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"The more you love what you are doing,
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~ Jerry Gillies 

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Constant employment and well-paid labor produce
general prosperity, content, & cheerfulness."
~ Daniel Webster

Table of Contents

Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
What kinds of jobs are there in Today's Libraries?
What are the Job Titles?

Where to find Library Jobs

Need an education?

What about Career Ladders in Libraries?

Advice & Tips

 Internet Employment Sites

Try Something Different 

Career Resources 

Library Salaries and General Salary Info 

You Expect Me to Live on That $!$! 
What if I get laid off

What if I have to Move for that new Job 

 Gonna, be awhile on the Net, Get these handy items! 

Random Thoughts.. 

Interesting Reading 

What kinds of Jobs / Titles will you be looking for? 
What do people do in Libraries?

List of Support Staff Positions in Libraries
From American Library Association's
Careers in Libraries page resources

Job titles:
As an example, print out this listing of
Real Job Titles for
Library & Information Professionals
(** Or Generate a Job Title ** with this online tool ;-)
Resources for further reading:
http://lamar.colostate.edu/~mach/jobtitles/ack.htm

Webpage with online examples of Library Job titles with descriptions
JOB CATEGORIES AND DEFINITI0NS
http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/pubs/2002salarysurvey.htm

Read this "Profile" of a "Library Technician"
from the Saskatchewan Association of Library Technicians.

So You Want to Be a Library Technician
by Katherine Bryson
This page includes:
    * a definition of library science
    * what is a library technician?
    * where do they work?
    * what does a library technician do?
    * expected salary
    * where to get training
    * a glossary of some common terms

Occupational Outlook Handbook - Job Descriptions:
Library Technicians
Librarians

Read online these presentations:
Dunn and Wilson scholarship project 1999
Changing roles, changing goals: transferring library technician skills beyond the library
Meredith Martinelli
http://www.alia.org.au/awards/dunn.wilson/1999/
Funded by the 1999 Dunn and Wilson Scholarship, with sponsorship from LJ Cullen Bookbinders NSW, and Apollo-Moon Bookbinders Victoria.

Dunn and Wilson scholarship project 1997
Job Descriptions: improving their currency, accuracy and usefulness
Lorraine Denny
http://www.alia.org.au/awards/dunn.wilson/1997/index.html

Preparing for Careers in Information and Library Science:
with advice from employers of ILS graduates
Blending Your Interests with Employer Needs
http://www.southernct.edu/departments/ils/careers/employers.html

HOW TO Apply for a Library Job
If you're new to the profession or haven't searched for a library position in awhile, this guide is designed for you. It contains some checklists, guidelines, tips and tricks for how to get a library job.
http://www.tk421.net/essays/howto.html

Learn what it takes to become a Librarian. Read the stories of
other Librarians. Learn what Librarians do and about the
different types of Librarians.
http://www.becomealibrarian.org

NON-TRADITIONAL JOBS FOR SPECIAL LIBRARIANS
by Susanna Weaver
Article online:
http://www.libsci.sc.edu/bob/class/clis724/SpecialLibrariesHandbook/non-traditional.htm

Sample Library Job Descriptions
From: Connecticut State Libraries
For more on Job descriptions:
I have a separate page for
More on Library Job Descriptions & Job Evaluations
and Competencies

See the resource links of the Open Directory
Libraries: Library and Information Science: Employment
http://dmoz.org/Reference/Libraries/Library_and_Information_Science/Employment/ 

Jobs for Information Professionals
Compiled by: Joe Ryan
http://web.syr.edu/~jryan/infopro/jobs.html

Canadian Library Association - online article
Connections
Linking people with information: Your career in library or information science 
http://www.cla.ca/careers/connect.htm

Read the monthly column of "American Libraries"
Working Knowledge
A Monthly Column about Life on the Job

Also from LisJobs.com
Info Career Trends Newsletter - Current Issue

American Libraries - Career Leads Online

From a UK Website:
OWL: Oxford Website for Library Trainees
OWL is designed for those thinking of a career in the information sector, as well as current library trainees both in and out of Oxford. It aims to provide all the information anyone might need to make an informed decision as to whether this is the career for them. It provides details of: Library Trainee posts in Oxford; Oxford life; Careers in libraries; Applying to Library School; and Links to other useful resources/sites.
http://www.shef.ac.uk/uni/academic/I-M/is/careers/ext/gensourc.html
 

Related pages  on LibrarySupportStaff.com of Interest to see:


Please remember that some of these sites
will list NOT Only "Librarian" job openings, 
but also
Support Staff / Paraprofessional jobs as well.
Check out all the Sites! Leave no Net Link unlinked!

Visit:
LIScareer.com
The Library & Information Science Professional's Career Development Center
and
These Links Below ~ Good Luck in your Job Search! 
**Related** See Monster.com's Resume Help Center & Cover Letter tips
and Interview Center
Find more on job interviews visit this page libjobs11.html


Information Media Jobs
Excerpt quoted from website:
http://www.informationmediajobs.com
InformationMediaJobs.com specializes in finding and listing open jobs for the Library,
Media and Information Services industries worldwide. 
Job Seekers can SIGN UP to use the database and receive periodic newsletters regarding Library and Information Science industry information. FREE OF CHARGE. Subscribe to the Email Notification Service to receive information about new jobs outlined in your search profile
www.informationmediajobs.com

Where to Look for Library Jobs

Visit all of these sites, there will be duplication
but be sure to cover all the bases for finding Library Employment.

Find "Public Libraries" Online - many Libraries may list current Employment Opportunities or Contact/Address information for their Libraries
http://publiclibraries.com/index.htm

Yahoo - Online Groups /
The LibraryJobs mailing list and Yahoo! Group. 
This group serves job seekers and libraries in the United States and Canada.
LibraryJobs is not just for librarians! libraries hire for all sorts of positions, including pages, circulation assistants, technical support, marketing, administrative support, and management. Libraries are encouraged to post job announcements for all positions, including openings for volunteers, not just open librarian positions.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LibraryJobs/
 

See also these other Yahoo Groups:
LibraryJobsInternational

lalibjobs · Library job listings, mostly in Louisiana, but may include other locations
This is a newsletter/announcement list which will be used to pass along library job listings that cross my desk or computer. These will mainly be Louisiana library jobs (hence the name "lalibjobs"), but may include some jobs in nearby states. The job postings are compiled from employer notices, electronic discussion lists (PUBLIB, RUSA-L, SLIS-L, LLA, LLN-L, LIBJOBS) and the web. If you have job listings to post, forward them to me and I will post to the list.

SoCalLibJobs · Southern California Library Jobs

  • Presentation from the 1999 ALA Conference 

    • A Bibliography of resources
    Help Wanted!
    Job & Career Information for the New Millennium.Many will post job openings,
    of interest to the Group/or/List!
  • Check - NASIGWeb - for its listings of Postings 

    • from The following Listservs:
    ACQNET, AUTOCAT, COLLIB-L, INNOPAC,
    LIBJOBS, LITA-L,PACS-L, SERIALST,
    SLAJOB, STS-L
    And scan the Archives of the Library Circulation Listserv
    for recent "job postings"

    Other Employment Sources & Information  ~ Open Directory Listing:
    Reference: Libraries: Library and Information Science: Employment 

    Marriott Research & Recruitment provides superior Research, Staffing, & Technology services for the Knowledge Industries.
    We deliver onsite and offsite automation, research, and staffing support for Libraries, Information Centers, Record Centers, Archives, Information Vendors, and other knowledge intensive groups.
    http://www.marriott2r.com/

    Join the LIBJOBS mailing list
    http://www.ifla.org/II/lists/libjobs.htm
    LIBJOBS is an Internet mailing list for employment opportunities
    for librarians and information professionals. 
    Subscribers receive only posted job opportunities. 

    Find more information about popular Library Listservs
    also, information about creating your own email list or online group.
     

  • LIBEX 

    • The Bureau for International Library Staff Exchange
    LIBEX acts as a clearinghouse for library & information staff
    interested in arranging job exchanges
    with LIS professionals in other countries.
    Libraries as well as individuals may use this free service. 
  • Visit : BUBL's Listing of International Library Jobs 

    • UK, Europe, USA
    bubl.ac.uk/news/jobs
     
  • Instant Library -Instant Library Recruitment are a professional employment consultancy specialising in career opportunities for : 

    • librarians, information specialists, records managers and archivists
    Instant Library Limited
    Charnwood Wing, Gas Research & Technology Centre, 
    Ashby Road, LOUGHBOROUGH, 
    Leicestershire LE11 3GS
    Tel: 01509 268292
    Fax: 01509 232748
    Email: enquiries@instant-library.com
    URL: http://www.instant-library.com

    Read this article (*Note it is a PDF file)
    in the Connecticut Library Association Newsletter - Oct. 2001 issue
    "Swapping Jobs: A Connecticut Yankee in England," Connecticut Libraries, page 9.
    By the founder of Exchanging Jobs.com, Samuel R. Brown 

    Browse the Classifieds Look to see if Your Newspaper
    Or - the Town/City you're thinking of
    Moving to..Has their Want Ads/Job Postings
    Online Visit ONLINE NEWSPAPERS

    to top of page

    Other Resources to Explore

    Library News, Issues, Trends & Commentary
    Online websites for those who work in Libraries,
    or for those who want to keep up with Current Stories
    on the Library & Information Services Community

    Library Organizations & Associations

    Sign up for the Lisjobs Newsletter
    or read the online archives for Info Career Trends.

    Read this issue of Leading Ideas (no. 14) an ARL publication.
    New Jobs for Old: Librarians Now
    Quoted from site:
    In her article, "New Jobs for Old: Librarians Now," GraceAnne A. DeCandido compiles and synthesizes the professional profiles of seven librarians. These librarians describe how they came to librarianship as a profession and how they have kept pace with the increasing technological demands
    **Note Leading Ideas - has not published new online content since 2000**

    See this online site for tips on: Online Job Hunting & more
    jobsontheweb.com/tips.htm

    Thinking of Attending School?: 

    These are sites for finding Library technician/paraprofessional programs.
    To find programs for Masters in Library Science (The MLS degree)
    click here. Please note that you must have a 4 year degree from
    an accredited program to enroll in a Masters program to become
    a Librarian - you cannot automatically enroll in
    a Libary & Information Science program to  become a "Librarian". 
    You may enroll in any of the programs listed below
    to obtain a degree/certificate that  qualifies you as a Paraprofessional
    qualified  to work in Libraries, but not as a professional Librarian.
    And  "usually" you can enroll in these programs with only a high school degree.
    Programs may differ on entry requirements. NO programs are FREE!
    Online programs will most likely charge "out of state" tuition costs
    if you are not a resident of the state the program originates.
    **Please also note: Currently job openings in the majority of
    Libraries in the  US - DO NOT REQUIRE, that you have a 
    degree from a Library technician program. NO programs
    are currently "accredited" by the American Library Association (ALA)

    CURRENT TRENDS IN LIBRARY SUPPORT STAFF CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAMS 
    A Report for the Western Council of State Librarians Education Task Force
    10/4/01 | ESU SLIM | Karl Madden and Bob Grover
    http://msl.state.mt.us/LDD/WesternCouncilRevisedReport.htm

    NEED $$$ ?
    Financial assistance may be available from individual colleges, universities
    offering the programs, and/or your Library Employer or your own local
    library organizations.
    See also this page with resources and examples of scholarship programs:
    4libedu$.html

    Classes / Courses / Degree Programs for Paraprofessionals
    Please take a look at the Educational "Opportunities"
    for Library Support staff:
    COLT - The Council on Library Media Technicians listing:
    Click on:
    Library Technician Programs
    http://colt.ucr.edu

    Some examples:
    Distance Education Program
    University of Maine at Augusta
    Library Technician Program
    http://www.uma.maine.edu/Libraries/pages/lnit/lnitas.html

    Distance Education Program
    Highline College
    Des Moines, Washington
    Library Technician Program
    http://www.highline.ctc.edu

    Blue Ash, Ohio 
    Raymond Walters College
    Library Technolgy
    http://www.rwc.uc.edu/admins/advis/programs/programs9899.html

    A listing of other Library Technician Programs
    **This is NOT a complete list - Please check with
    your State Library Associations for information
    on programs in your state** and the COLT listing above.
    Library Organizations & Associations

    Los Altos, California - 
    Foothill College
    Library Technology Program
    http://www.foothill.fhda.edu/programs/libtech.html

    Salinas, California 
    Hartnell College
    Library Media Technology Programs
    http://www.hartnell.cc.ca.us/library/classeslib_instruction.html

    Santa Clarita, CA
    College of the Canyons
    Library/Media Program
    http://www.coc.cc.ca.us/Catalog/courses/LMTECH.htm

    Pueblo, CO
    Library Technician Program
    http://www.pcc.cccoes.edu/dept/ltn.htm

    Glen Ellen, Illinois, 
    College of DuPage
    Library Technical Assistant Program
    http://www.cod.edu/academic/acadprog/occ_voc/LibrTech.htm

    Moline, Illinois
    Blackhawk College
    Library Technical Assistant Program
    http://www.bhc.edu/cinfo/CAREER/libta.htm
     

    Canadian Library Technician Programs
    http://www.cla.ca/resources/sch_tech.htm

    Scholarships Available
    http://www.cla.ca/resources/scholar.htm

    The Canadian Library Association has written
    *Guidelines for the Education of Library Technicians. 2nd edition. Ottawa: Canadian Library Association, 1991
    These guidelines, established by the Canadian Library Association to promote excellence in the training and education of library technicians, outline requirements for curricula, continuing education, support facilities, admissions and advisory committees
    *quoted from:http://rs6000.nshpl.library.ns.ca/provlib/disseminator/index93_98/dissv2n11&12.html
    CLA - Library Technicians Interest Group
    http://www.cla.ca/about/igroups/technicians.htm

    Example of Canandian Online Training/Education:
    Distance Education Program /Internet Based
    Library Training
    Red River College, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
    Quoted from site:
    Acquire the knowledge and develop the necessary basic skills for clerical staff in school and public libraries. Ideal for individuals with little or no formal library training but are employed or working as a volunteer in a small library.
    Receive a basic level certificate after the successful completion of nine courses. An advanced certificate will be presented after the successful completion of twelve courses.
    Certificate program only available by Distance.
    http://www.rrc.mb.ca/distance0102/library_training.htm

    Library Information Technology
    Part Internet / Part Red River College program
    This fulltime diploma program provides you with necessary public service and technical skills to work in libraries and related fields. All but one first-year course (the LAN workshop) plus three second-year courses are available by Distance Education.
    NOTE: Internet access and e-mail are required for these courses.
    E-mail account is recommended for all courses.
    Note: Students must complete both the Database-Access Introduction and the LAN workshop to complete the Library Computing credit equivalent.
    http://www.rrc.mb.ca/distance0102/library_info_tech.htm

    The Graduate School, USDA
    The Governments Trainer
    *Certificates of Accomplishment* in Library Techniques
    (Correspondence Programs) *NOTE* this program does NOT "grant/confer" degrees/diplomas.
    Excerpt quoted from website:
    Library technician work, particularly at the higher levels, is essential to support the work of librarians or information specialists. As a participant in the library techniques certificate, you will gain increased knowledge of basic and well-established library procedures that will help you reach your career goals. 
    Read all about the program at:
    grad.usda.gov/about_us/cert_library.cfm

    See all certificate class offerings
    grad.usda.gov/about_us/certificate.cfm
    Courses are designed for U.S. government and contractor employees.
    Private citizens with an interest in a subject are also welcome. 


    Also see what is available online for Staff training courses & tutorials
    stafftrain.html
    reftrain.html
     and informational sites for on the job in Libraries
    jobhelp.html
    to top of page

    Be sure to check out the articles, & resources on
    the NEW ROLES that Library Paraprofessionals have in Today's Libraries

    How will the "Education" of people for Library Job positions - change in the future?
    Read this interesting article
    Information Outlook
    Dec, 1999
    On : FindArticles.com
    Beyond COMPETENCIES: A Trendspotter's Guide to Library Education.
    REFERENCES
    (1.) Swigger, Keith. "Education for an Ancient Profession in the Twenty-first Century." 
    URL http://www.ala.org/congress/swigger.html. Visited April 13, 1999.
    (2.) Mason, Marilyn Gell. "MLS: May the Market Force be with You." 
    URLhttp://www.ala.org.congress/mason.html. Visited April 13, 1999.

    And also this Article:
    Online
    March, 2000
    I NEVER LEARNED ABOUT THAT IN LIBRARY SCHOOL: Curriculum Changes in LIS.
    and
    Searcher
    May, 1998
    The newly minted MLS: what do we need to know today?

    Stuck in your career..?? Consider
    Book to purchase:
    Jump Start Your Career in Library & Information Science  c. 2001
    ISBN 0810840847

    to top of page

    PDF Files (you'll need Adobe Acrobat reader to open these - download for FREE)
    Career Ladders for Support Staff

    How Do I Establish a Career Ladder Position? 
    Quoted directly from this web site: [**Note: this is NOT a Library employee related  article] 
    http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~hrmo/HRMOSurvivalGuide/career-ladders.htm
    Typical Scenario:  You have difficulty recruiting for journeyman-level positions or you want to provide current employees opportunities to advance in their careers.
     Principle:  Managers have the flexibility to design a position structure with career ladders that can serve as a recruitment or retention tool within their organization.
        Definition:
            * A career ladder consists of the grades ranging from the lowest level at which an employee can be hired as a trainee, up to the journeyman grade level, also known as the full performance level. 
            * It is the normal grade progression through which an employee may advance noncompetitively to reach the full-performance level (top grade of the career ladder) of a particular job.
    Read complete article:
    http://www.rdc.noaa.gov/~hrmo/HRMOSurvivalGuide/career-ladders.htm
     

    3rd Congress on Professional Education:
    Focus on Library Support Staff (COPE III)
    LSSIRT's Task Force Reports : "Career Ladders".  June 1999 **PDF File**
     http://www.ala.org/ssirt/

    Auburn University's Career Ladder Program
    http://www.lib.auburn.edu/dean/career/index.html

    Read these interesting articles:

    Advancement at Last: Career-Ladder Opportunities for Library Support Staff
    Ransel, Kerry A. | Fitzpatrick, Jack D. | Hinds, Susan L.
    Technical services quarterly   Vol. 19 (2)17-26  2002
    Abstract:
        A long-time concern of library paraprofessionals has been the lack of opportunities for advancement. This became a particularly pressing problem at Auburn University Libraries when we began challenging support staff to take on increasing responsibilities. We asked them to perform more complex duties, yet we were unable to reward their efforts.In 1999, a new career-ladder structure was put into place at AU Libraries wherein an employee could be promoted within a job “family.” Our system is composed of two such families: the Library Assistant and the Library Associate. The benefits of such a system are numerous, and although it is only in its first year of implementation, over thirty-five employees were promoted by October 2000. This article discusses the history, development, implementation, and outcomes of the career ladder model at AU Libraries.

    Related:
    Information about Auburn University Libraries' Career Ladder Program
    http://www.lib.auburn.edu/dean/career/
    Auburn University
    COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LIBRARY ASSISTANT CAREER LADDER
    http://www.lib.auburn.edu/dean/career/chart.html

    Turning Jobs Into Careers: 
    A Preliminary Report on Career Paths for Support
    Staff (Duke University) **PDF File**
    http://staff.lib.duke.edu/ssc/career/report.pdf
    Library Administration & Management
    Vol. 16 (4) Fall 2002 pgs. 198-202
    Career Paths for Paraprofessionals - Your Ladder to Success
    Authors: TL Hurt &  DS Stansbury Sunday

    Designing an Alternative Career Ladder for Library Assistants
    Bulletin of the Medical Library Association   87:1 (January 1999): 74-77.
    J. T. Huber, N. B. Giuse, et al
    http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=226528

    Sharing the Wealth:  Paraprofessionals at Oregon State University Valley Library
    OLA Quarterly [Oregon Library Association]   4:3 (Fall 1998) 
    J. Dillon, C. Skinner, et al
    http://www.olaweb.org/quarterly/quar4-3/dillon.shtml [accessed Jan. 4, 2004]

     Changing Roles in Research Libraries 
    ARL   208/209 (2000): 15.
    K. Deiss

    Appendix A | April 3, 2001
    Compiled by Library Analyst Jennifer Sweeney
    http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/LAUCD/LRR/LTAppendixA.html
    Content edited by George Bynon
    Literature Review 
    For the following position paper on:
    RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ISSUES IN ACADEMIC LIBRARIES 2001 *Note this is a PDF document*

    Example of Career Ladder in a University Library
    Library Career Ladder
    Texas A&M University | College Station, Texas
    Interested in a career in library services? The Library Career Ladder provides opportunities for advancement within the various libraries across campus. 
    http://hr.tamu.edu/classification/career/library.html
     

    University of Wisconsin | Stevens Point, WI
    Career Ladders Based on Work Experience
    http://www.uwsp.edu/personnel/Career%20Ladder/workexperience.htm
    Library Services
    http://www.uwsp.edu/personnel/Career%20Ladder/library.htm
     

    Online Discussion Site - Talking Shop
    Quoted directly from Talking Shop web page
    What's it like to work in a library?
     hosted discussions
    Posted by Ginny 
    What is it really like to work in a library, i don't mean as a professional librarian or a top manager - but to actually do the work. What's good about it, what's bad about it. What are the stresses and what are the benefits?
    Read all of the postings:
    http://www.branching-out.net/talkingshop/view_hosted_all.asp?idno=946
     

    Library Trends
    Wntr, 1998
    Educating and training library practitioners:
    a comparative history with trends and recommendations.
    (includes appendix on history of library education)
    Author/s: Anthony M. Wilson
    INTRODUCTION
    "In this article, comparisons are made between formal education for librarians and for library technicians.
    The scope of these comparisons is limited mainly to practices in the United States.
    Note that terms such as "librarian" and "professional" have been used
    to describe librarians.
    Likewise, terms such as "library technician," "library clerk," "library assistant," "support personnel," 
    and "library paraprofessional" have been used to describe library technicians.
    Note too that one author followed the evolution of library technician education, while the other did the same for the evolution of librarian training."
    Read the remainder full text on FindArticles.com 

    Library Research Service of Colorado - Fast Facts
    No. 179 August 6, 2001
    Job Outlook for Library Paraprofessionals
    in Colorado
    A PDF Document
    http://www.lrs.org/documents/fastfacts/179parajobs.pdf


    ***Make sure to check out the resources for*** 
    Job Descriptions, Evaluations and Competencies

    And also read the Happenings going on - with the various Task Forces and Committee's, & Conferences

    Read the monthly column of "American Libraries"
    Working Knowledge
    A Monthly Column about Life on the Job

    Also from LisJobs.com
    Info Career Trends Newsletter - Current Issue

    American Libraries - Career Leads Online

    to top of page


    MLS Degree Programs

    For those interested in Pursuing a "MLS" Degree ONLINE

    ONLINE LIBRARY SCIENCE DEGREES
    Online and ALA-accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs
    in library science and information resources.
    http://www.worldwidelearn.com/library-science.htm

    IPL Pathfinder: Choosing a Library School
    Quoted from the site:
    http://www.ipl.org.ar/ref/QUE/PF/libschool.html
    This guide is designed for people who are seeking an MLS (Master's in Library Science),
    or even an MSI (Masters of Science in Information). Either way, the school that is being sought is traditionally called "Library School", where a person learns the tricks of the librarianship trade. 
    Both Web- and print-based sources are included in this pathfinder. 

    ALA Guidelines for Choosing a Master's Program in Library & Information Studies
    http://tinyurl.com/q1tl

    Learn what it takes to become a Librarian. Read the stories of
    other Librarians. Learn what Librarians do and about the
    different types of Librarians.
    http://www.becomealibrarian.org


    Also read this perspective: Yes, You Do Need a Degree to Do This!
    Why Do You Need an MLS, Attempts to answer this burning question
    http://alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/~kroberto/mistress.html
    I like this "comment/answer" the best: 

    The following is quoted from the page link above - 
    Note: "no author names were included" in the postings.

    Hmm, let's get real. You really don't need it to be a good librarian.
    When I went to library school for 2 years, it was a joke.
    The teachers were old and decrepit and most of the courses were poor ,
    but we really worked hard. We had a lot of papers to write and assignments.
    I also have a Master's degree in Sociology and that was much, much less work.
    I think, realistically, that we have the degree requirement because we want to
    be seen as a legitimate profession, with a known body of knowledge.
    I'm not sure that we really do--certainly not 2 years' worth.
    I think, more than anything else, it is a way to legitimize librarianship
    as a profession and the librarian as a designated career path.
    However, I disagree that we have a body of knowledge that is similar,
    in any way, to the fields of law or medicine or psychology, etc.
    Our profession is much more technical and kind of paraprofessional-like,
    than it is a codified body of knowledge that
    one has to learn, in order to perform it.
    That is why so many great librarians have learned their stuff on the job.
    Once you know how to catalog or do reference work
    or know a lot about a subject speciality, you can be a librarian.
    You certainly don't need the MLS to be really good as a librarian.
    I'm not sure that that would be equally true for a doctor or a lawyer.
    For those professions, I think you need the education in order to really do the job.
    All that I learned in library school, I haven't needed, to perform well
    at my various librarian jobs.
    But, for me, the MLS was the "ticket" to get interviewed
    and be considered for the position. 
    Without the ticket, you don't get the job, the promotions and the salaries.
    *****************************************

    So it's up to YOU, Only You can decide if the ONLY path (or "ticket") to Success
    is going to School and Getting the MLS Degree!
    Whatever you choose - I wish you success and happiness on the job and off!

    The University Of Pittsburg started a
    New Program Spring 2001>
    In response to the needs of working adults who wish to pursue a
    Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree,
    the University of Pittsburgh
    Department of Library & Information Science
    will begin to offer online courses beginning
    May, 2001 through the FastTrack MLIS Program.
    FastTrack students will be able to earn the 
    MLIS degree in two years 
    The 36-credit degree program is tailored to fit the needs of
    adult working students from the location of their choice.
    The FastTrack MLIS Program is designed for motivated
    individuals who work well
    outside the traditional classroom setting,
    manage time well, can make information 
    technology an ally in learning,
    and need to balance family and work obligations
    The first on-campus learning experience
    occurs from July 13-12 when 
    students meet the faculty and one another, 
    learn through hands-on computer training,
    and build camaraderie and a cooperative learning network.
    In each of the subsequent terms students will be 
    required to attend one weekend session on-campus.
    WHAT YOU NEED TO CONNECT
    Students will need a computer capable of
    running Microsoft Office 2000 and a
    Web browser with Java support.
    The computer must also be equipped with
    high speed CD-ROM (or DVD) drive,
    and AGP card capable of supporting streaming video,
    and a sound system capable of supporting
    audio input and streaming audio output.

    COMPLETE FASTTRACK MLIS PROGRAM INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE
    Pitt SLIS
    PROGRAM COORDINATOR
    Susan W. Alman 
    Department of Library and Information Science
    University of Pittsburgh
    135 N. Bellefield Avenue 
    Pittsburgh, PA 15260 
    Phone: 1-800-672-9435
    E-mail: salman@mail.sis.pitt.edu 

    ALA Directory of Accredited LIS Master's Programs

    World Wide Learn.com :
    Listing of Online MLS programs

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    Tips for Stress Reduction, & Motivation.

Advice/Tips 

The Info Pro's Survival Guide to Job Hunting 
by Mary-Ellen Mort | MLS • Director • JobStar
Searcher - July 2002
http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/jul02/mort.htm

Jobs On the Web : Tips & More

Use all possible "Search" terms
As an example, print out this listing of
Real Job Titles for
Library & Information Professionals
(** Or Generate a Job Title ** with this online tool ;-)

And Read this article
Trends in Internet Based Library Recruitment

Also check this site for
doing a specific search for Library jobs..

See the resources for Careers in Special Librarianship
(Yes I know - All of our Libraries are "special!!")
Before APPLYING Though..
Make sure you are READY For the INTERVIEW

From Ann's Place..Library Specific
101 Commonly Asked Interview Questions..

Also see other excellent:
General Job & "Interviewing" Resources
From Career Mosaic ...Questions to ASK Employers
Take a look at these:
200 FREE Cover Letters for the Job Hunter!

Points to bring up
on your Cover Letter
Top 5 Reasons to Hire
an Information Professional

Biblia the Warrior Librarian:
Advises - How to Get a Job
Read More Library Humor - See if you have a  "Library Sense of Humor"

The following is taken from a Job Description for  a 
Job offering on Monster.com
These are essential skills that all "library" workers
should have or be "developing" in their career, they
are "people skills" - stress that you have these
type skills in your cover letters to employers
Almost every job in today's market will appreciate
just how valuable an employee with these types of 
skills can be for them - so Market Yourself Wisely!
__________________________________________

Customer management skills, including diplomacy, clear
communication style, and 
relationship development.
Ability to work with minimal direction.
Skill in oral presentations and written
communications.
Skill in time management.
Skill in consulting.
Skill in handling multiple priorities.
Skill in taking initiative within area of
responsibility.
Skill in adapting to change.
Skill in understanding interrelationships of
work/project assignments and 
seeking coordination and integrating planning,
decisions, and outcomes.
Skill in thoroughly carrying out, reviewing, and
reporting on all aspects of 
the work.
Analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to handle customers effectively.
Human relations skills.
Customer & Industry Knowledge:
Strong customer service orientation
Ability to handle difficult/delicate situations with
diplomacy and tact
Skill in relationship development and management
Ability to deal with complex customer service issues
 

Belief in Diversity
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also read the April 30, 2001 article from the LA Times and 
see how New Library School Grads are finding Higher paying jobs
doing Internet Searching and WebDesign work - 
YOU CAN DEVELOP
THOSE SAME NET SAVVY SKILLS AND WEB DESIGN
on your own and for FREE and then apply your Library Skills and
you can "create" a new NonMLS degree category for tracking the 
same type job openings- 
Never Underestimate the Value of  YOUR SKILLS!!

"Shortage of Librarians - Stifling Expansion"
http://www.latimes.com/news/state/20010430/t000036536.html
 
 

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This page updated January, 2004

    Good Luck in Your Quest for
    a New Job.

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