Thanks to Warren Cheetham for sending this to me. Much to ponder here. My first thought: this is further support for the concept of participating in the professional commons. Imagine how ideas and innovation can be amplified and enhanced by others.
Categories Library Jobs & Careers
285 posts
Forgive this late post, but I totally forgot to link to my September column in LJ: http://www.libraryjournal.com/lj/community/libraryeducation/891738-272/the_role_of_mentoring_.html.csp Mentors can advise new librarians on all aspects of the profession, including tips for getting along with coworkers, the ins and outs of dealing with library administrators, and the like. The online world offers a new twist. While much is gained by participating in the ubiquitous social networks, there are pitfalls as well. A professional’s expressions are now open for the world to read, hear, or view. Because anyone tweeting, blogging, or Facebooking can share their thoughts so easily and post sometimes […]
Yesterday, a patron came to me for help with finding a book. She said she thought it was checked in, but she wasn’t sure. I looked it up, found it was checked in, so we went to the shelf and got the book. On our walk through the stacks, she said to me that libraries are intimidating. I simply reassured her, and said that they’re really not. WHAT?!?! That was the wrong response. I should have asked her “How can we make the library less intimidating?” I could have gained a lot of insight had I just thought to ask […]
Deadline: November 15, 2011 The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) seeks applicants for the position of editor or co-editors of Reference & User Services Quarterly (RUSQ). The term is for three years, with the possibility of renewal for a second term. The editor may not serve longer than six consecutive years. Scope of RUSQ: RUSQ, the official publication of RUSA, has been published for fifty years. RUSQ publishes a blend of practical and empirically based articles on issues that widely impact reference and public services librarians. Beginning with the Fall 2011 issue (volume 51, number 1), RUSQ will be […]
Graham Lavender points to a post by Mr. Library Dude concerning the realities of libraries school and the job market. Mr. Library Dude offers a few points to be considered: I don’t really care what library school course grades/GPA you have. Just get your degree and focus on getting some experience. Get a mentor! Someone who is a working librarian. Not a library school professor who hasn’t worked in libraries for 20 years. Geographic flexibility: I understand that not everyone can (or wants) to move across country for a job. Just be aware that you may be severely limiting your […]
How cool is this recent ad for the position of Program Officer, Digital Media & Learning at the MacArthur Foundation?: (bolding is mine) Knowledge, Skills, and Experience: The Program Officer role requires graduate training and experience as a researcher or designer, with a strong grasp of research and theoretical literature relating to learning, adolescent development and new media, and practical, “on-the-ground” experience with youth, in libraries and museums or schools. He or she must be familiar with significant thought leaders and national organizations in relevant fields, and to be a respectful, collaborative colleague who can build bridges and actively engage […]
Shamelessly re-posted from Ken’s blog because it’s oh so good- http://www.kenhaycock.com/kens-blog/entry/ten-keys-to-career-success.html As I pointed out to the graduates, it may be less appropriate to offer an inspiring message concerning our particular profession and its prospects in a tight economy but we also sometimes forget that this too shall pass. The term convocation denotes a coming together, in this case for a celebration of achievement, but it is also a commencement, a beginning, a beginning of a new career and a new life, and also a beginning to learn, just as one gets a driver’s license but then really learns […]
Daniel Stuhlman, Reference Librarian at Wright College, Chicago presents part one of an interview with the newly appointed dean of the University’s School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS). Daniel notes, however, that “note this is just for your information and amusement. Any connection to a real university or dean is strictly coincidental.” The ideas ring true. http://kol-safran.blogspot.com/2011/05/new-dean-interview-part-1.html Q> You talked about teaching management skills as important for librarians. Would you elaborate? What is your philosophy of management? A> One of the most common reasons for people to be dissatisfied with their jobs is they feel they are not supported […]
I’ve been working in public libraries for five years now and recently decided to go back and look at the things I’ve done. Part of it was curiosity and the other part was to make sure that I’ve been doing my job and making interesting things happen for my community. Also, sometimes there’s a program or idea that you’ve had in the past that you’ve totally forgot about. Going back through my personal archives has helped me rediscover some ideas that I can now see through to completion. The Library Idea Share is my attempt to get these ideas and tools […]
This is intriguing – comment by “B” at http://bit.ly/gYGL6k : Some of my former co-workers (who were also hiring managers) nixed applicants that responded “Because I love books” to the question “Why do you want to work in a library?” While such a black and white approach to hiring makes me a bit squeamish, I do strongly encourage job applicants to be a bit more creative in their response. Apparently “Because I like books” is such a common response (among the entry-level crowd, at least), that giving a different (thoughtful and honest) answer is a quick way to nail the […]