An Ideal Job Candidate: What Do Library Employers Want?

This article was just published at LIScareer:

Shontz, Priscilla. "An Ideal Job Candidate: What Do Library Employers Want?"

Want to write for LIScareer? See our author guidelines.

Forthcoming: What Do Employers Want?

We've learned that our book "What Do Employers Want? A Guide for Library Science Students" is expected to be published in May 2012. You can find a description at http://liscareer.com/bookstore.htm.

A Substitute Librarian's Survival Guide

Just published:

Miller, Laura. "A Substitute Librarian's Survival Guide."

Publishing new articles

Hurray! We're finally publishing again. We'd love to hear your article ideas. Please send them to pshontz(at)liscareer.com. Thank you!

Priscilla & Rich

Call for articles

Would you like to write an article for LIScareer.com? Please see the author guidelines and contact us!

Priscilla & Rich

Resuming publication in 2012

We hope to begin publishing new articles in early 2012. If you'd like to suggest an article, please see the author guidelines. -- Priscilla & Rich

Consulting services discontinued

LIScareer.com no longer offers fee-based online consulting services. However, if you have a brief question about your job search, resume, cover letter, interview, or online portfolio, please feel free to submit it using the site's consulting form. I cannot guarantee an answer, but I will either try to respond briefly or try to contact another information professional who may be able to offer brief advice. If my site or books have helped you in your job search, I would really appreciate if you'd consider writing a testimonial or donating to help keep the site running. Thank you! -- Priscilla

November 2010 LIScareer Articles

Jumonville, Anne. Making the Most of the Transition From Student to Professional.

Kearns, Jodi and Rhonda Rinehart. Personal Perceptions of Information Responsibilities by Librarians and Archivists.

Porter, Toccara D. Putting the You First: Learning to be Yourself as a New Librarian.

Oct 2010 Articles

These articles were just published at http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm.

- Harris. Colleen S. "The First 30 Days: A Playbook for the New Library Manager."

- Markgren, Susanne. "Using Portfolios and Profiles to Professionalize Your Online Identity (For Free)."

- McBride, Renée. "What Size Fits You? Large vs. Small Academic Libraries for the Technical Services Librarian."

Sept 2010 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer:

- Harris, Amy. "Staying on Track: Balancing the Tenure Track and Family Life."
- Highlender, Stacy. "Using Sales Skills in Library Work."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See our author guidelines.

August 2010 Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

- Petit, Joan. "Working Overseas as a Librarian for the United States or Non-Government Organizations."

= Stevenson-Moudamane, Veronica L. C. "Supervisor Boot Camp: Survival Skills Guaranteed to Get New Managers Through Basic Training."

New online portfolio consulting service!

We now offer online portfolio consulting services! Susanne Markgren will help you create an online portfolio or review an existing one.

June 2010 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

Culkin, David T. "From the Motor Pool to the Data Pool: How Military Service Can Translate into Skills for Information Professionals." (June 2010)

Martinez, Michelle. "The Collection Isn’t Yours: Balancing Personal Agendas with Library Agendas." (June 2010)

If you're interested in writing an article for the site, please see our author guidelines. We also now offer career consulting services for librarians.

Priscilla

May 2010 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

- Chamberlain, Clint, and Jill Emery. "Mind Your Manners: Don't Be That Librarian or Vendor Representative."
- Katopol, Patricia. "Slow Down: Making the Most of Library School."

If you're interested in contributing an article, please see our author guidelines. You may also want to check out our career consulting services including our new online portfolio and interviewing consultations.

Priscilla

April 2010 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

- Antracoli, Alexis A. "On the Other Side of the Reading Room: Finding a Home in Archives and Special Collections."
- Petit, Joan. "Working Overseas in a School or University Library."

If you're interested in contributing an article, please see our author guidelines. You may also want to check out our career consulting services including our brand-new interviewing consultations!

Priscilla

New interview consulting services!

We are adding interview practice to the consulting services offered at LIScareer Consulting Services. Tiffany Eatman Allen (Personnel Librarian at UNC Chapel Hill and LIScareer Assistant Editor) is now offering 30-minute phone interview practice sessions! You can practice answering typical interview questions, get her feedback, and ask questions about the interview process. If you are interested, check out the details on our site.

Priscilla

March 2010 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

- Holt, Karen. "Metadata and Beyond: The Life of a Corporate Digital Archivist."

- Taylor, Deborah. "Making the Shift: Using Transferable Skills to Change Career Paths."

Want to write for the site? See the author guidelines.

Priscilla

Feb 2010 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

- Nelson, Elizabeth. "Collecting Experiences for Your Future Career."
- Perret, Robert. "So You Want to Prepare a Research Survey?"

Want to write for the site? See the author guidelines. Also check out our new career consulting services!

Priscilla

LIScareer's on Facebook

We've finally created a Facebook page. Please join us, and feel free to post your own career question for other LIScareer fans!

LIScareer Consulting

The new consulting service has started off well, and I've thoroughly enjoyed the interactions with the fascinating clients I've worked with so far. If you know anyone who might be interested, please let them know about LIScareer Consulting. Thanks! -- Priscilla

New consulting service

Priscilla is launching a new online library career consulting service for new librarians, MLS students, and prospective MLS students. For more information please see our consulting page.

New assistant editor

We are pleased to welcome a new assistant editor, Tiffany Eatman Allen. She will join editor Priscilla Shontz and assistant editor Rich Murray in soliciting and editing articles for the site. Tiffany is the Personnel Librarian at UNC Chapel Hill Library and co-writes the Career Q&A with the Library Career People blog.

Call for articles

LIScareer is accepting article proposals again! If you are interested, please see the author guidelines.

LIScareer accepting article proposals

I will be working on the site redesign for the next month or so, but we are happy to accept article proposals again. If you have something you'd like to write, please see the article submission guidelines.

LIScareer redesign underway

I'm trying to redesign LIScareer and, if all goes well, we'll be able to begin accepting articles for publication in a month or so. Thank you for your patience.

Survey: What Do You Love About Librarianship? (Deadline Aug 31)

I would appreciate your input for a new book/article idea I'm working on. Please feel free to pass this on to others. This is just an informal survey asking "what do you love about being in the library/information science field?" I'm looking for quick, anecdotal responses; then I may get back to you if I'd like to follow up. Please respond to pshontz@liscareer.com by Aug 31 if possible.

(1) Why did you become a librarian or information professional?
(2) What do you enjoy most about being in this field? (ie, variety, schedules, continuing your own education, helping others, research, etc.) Please include examples if possible.
(3) Do you feel you help others, or make an impact, through your work? If so, how?
(4) What is a funny or odd thing you've encountered in your work? (I'm interested in hearing funny anecdotes about "real life" at your job.)
(5) What would you advise a library school student to do or learn before he/she graduates? What advice would you give someone considering this profession?

Thank you again for your time and input!
Priscilla Shontz
Editor, LIScareer.com
pshontz@liscareer.com

New Writing Consultant

I just got this from my friend Bob Schatz, who wrote a chapter called "Effective Writing for the Career Librarian" in The Librarian's Career Guidebook:

"I am pleased to announce the opening of my office offering writing services to the library/publishing/vending community. Over the years I’ve become aware that much of what organizations send out falls short of its objectives. At worst, it casts an unprofessional light on the organization, negatively impacts results, and damages important relationships. My hope is to help libraries, library associations, publishers, and vendors serving libraries produce clear, effective communiqués, in whatever form they take. I invite you to visit my website, www.impact2info.com, for a detailed look at the services I now offer.
I am, as always, at your service.
Best regards,
Bob Schatz
Business & Professional Writing Services
www.impact2info.com
ph: 503-706-5204"

ACRL New Member Discussion Group meeting at ALA Annual Conference

Going to Annual in Anaheim? Join us for the ACRL New Member Discussion Group on Saturday, June 28th from 10:30 am - 12:00 pm, Hilton Anaheim, Balboa C (Right after the the ACRL 101 session and located in the same hotel)*Building a more hireable you: Developing your resume from the inside out*Whether you are currently on the job market or just looking to updateyour resume or CV, join us to discuss tips for developing unique skills that will help you stand out. We'll also talk about tips on how to create a winning online portfolio (as well as provide some great examples!). The ACRL New Member Discussion group is for new (and aspiring) academic librarians. We meet twice a year--at both ALA conferences--to chat about whatever is on our minds. It's an opportunity for networking and a friendly place to ask any questions you have about succeeding in ACRL.Questions? Interested in getting involved? Contact Merinda Hensley, Convener, ACRL New Member Discussion Group, mhensle1@illinois.edu

LIScareer temporarily suspending publication

LIScareer will temporarily stop publishing new articles due to technical, financial, and time issues. We hope to begin publishing again soon, but right now we just can't say when. Thank you very much for visiting LIScareer. We hope that you will continue to enjoy the articles that are on the site.

Priscilla & Rich

June 2008 LIScareer Articles

• Carter, Genny. "Overcoming the 'Lack of Experience' Factor."
• Donnelly, Rebecca. "Something Different Every Day: Applying Outside Experience to Youth Services."

May 2008 LIScareer Articles

• Eddington, Sam. "Out in the Country: Making Rural Librarianship Your First Career Step."
• Morrissey, Beth. "'But You Don’t Look Like A Librarian': Bringing Back Marian the Librarian."

TLA Conference Program

Priscilla will be speaking at the Texas Library Association Conference in Dallas on April 18, along with Beverley Geer, Michelle Millet, Delene de la Rose, and Dawn Vogler. Here's the program description: The Librarian Chronicles: Career Options for Librarians. Ever wondered about transferring to a different type of library? Is the grass really greener? A panel of professionals will share the joys, sorrows, and humorous challenges they face in their unique library environments.

Google Book Search

Limited previews of A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science and The Librarian's Career Guidebook are now available on Google Book Search!

March 2008 LIScareer Articles

• Burchfield, Amy. "Benefiting From Your Academic Library Job."
• Dority, G. Kim. "Ask Not What Your Network Can Do For You…"

Feb 2008 LIScareer Articles

• Baggett, Kevin. "The Accidental Academic Health Sciences Librarian."
• Martin, Nora. "The Challenges of a Newly Created Library Position."

ACRL New Member Discussion Group meeting at ALA Midwinter

Going to ALA Midwinter? Join us for the ACRL New Member Discussion Group on Saturday, January 12, 2008, 10:30 am - noon, The Marriott Philadelphia — Room 405

We'll be talking about the things you wish you had learned in library school including marketing, teaching skills and whatever else you've encountered as a new librarian. Share your ideas and experiences with others while brainstorming ways to get more experience. The ACRL New Member Discussion group is for new (and aspiring) academic librarians. We meet twice a year--at both ALA conferences--to chat about whatever is on our minds. It's an opportunity for networking and a friendly place to ask any questions you have about succeeding in ACRL.

Questions? Interested in getting involved? Contact Merinda Hensley, Convener, ACRL New Member Discussion Group, mhensle1@uiuc.edu

Lisjobs launches discussion forums

Just got this press release from Rachel Singer Gordon over at Lisjobs.com:

LISjobs.com Launches Online Community
New discussion forums now open

LISjobs.com, the largest free library career portal on the Internet, is pleased to announce the launch of its new online community for librarians. Devoted entirely to career development and job hunting, these forums provide a space for librarians, LIS students, library workers, and information professionals to discuss professional development issues: http://lisjobs.com/forum/.

“I’m excited to be able to offer this space for collaboration and discussion,” says Rachel Singer Gordon, webmaster, LISjobs.com. “As librarians, we know that we work and learn best in community -- I look forward to watching the forums grow.” Current forum moderators include:

Michael Stephens, LIS schools
Jess Bruckner, Jumpstart your career
Meredith Farkas, Professional development and participation
Susanne Markgren, Talking tenure
Kim Dority, Professional writing
Sophie Brookover, Work/life balance

In recent related developments, Info Career Trends, LISjobs.com’s professional development newsletter, has moved to the Wordpress platform to better serve its subscribers. Its long-time career Q&A columnists, Tiffany Allen and Susanne Markgren, have moved to their own blog, and author/entrepreneur Kim Dority joins in with her new monthly column on “Rethinking Information Careers.”

Info Career Trends continues to fill an underserved niche, devoted entirely to career and professional development issues for librarians and information professionals. The newsletter and column content are accessible at: http://www.lisjobs.com/career_trends/. Rachel Singer Gordon shares: “I’m so pleased to bring Kim on board, and to watch the Library Career People column evolve in its new blog format. I look forward to hearing others’ opinions across the LISjobs.com online community.”

LISjobs.com, launched in 1996, provides free library-related job listings to both employers and job seekers, as well as related services from resume postings to career development blogs.

Informed Librarian article: What You Wish You'd Learned in Library School

You may remember back in the summer we told you that we wanted to write an article called "What Do You Wish You'd Learned In Library School?" Many of you responded to that question, and for that, thanks! The article that resulted from that question has just been published as the guest column in this month's issue of Informed Librarian Online. We included many of your comments (anonymously), so you may find yourself quoted in our article. We had fun reading your responses and writing the article, and we hope you enjoy reading it. You can view it at the Informed Librarian Online site (link to Guest Forum on the left side of page). We've also posted a brief summary of responses on our site.

Thanks again for your help!

Rich

Nov 2007 Articles

• Allen, Tiffany Eatman. "To Whom It May Concern: A Guide for Giving Employment References."
• Larrabee, Nancy. "What I Wish I Had Learned in Library School: A Public Librarian’s Perspective."

Oct 2007 LIScareer Articles

• Forest, Jon. "Moving from Public Services to Systems: Interview Strategies."
• Wells, Muriel K. "The Internship Voyage: Shipwreck or Smooth Sailing?"

What do you wish you'd learned in library school?

"What do you wish you'd learned in library school?"

When Rich and I asked this question a few months ago, we received a lot of interesting replies, which we'll be summarizing in an article for Informed Librarian. If you haven't already responded, we would love to hear your answers! (Please keep it brief - your "gut reaction.")

And by the way, Nancy Larrabee will share her views on the topic in an upcoming LIScareer article.

Sept 2007 Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Guthrie, Ana. "Shifting: Ways to Cope When You’re the Only Minority in Your Department."
• Herrick, Fritz. "Working Overseas: Opportunities and Challenges."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

Aug 2007 LIScareer Articles

Newly-published articles:

• Powell, Jessie Bishop. "Contract Cataloging in the 21st Century."
• Switzer, Teri R. "Mentoring: A First Step on the Road to Success."

Want to write for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

July 2007 LIScareer Articles

• Harrington, Heather. "Quiet in the Library: Working in a Work Zone."
• Smith, Felicia A. "Pursuit of Employment in the New Millennium."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

June 2007 LIScareer Articles

These articles were recently published on LIScareer.com:

• Dority, G. Kim. "LinkedIn: Everything I Ever Wanted to Tell You, But Was Too Shy/Modest/Embarrassed to Say…"
• Glover, John. "Telling Stories to Get the Job."

Interested in writing for LIScareer.com? Check out the submission guidelines.

May 2007 Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Potter, Charlie, and Shelly Franklin. "Getting Started: Employment Opportunities for Graduate Students in Library and Information Programs."
• Riehle, Catherine Fraser. "Teaching Tips from the Instruction Front: Insights of a New Librarian."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

A Day in the Life is out !!

We're excited to announce that our book is out! We'd like to thank the 98 contributors for their hard work, candor, and enthusiasm. (And in case you're wondering, the LU.com description below says 95 authors -- we actually had 95 chapters, 98 contributors.) :-)

*****************************************

Shontz, Priscilla K. and Richard A. Murray, editors. A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science. Libraries Unlimited, 2007. 464 pages. ISBN 1591583640.

Table of contents, excerpts, contributor information, and more at http://www.liscareer.com/dil.htm.

Many people, not just those new to the field of library and information science, are curious about their career options. The editors of LIScareer.com have assembled 95 authors, each of whom describes a "typical" workday or work routine, sharing joys, sorrows, and annoyances in refreshingly candid fashion. In the process, they offer those interested in finding a similar job exposure to useful skills and advice across a wide variety of traditional and nontraditional jobs. In addition to public, academic, school, and special libraries, consortia, associations, LIS programs, vendors, publishing, consulting, and other non-library fields are also covered. This is a perfect guide for library and information science students, prospective information professionals, new librarians-or anyone considering a career change.

April 2007 Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Anderson, Elsa. "Teach Yourself To Be Tech Savvy."
• Barta, Erin. "See What You’re Hearing: Explicit vs. Implicit Interview Responses."
• Doshi, Ameet. "Reducing Library-related Stress Holistically."
• King, Douglas. "The Hows and Whys of Book Reviewing."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

What do you wish you'd learned in library school?

"What do you wish you'd learned in library school?"

I've been mulling over this topic and would love to hear your answers! Email me (keep it brief, please - a short list, your "gut reaction" answers, a couple short paragraphs, whatever works for you).

Priscilla

March 2007 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Ferguson, Jen. "Tips from the Trenches: How to Survive (and Even Enjoy) Distance Learning."
• Gertz, Christine. "Move Along: Relocation for Librarians."
• Osborn, Jennifer. "Developing Teaching and Training Skills."
• Sullivan, Doreen. "Flying Off the Inside Track: Survival Strategies for the Internal Candidate."

Want to write for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

Feb 2007 LIScareer Articles

These articles have just been published at LIScareer.com:

• Gaspari, Maureen. "To Cohort or Not to Cohort: An Essential Question to Ask When Considering an Online MLS Program."
• Glossop, Kelly. "Liaising Around: Essentials for a New Liaison Librarian."
• Morris, Sarah E. & Patrice Johnson. "Getting Your LIS Degree without Breaking the Bank."
• Peters, Chrissie Anderson. "Paying for Graduate School."

Interested in writing for LIScareer.com? See the author guidelines.

A Day in the Life description on LU and Amazon

A brief description of the book that Rich Murray and I just edited, A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science, has been posted on Amazon and on Libraries Unlimited's website. If you'd like to be notified when the book is available through Amazon, you can sign up for an email alert (of course, we'll let you know here, as well!).

The description reads:

"Many people, not just those new to the field, are curious about their career options. The editors of liscareer.com have assembled 95 authors, each of whom describes a "typical" workday or work routine, sharing their joys, sorrows, and annoyances in refreshingly candid fashion. In the process, those interested in finding a similar job will be treated to useful skills, and advice across a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional jobs; in addition to public, academic, school and special libraries, consortia, associations, LIS programs, vendors, publishing, consulting and other non-library fields are covered. For library and information science students, prospective information professionals, new librarians, or anyone considering a career change."

Jan 2007 Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Allen, Tiffany Eatman. "It’s Your Call: Telephone Interview Strategies."
• Brown, Christopher A. "Functional and Stylistic Needs of Every Online Portfolio."
• Kelley, Jennifer. "A New Librarian’s First Conference: Or, What I Learned on Navy Pier."
• Woodruff, Laura. "Becoming a People Person: Social Growing Pains of a Visiting Assistant University Librarian."

If you'd like to write for LIScareer, please check out the author guidelines.

Dec 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles have just been published at LIScareer.com:

• Ganster, Ligaya. "Making a Visual Impact: A Former Graphic Designer's Guide to Creating Library Publications."
• Paul, Sara R. "Find a Job in 10 Minutes a Day: Persistent Job Search Via an Aggregator."
• Starkey, Jennifer. "Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Getting a Second Master’s Degree But Were Afraid To Ask."
• Taylor, Tomaro I. "Why a Residency or Fellowship Might be Right for You."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

Nov 2006 Articles

These articles are now available:

• Aho, Melissa. "Career College Libraries: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly."
• Barton, Emily. "What Library School Didn’t Teach You: An Overview from Six First-Year Professionals."
• Delumeau, Andrea. "Telecommuting for Librarians."
• Johnston, Jennifer. "Not Just for Kids: Cultivating Adult Programs."

You can find these articles at http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm.

If you would like to write for LIScareer, please see the author guidelines at http://www.liscareer.com/write.htm.

LIScareer back on monthly publication schedule

Rich and I have shipped off our manuscript (whew! Oh, we think it will be published by summer 2007) and we're back to work on LIScareer. Interested in contributing an article? See the author guidelines and scheduled articles.

LIScareer on hiatus until Nov 2006

LIScareer will be on hiatus until Nov 2006, while Rich and Priscilla work more intensively on the book A Day in the Life. If you're interested in writing for LIScareer, please check out the author guidelines and the schedule of upcoming articles. Thanks for your interest!

Call for contributors closed

Thank you all so much for the fast and overwhelming response to our call for a few more potential contributors to our book! We think that we have filled the gaps (but we will keep your names in mind and will contact you in early July if we still need someone). We appreciate your interest! And we would like to encourage you to consider writing for LIScareer if you have career advice to share.

Thanks,
Priscilla Shontz
Rich Murray

Call for contributors (intl school librarian; consultant)

If you are (or can recommend) a (1) consultant or a (2) librarian at an international K-12 school who would be interested in writing a brief book chapter describing your job -- in a very short time period -- please contact Priscilla & Rich to discuss the idea (see http://www.liscareer.com/dil_contents.htm for more information).

June 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles have just been published at LIScareer.com:

• Burchfield, Amy. "Experience the World as an FCIL Librarian."
• Pressley, Lauren. "Electronic Communication in the Workplace."
• Sullivan, Doreen. "The Librarian Has Not Yet Left the Building: Resignation After-Effects."
• Vertone, Regina. "Which Side of the Pond Are You On? Focus and Variety in Librarianship."

If you would like to write for LIScareer, see the author guidelines and the publication schedule.

LIScareer will be on hiatus until Nov 2006.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

New librarian resume/interviewing book

Robert Newlen has updated and expanded his terrific resume guide! His new book, Resume Writing And Interviewing Techniques That Work!: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians, has just been published.

May 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Garber, Gina. "Making the Leap from Paraprofessional to Professional in an Academic Library."
• Keogh, Kristina. "Solo Librarianship: Unique Challenges and Opportunities for New Librarians."
• Krygier, Sarah. "Top Ten Ways to Burn Your Bridges in Library Land."
• Osborn, Jennifer. "Developing Workplace Coaching Skills."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

Rich Murray signs on as co-editor of A Day in the Life

I'm pleased to tell you that Rich Murray has agreed to co-edit the book A Day in the Life. Rich has been assistant editor of LIScareer.com for several years. We've received most of the final drafts and anticipate that the book will be published in 2007.

This book attempts to provide a glimpse into a wide variety of jobs available to information professionals. In this book, 95 authors describe a “typical” work day or work routines, point out advantages and disadvantages in their position, and offer advice to job seekers interested in following their career path. Authors candidly share their experiences to offer readers a sense of what it’s really like to work in their type of job.

The book covers a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional jobs. In addition to public, academic, school and special libraries, it also describes some jobs in consortia, associations, LIS programs, vendors, publishing, consulting and other non-library fields. Though the book is primarily aimed at information professionals working in the US, it features authors from around the world.

April 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Andrews, Sarah. "Learning to Teach: Providing Library Instruction."
• Ferrer-Vinent, Ignacio J. "How I Got My Dream Library Job."
• Johnson, Melissa M. "Multitasking to Within an Inch of Your Life: Working in a Small Library."
• Larrabee, Nancy. "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to My Interview; or, What Not to Do."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

March 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published on LIScareer:

• Krygier, Sarah. "Experience to Get Experience."
• Li, Judy. "Swinging between Academic and Public Librarianship."
• Pressley, Lauren. "Workplace Communication."
• York, Amy. "Should You Take a Temp Job?"

Interested in writing for LIScareer? Check out the Author Guidelines.

Feb 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Brannon, Sian. "How Working in Retail Made Me a Better Librarian."
• Gore, Sally. "Designated for Assignment."
• Smith, Felicia A. "Weary Helper: From Private Investigator to Librarian."
• Swartz, Jonathan. "School Library Media Specialist Programs."

Interested in writing for LIScareer.com? See the author guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

The Librarian's Career Guidebook mentioned in U.S. News & World Report

Hey, neat! The Librarian's Career Guidebook was mentioned in this U.S News & World Report article, Career Center: Excellent careers for 2006 .

Jan 2006 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published on LIScareer (http://liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm).

• Larrabee, Nancy. "Creating Connections in Your Community: Starting and Leading a Book Discussion Group."
• tenBroek, Barbara. "Is There a Library Job in Your Future?"
• Walker, Shaundra. "Making a Lateral Move."
• Zafran, Enid L. "'Do You Actually Read the Entire Book?': The Life of an Indexer."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines at http://liscareer.com/write.htm.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

ALA NMRT Resume Review Service

Want some helpful advice or a fresh perspective on your resume? Visit the ALA NMRT Resume Review Service at the ALA Midwinter Meeting or check out their online services.

Nov 2005 Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Bridgewater, Rachel. "From Temporary to Permanent – Making the Best of Your Time as a Temp." (LIScareer, Nov 2005)
• Ennis, Lisa. "Going Over the Wall! Escaping a Toxicity." (LIScareer, Nov 2005)
• Johns-Masten, Kathryn. "Deconstructing the Interview Process at a Small Academic Library." (LIScareer, Nov 2005)
• Kugel, Karin. "Working for a Vendor: a Lesser-Known Way to Enter the Business." (LIScareer, Nov 2005)

Interested in writing for LIScareer? Check out the author guidelines.

Oct 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles are now available at LIScareer.com:

• Fawley, Nancy. "Taking Your MLIS Overseas."
• King, Douglas. "What’s So Special About Cataloging Special Materials?"
• Matthews, Michael. "Your First Year on the Tenure Track: Temperamental Advice for Junior Faculty in Toxic Work Environments."
• Strong, Marcy. "New Librarians as Project Managers: A Project Cataloger Tells All."

If you would like to write for LIScareer, please see the Author Guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, Editor
Rich Murray, Assistant Editor

Call for contributors: non-library positions

I am almost finished lining up authors for A Day in the Life (tentative title) but am still looking for a few more MLS grads in non-library positions. If you have an MLIS and work in one of the following positions (or another non-library job), and would be interested in contributing, please contact me at pshontz@liscareer.com.

• web librarian (for web company such as Amazon.com)
• information architect
• information broker
• competitive intelligence
• ontologist
• private investigator
• computer programmer, software developer, database design (vendor, non-library)

Priscilla

Updated call for contributors

I am still looking for a few contributors to the book I'm editing. If you are interested in sharing a typical day in your position (see below), please briefly describe your job. Contact me at pshontz@liscareer.com.

PUBLIC:
Director of large system

SCHOOL:
Administrator/other (something other than school librarian)

SPECIAL:
Tourist attraction/recreation/entertainment
Healthcare (other than pediatric hospital medical library)
Law firm

VENDOR:
Marketing
Database design, programming, etc

PUBLISHING:
Acquisitions editor

OTHER
Private investigator

The Art of Resilience 101

If you enjoy Shelley Hourston's article, "The Resilient Librarian," you might want to check out the program she mentions in her author statement:

"Learn more in The Art of Resilience 101, an online program beginning October 3, 2005. Visit http://www.shourstonandassociates.com for more information."

Priscilla

Sept 2005 Articles

These articles were published at LIScareer (http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm).

• Delumeau, Andrea. "Time Management for Library Professionals."
• Hourston, Shelley. "The Resilient Librarian."
• Moll, Joy Weese. "Meet Me at the Placement Center."
• Stevenson-Moudamane, Veronica L. C. "Growing Your Talent Tree: Practical Tips for New Professionals."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the Author Guidelines (http://www.liscareer.com/write.htm).

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

Call for contributors (book: "a day in the life")

I am editing a book that will briefly describe various career options available to those with a masters in library science (or equivalent, for non-US librarians). It will include traditional library careers (public, academic, school, special library) as well as nontraditional jobs (vendor, publisher, other). Though the primary audience is the US and Canada, I am also looking for authors from other countries. Authors will describe their daily routines (a typical day in their position), the pros and cons of their jobs, and advice to those wanting to follow their career paths. Chapters will run about 2000 words and will be due Jan 1 (with a rough draft due Nov 1).

Below is a list of positions I am still filling, though some are "pending," meaning I have invited authors and am waiting for responses. The list is also very tentative, meaning that I may not include all of these positions in the book.

If you are interested in contributing, please contact Priscilla Shontz at pshontz@liscareer.com. Please very briefly describe your job so I can see how it fits the book’s outline.

PUBLIC:
Director of large system
Technical Services/Cataloging/Collection Development
Systems/Web/Electronic Services

ACADEMIC:
Head of Technical Services
ILL/document delivery librarian?
(Non-US) subject specialist (ie, music, art, science, etc)
Law school
Other specialized

SCHOOL:
Media specialist
Administrator/other

SPECIAL:
Consumer health/veterinary/pharmacy/pediatrics (clinical)
Law firm
Tourist attraction/recreation/entertainment

NONLIBRARY:
Associations, local/specialized
Consortium trainer
LIS administrator/faculty
Other (online services? Etc?)

VENDOR:
Marketing
Development, database design, programming, etc
Other

PUBLISHING:
Publisher
Acquisitions editor
Production editor
Sales manager
Online publisher/editor

August 2005 LIScareer articles

These articles were published at LIScareer (http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm).

• Gordon, Larissa. "Your Last Impression: Saying Thank You after Your Interview."
• Larrabee, Nancy. "Readers’ Advisory: You Can Do It!"
• Pressley, Lauren. "Supervising Younger Workers."
• Sloan, Susan. "Leadership for New Librarians."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the Author Guidelines (http://www.liscareer.com/write.htm).

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

July 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published on LIScareer (http://liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm):

• Dalby, Alyson. "Negotiating Salary Packages."
• Ewing, Robin. "Surviving the Campus Interview Presentation."
• Harvie, David I. "Libraries: Our Last Best Hope: Towards a Personal Philosophy of Librarianship."
• Millet, Michelle. "The Small World of Librarianship: Be Wary of Taking Test-Drives."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines at http://www.liscareer.com/write.htm.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

June 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Collins, Catherine. "Earning an MLS at 40 & Beyond: A Snapshot of the Older Student."
• Joseph, Mylee. "Making a Case for Attending a Conference."
• Olmstadt, Will. "What to Ask Your Interviewer."

If you'd like to write for LIScareer, please see the author guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

May 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Arnold, Jennifer. "The Other Academic Library: Librarianship at the Community College."
• Ennis, Lisa. "The Pope, Leadership, and Me."
• Moran, Jessica. "On Being an Experienced, Flexible Specialist: Finding Your First Professional Librarian Position."
• Vetruba, Brian. "Librarians and Languages."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the author guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

April 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles have just been published at LIScareer.com:

• Baird, Tim and Zahra M. "Running on Empty: Dealing with Burnout in the Library Setting."
• Burns, Elizabeth. "Experience Needed: Using Non-Librarian Skill Sets in a Library Environment."
• Owen, Tim Buckley. "Leaving Information Management to the Professionals: Why You Can’t Start Too Early."
• Shotsberger, Stacy. "The Internship Bridge."

Interested in contributing to LIScareer? See the Author Submission Guidelines.

March 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Groves, Deana. "Office Politics: Advancing from Staff to Faculty within the Same Library."
• Massengale, Lisa. "Working in a Joint-Use Facility."
• Silver, Samantha. "Can’t We All Just Get Along?: Bridging Generation Gaps in Libraries."
• Zimmerman, Devin. "Mindfulness for Librarians."

Interested in contributing to LIScareer? See the Author Submission Guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

Review of The Librarian's Career Guidebook

In her Info Career Trends book review, Penny Scott writes "... The Librarian’s Career Guidebook is a rich reference for anyone interested in the library field; I picture it becoming well-worn and loved on many bookshelves." If you're interested, find out more about the book.

February 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published at LIScareer.com:

• Bradley, Phil. "A Librarian's Career as an Internet Consultant, or How a Library Degree can Get You around the World."
• Cole, Jacob. "Becoming a Supervisor: Managing Student Workers."
• Doyle, Beth. "Careers in Preservation Librarianship."
• Peters, Chrissie Anderson. "Supervising Students: Sore Spots, Strategies, and Success."

You can find these articles, and more, at http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm.

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the Article Submission Guidelines.

Raising Our Standards

I'm a bit late, but had to mention another terrific article by Emily Edmonson in the Chronicle of Higher Education. In "Raising Our Standards," Edmonson inspires us all to aim higher in our job searches and gives some excellent advice to search committees wishing to attract good candidates.

Professional Networking Online

Priscilla's article "Professional Networking Online" appeared in the Jan 27 issue of the FreePint Newsletter.

Jan 2005 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published on LIScareer.com:

• Allen, Tiffany Eatman. "Crafting a Winning Resume."
• Casburn, Steve. "Prove Yourself: What Public and Academic Librarians Can Learn from Special Librarians."
• Long, Dallas. "See the World - Be a Librarian!"
• McNew, Christina Bennett. "Work Outside the Box."

Interested in writing for LIScareer? See the Article Submission Guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

Dec 2004 LIScareer Articles

These articles were just published on LIScareer.com:

• Baird, Tim and Zahra M. Baird. "How to Enjoy Being an MLS: a Master of Library Stress."
• Barta, Erin. "Why I Won’t Work for You."
• Ennis, Lisa A. "Oh, the Things I’ve Learned! Navigating the Labyrinth of Library Personalities."
• Wilcox, Matt. "Why I Won’t Hire You."

You can find these articles at http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm.

If you'd like to write for LIScareer, please see the Article Submission Guidelines.

Priscilla Shontz, editor
Rich Murray, assistant editor

The Librarian's Career Guidebook is now available!

I'm pleased to announce that the The Librarian’s Career Guidebook is now available!

Shontz, Priscilla K., editor. The Librarian's Career Guidebook. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2004

Are you trying to break into a career in library science or improve your current position? In The Librarian's Career Guidebook, 63 information professionals from diverse positions, workplaces, and regions discuss a variety of career issues and offer advice to prospective librarians, MLS students, and librarians in various stages of their careers, from entry-level to the highly experienced. Packed with more than 60 chapters, The Librarian's Career Guidebook covers such topics as career options, education, the job search, on-the-job experience, professional development, essential skills and strategies for enjoying your career.

See the full table of contents and excerpts at http://www.liscareer.com/bookstore.htm.

Nov 2004 LIScareer articles

These articles were just published on LIScareer.com:

• Ewing, Robin. "Presenting with Confidence: 10 Tips for Librarians."
• Harrington, Heather. "From Library School to Museum Library: Cataloging as an Unlikely Career."
• Newlen, Robert R. and Teri Switzer. "Taking a Paraprofessional Position with an MLS: Savvy Career Move or Career Kiss of Death?"
• Sill, Laura A. "To: The Chair. Re: Committee Meeting Mechanics."

You can find these new articles at http://www.liscareer.com/articlesbydate.htm.

If you'd like to write for LIScareer.com, please check out the Article Submission Guidelines

Excerpts from The Librarian's Career Guidebook

I've just posted several excerpts from The Librarian's Career Guidebook (which I think will be out in December). Check out the links in the book's table of contents at the LIScareer.com Bookstore.

ALA Library Career Recruitment Forum

Subject: Recruitment--Who Cares? Answer: Everyone who is thinking about the future of libraries! Come to the ALA Library Career Recruitment Forum on January 14, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Boston to learn more! Featured speakers include Carla Hayden, Carol Brey-Casiano, Jim Matarazzo, Keith Curry Lance, a panel of graduate library students from Simmons College and a host of others. Afternoon talk tables will provide small group discussions on a variety of recruitment topics and initiatives. Sample recruiting materials and displays of best practices will be available to participants. The prototype for the new ALA recruitment website will be a highlight of the Forum and your feedback is needed.There is no cost to attend the Forum. An optional lunch will be available to registered participants. Register now by contacting Darlena Davis, ALA Office for Human Resources Development andRecruitment, at ddavis@ala.org. See you January 14th! [Julie Brewer, ALA Recruitment Assembly]

Informed Librarian Online article & featured book

If you're moving into a new job soon, you might want to check out my article "Off to a Good Start: Strategies for Your First Year in a New Job," just published in the Nov issue of Informed Librarian Online. ILO also offers a discount on The Librarian's Career Guidebook (see table of contents at the LIScareer Bookstore). The latest I've heard is that the book will be published in Nov or Dec -- you can be sure I'll announce it here when the book's available!

Oct 2004 LIScareer Articles

The October 2004 articles have just been published at LIScareer.com:

• Delumeau, Andrea. "Keeping Up with RSS."
• Flanagan, Kate. "Library Residency: A Stepping Stone."
• Gray, Brian. "Self-Awareness: the Key to Leading Others."
• Jackson, Cassandra L. "Embracing Librarianship: A New Librarian Reflects on Organizational Characteristics that Motivate the Transition from Library Associate to Professional Librarian."
• King, Sarah C. "Being a New Librarian in a New Library: What to Expect When You Take the Plunge."

If you would like to write an article for LIScareer.com, please see the Article Submission Guidelines.

New librarians' concerns

The Creative Librarian has compiled a nice list of several recent posts about the concerns of new librarians.

What do new librarians want?

What do NextGens really want? See Rachel Singer Gordon's answer to that question in her Oct 15 Library Journal column. And check out the Aug 15 LJ article "Fixing the First Job," which shares new librarians' perspectives on the profession.

Young Librarian seeks feedback

Katie Dunneback of Young Librarian ponders a possible merger with another site and asks "what are you interested in hearing about from me?" (Oct 8)

Future Librarian Dot Com

Future Librarian Dot Com hopes "to bring you interesting articles, a unique message board system, links to helpful information, talks with professionals, a place to shop and much more!" Check out the opportunities to join the team.

Listen to the young 'uns!

Marylaine Block's article "The Right Hand Knoweth Not ..." encourages experienced librarians and administrators to hire and listen to newer, younger librarians.

Are you new to RSS?

Both Rich and I are new to RSS, so please bear with us as we learn and please let us know if we make mistakes! If you are unfamiliar with RSS (I've gotten some questions about how to subscribe to this site) here are some tutorials you might want to check out. Also, stay tuned as one of LIScareer's October articles will explain RSS.

Free Range Librarian Getting Started with RSS: A 15-Minute Tutorial by Karen G. Schneider

LLRX.com RSS for Non-Techie Librarians by Steven M. Cohen

Fagan Finder All About RSS

My Yahoo RSS Module

Bloglines online RSS reader