.

I recommend visiting the placement center, or career services center, of the school you will be attending and see if they have an online or a physical job board. Look for positions in the library or libraries of the university. Look for positions in local public libraries. Search for positions on online job sites, specific to librarianship such as LISjobs.com, or broader such as SimplyHired.com. Visit library web sites and see if they are hiring or if they have procedures you need to complete before they will hire you (civil service exam, typing test, forms to fill out, etc.). Don’t limit yourself to volunteering or wait for the perfect internship – get out there now and start getting experience! Ideally, you should get library experience before and during library school; which, in turn, will help you land a great job after you graduate. And believe me, nothing makes library school classes more relevant and more interesting than concurrently working in a library.

As you apply for positions, let prospective employers know that you are enrolled in library school and mention your past experience as a page in a library. This can help get you in the door, and convey both enthusiasm and commitment. And don’t be afraid to start out small… if you are good at what you do and motivated to learn, you will move up quickly and learn lots along the way.

Take a look at some of our previous postings on getting started:

“How Do I Get a Job with Little (or no) Experience AND no Degree?”

“Two Questions on Getting Experience Through Internships and Volunteering”

Your Library Career : Career Q&A for Library People

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