Traditional Library Jobs Becoming a Public, Academic, or School Librarian
Multidisciplinary
Books
Bridges, Karl, ed. Expectations of Librarians in the 21st Century. Greenwood Press, 2003. 231p. ISBN 0313322945.
More than 50 essays affirm that the core competencies of subject-area expertise, an understanding of key technologies, and strong interpersonal skills will continue to be the hallmarks of an outstanding librarian. The essays are highly personal statements of commitment to the core values of librarianship, and represent a good if somewhat eclectic starting point for those interested in the future of traditional librarianship.
Fourie, Denise K. and David R. Dowell. Libraries in the Information Age: An Introduction and Career Exploration. Libraries Unlimited, 2002. 303p. ISBN 1561086344.
Structured as a textbook for an overview of all types of libraries, this book is especially strong in its coverage of traditional libraries and activities. The work leads off with a brief history of libraries, then explores types of library opportunities and the work common to all of them (e.g., library collections, materials processing, reference, etc.). A separate section covers job search information.
Reitz, Joan M. Dictionary for Library and Information Science. Libraries Unlimited, 2004. 800p. ISBN 1591580757.
The best overall resource for checking out all the terms, phrases, and organizations found throughout the library science profession. Reitz has provided clear, concise definitions for more than 4,000 entries that draw from publishing, printing, literature, and computer science as well as the diverse profession of librarianship. Should be a familiar and often-referred-to reference for all LIS students finding their way through the confusing maze of LIS acronyms, issues, and opportunities. Can be purchased in its print iteration or accessed online for free at http://lu.com/odlis/.
Roberto, Katia and Jessamyn West, eds. Revolting Librarians Redux: Radical Librarians Speak Out. McFarland, 2003. 229p. ISBN 0786416083.
Taking a somewhat different stance than Bridges' contributors, the 56 contributors to Revolting Librarians Redux focus on alternative librarianship as it weaves through LIS education, daily practice in the country's libraries, and as social and political expression. Sure to appall if not inflame some librarians, it will also delight and reassure others.
Rubin, Richard. Foundations of Library and Information Science. Neal-Schuman, 2004. 579p. ISBN 1555705189.
Comprehensive overview of all aspects of the LIS universe. Not one of the more exciting reads, but thorough and authoritative, this texts provides a solid grounding in the foundations underlying traditional librarianship.
Periodicals
Library Journal. Reed Business Information, 1876- . 20/yr. ISSN 0363-0277. www.libraryjournal.com
The most important resource for broad-based coverage of libraries, the library profession, and the industries that support it. LJ issues include news items, an events calendar, industry analyses, vendor overviews, features, profiles, and several special issues per year. Its book reviews are relied on by librarians for their objectivity and usefulness. The website is an extraordinarily content-rich resource with archived articles, salary surveys, a career resource center, and job postings all available for free. A key resource for every librarian and information professional.
American Libraries. American Library Association, 1907- . 11/yr. ISSN 0002-9769. http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/index.cfm
Sent to all ALA members, American Libraries provides an excellent overview of the current state of affairs for traditional libraries throughout the country. As the official organ of the organization, the magazine's content reflects a combination of ALA news and information and other contributed articles on topics of interest to librarians. Check the website for library-related news stories, a selected numbers of archived articles, and several archived columns, including the excellent "Working Knowledge" pieces on library careers.
Articles and Columns
Lenzini, Rebecca T., "The Graying of the Library Profession: A Survey of Our Professional Association and Their Responses," Searcher, vol 10, no. 7 (July/August 2002), p. 88-97. http://www.infotoday.com/searcher/jul02/lenzini.htm
The article that launched a thousand discussions. Rebecca Lenzini, publisher of the Charleston Advisor and long-time leader in the library field, surveys both the data and the profession's responses to see what the demographic trends indicate and what they may mean to the future of library careers.
"Next Gen" column, Library Journal http://www.libraryjournal.com/Community/New+Librarians/47133.html
An occasional column written by various next-gen librarians that should be a must-read for all librarians, especially those in management and/or leadership positions. These writers represent the future of the profession, and their comments, questions, and insights provide an important window into potential new thinking. Also provides realistic commentary from those "in the trenches" regarding career challenges and issues for those just coming into the profession. Select "New Librarians" from the Careers drop-down menu to view past columns at the Library Journal website.
Associations
American Library Association (ALA) - http://www.ala.org
The most important player in the library profession. ALA's mission is to provide "leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all." Representing public, academic, and school libraries, ALA is the only library organization that seeks to promote strong libraries of all types throughout society. The annual conference in June is huge, diverse, and often overwhelming for newcomers, but well worth attending at least once every several years for those who can afford to do so. Membership includes a subscription to the monthly American Libraries magazine. Discounted memberships for students.
American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST) - http://www.asis.org
With a primary mission of "leading the search for new and better theories, techniques, and technologies to improve access to information," the ASIST organization draws its membership from the computer science, linguistics, management, librarianship, engineering, law, medicine, chemistry, and education disciplines. Its website includes information about the society, its goals and programs; memberships (discounted for students); and many special-interest groups and chapters, including multiple student chapters. ASIST holds an annual conference (proceedings available) plus several special-topic gatherings.
Canadian Library Association - http://www.cla.ca
CLA represents 57,000 library workers, vendors, public library board members, and library science students in graduate or community college programs throughout Canada. The organization includes 22 special interest groups (e.g., action for literacy, entrepreneurship in librarianship, library and information services for older people) and numerous student chapters. Check the website for library career resources. CLA offers substantially discounted memberships for students.
New Members Round Table (NMRT) - http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/rts/nmrt/index.cfm
The focus of NMRT is to help those new to the profession find ways to engage and participate in association professional activities. Its goals include structuring "formal opportunities for involvement and/or training for professional association committee experiences on the national, state, and local levels" and developing " ongoing programs for library school students that encourage professional involvement and networking." The NMRT electronic discussion list provides a way to connect with peers across the country.
Online Resources
How to Become a Librarian - http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA605244.html
Written by Rachel Singer Gordon, webmaster of the terrific Lisjobs.com website and author of The Accidental Library Manager (ITI, 2005), this white paper provides a brief but thorough overview of the profession. A fast read that tells you what you need to know to consider a career as an LIS professional, and where to go for further information. See also Singer Gordon's "Finding a Library Job" for similar treatment of the LIS job hunt.
The Entry Level Gap - http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA527965.html
Authors Rachel Holt and Adrienne L. Strock take a hard look at the decrease in the number of entry-level jobs open to new MLIS graduates. Based on their survey of 900 job advertisements from 10 U.S. LIS job-posting sites, they found only 230 made the grade as full-time, permanent, professional-level positions, while only 99 would be open to those just entering the library world. This is a serious issue for the profession and for library science students and graduates, and Holt and Strock have done an excellent job of documenting the problem and raising further questions.
NEWLIB-L - http://www.lahacal.org/newlib/
If you're a library science student or new to the profession, this discussion list is a great tool for connecting with others in the same boat. Its focus is on sharing experiences and exploring "ideas, issues, trends, and problems faced by librarians in the early stages of their careers." Check the website to subscribe.
Placements & Salaries Survey - http://www.libraryjournal.com
From Library Journal, this annual survey of MLIS graduate placements is posted every October. Access via Archives > [Year] > October 15th Issue. A very valuable overview of various "slices" of salary comparisons, e.g., by gender, geographic region, and type of library (public, school, college/university, special, government, etc.). An fascinating and extremely valuable resource for career exploration.
Public Library Resources
Books
Brumley, Rebecca. Neal-Schuman Directory of Public Library Jobs Descriptions. Neal-Schuman, 2005. 353p. ISBN 1555705235.
If you're wondering what sorts of positions might be of interest within public libraries, this is the place to start. Brumley has gathered together more than 250 actual job descriptions from around the country; included for each are general summary of position, job responsibilities, education and skills required, and similar information. Although written for those responsible for writing job descriptions, this is also a great resource for those new to the profession and exploring job possibilities.
De La Pena McCook, Kathleen. Introduction to Public Librarianship. Neal-Schuman, 2004. 404p. ISBN 1555704751.
Public libraries exist in a complex world of service mission, community expectations, government oversight, demographic diversity, and technological upheaval. McCook does an excellent job of helping students understand that complexity, but effectively makes the case that public libraries can nevertheless be well-managed resources of leadership and community impact.
Periodicals
Public Libraries. Public Library Association, 1961- . bimonthly. ISSN 0163-5506. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/pla/plapublications/publiclibraries/index.cfm
The official publication of PLA, Public Libraries covers industry news, association updates, and articles, columns, and feature stories of value to those managing the country's more than 9,000 public libraries. Recent articles (accessible to the public at the magazine's website) have included articles about urban libraries, public library national ratings, consumer health education programs, and new takes on customer (patron) satisfaction.
Associations
Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL) - http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CAPL2
A division of the Canadian Library Association, CAPL is "committed to furthering public library service in Canada" through an exchange of information and ideas. Check the website for career information, public library resources, and the CAPL newsletter.
Public Library Association (PLA) - www.pla.org
Founded in 1944, PLA supports its more than 9,000 members through "a diverse program of communication, publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming." Membership includes a subscription to the bi-monthly Public Libraries magazine. PLA also publishes books and reports, offers educational symposiums as well as a bi-annual national conference, and supports various advocacy programs. Check out the PLA website for information about PLA committees and advocacy groups, publications, and information resources about public librarianship. Student memberships available through primary ALA membership.
Urban Libraries Council (ULC) - http://www.urbanlibraries.org/
ULC membership comprises approximately 150 public libraries that are located in major U.S. metropolitan areas, and the vendors who support them. The organization's focus is on challenges and opportunities unique to urban libraries serving large and diverse populations, and on serving "as a forum for sharing best practices resulting from targeted research, education and forecasting." Although membership is at the organization level only, MLIS students especially will want to be aware of the innovative programs and research supported by ULC.
Online Resources
America's Libraries: Some Basic Facts and Figures - http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/library/libraryfactsheet/alalibraryfactsheet1.cfm
A killer collection of key statistics about all of America's libraries, including numbers of libraries by type, types of services provided, numbers of staff by type of library, information technology stats, total library expenditures with breakdowns by categories of spending and by type of library, and funding sources.
Public Library Listserv - http://lists.webjunction.org/publib/
Founded in 1992, covers (among other topics): collection development, acquisitions, management and weeding, including traditional and new media; reference services; issues related to library facilities--security, new buildings, renovations; policy and guidance; trustee relationships; Internet access for staff and public; intellectual freedom; library administration; sundry library "how-tos" and queries for equipment; personnel issues; public library jobs and related conferences. Check the website for instructions on how to subscribe.
School Library Resources
Books
Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning. American Association of School Libraries and Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1998. 224p. ISBN 0838934706.
The goal of Information Power is to help school library media specialists help students learn to be effective creators, researchers, evaluators, and users of information. It focuses on strategies and actions: guidelines, lesson plans, curriculum overviews, and programs. An extension of one of the most influential initiatives in the profession.
Woolls, Blanche. The School Library Media Manager. 4th ed. Libraries Unlimited, 2008. 296p. ISBN 1591586437.
It may well be that Blanche Woolls knows more about school librarianship than anyone else in the country. This guide, written primarily for SLMC students but also of use to practitioners, covers all aspects of school library media centers: history, management, facilities, personnel, budget, services, and issues such as filtering, federal mandates (i.e., No Child Left Behind),and eliciting faculty and administrative engagement. A key resource.
Woolls, Blanche and David V. Loertscher. Whole School Library Handbook. American Library Association, 2005. 448p. ISBN 0838908837.
Building on the successful model of ALA's Whole Library Handbook (ALA Editions, 1998), Woolls and Loertscher have produced a work that's basically "everything you wanted to know about school libraries but couldn't figure out who to ask." Articles, resources, tools, checklists, and more - an eclectic, engaging, and highly useful reference for anyone interested in school libraries.
Periodicals
School Library Journal. Reed Business Information, 1961- . monthly. ISSN 0362-8930. http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Provides information, resources, and insight to librarians who work with kids and young adults, whether in schools or public libraries. Focus in on integrating "libraries into the school curriculum, become leaders in the areas of technology, reading, and information literacy, and create high-quality collections for children and young adults." The website offers archives and a career center for subscribers only.
Knowledge Quest. American Association of School Librarians, 1997- . 5/yr. ISSN 1094-9046. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/knowledgequest/kqweb.cfm
The official journal of AASL, Knowledge Quest focuses on issues of interest to building-level media specialists, supervisors, library educators, and others involved in managing school library media centers. Check the website for excellent archived articles; students considering this career path should especially see Carol A. Brown's article, "Trends and Issues: What's Important for the 21st Century School Librarian?" Knowledge Quest continues the previous AASL publication, School Library Media Quarterly.
Teacher Librarian: The Journal for School Library Professionals. Rockland Press, 1998- . bimonthly. ISSN 1481-1782. http://www.teacherlibrarian.com
Previously known as Emergency Librarian, this publication explores topics of interest to school librarians who focus strongly on a teaching mission. Articles address such areas as collaboration, leadership, technology, and management. A useful collection of annotated links, articles, guides, and white papers can be accessed for free via the website.
Associations
Canadian Association for School Libraries (CASL) - http://www.cla.ca/casl/index.html
A division of the Canadian Library Association, CASL's mission is to provide a national voice for and promote excellence in school libraries, to provide members with professional growth opportunities, and to promote all forms of reading and information literacy. Publishes School Libraries in Canada Online (www.schoollibraries.ca).
American Association of School Librarians - http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/index.cfm
The mission of the American Association of School Librarians is to advocate excellence, facilitate change, and develop leaders in the school library media field. AASL works to ensure that all members of the school library media field collaborate to: provide leadership in the total education program; participate as active partners in the teaching/learning process; connect learners with ideas and information, and prepare students for life-long learning, informed decision-making, a love of reading, and the use of information technologies. Student memberships available through primary ALA membership.
Online Resources
AASL Recruitment to School Librarianship - http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aasleducation/recruitmentlib/aaslrecruitment.cfm
Information about careers as school library media specialists, including job outlook, state licensing, information about the job itself, and education requirements.
Information Power - http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslproftools/informationpower/informationpower.cfm
Information Power: Building Partnerships for Learning has been the major positioning publication, research project, and theme for AASL since its publication in 1998. This website contains a wealth of information about the initiative and its implementation, as well as information about the important role school library media specialists play in the learning dynamic (see "Role & Responsibilities of the School Library Media Specialist").
Academic Library Resources
Books
Budd, John M. The Changing Academic Library: Operations, Culture, Environments. Association of College & Research Libraries, 2005. 323p. ISBN 0838983189.
Budd, widely respected for his thought leadership within the profession, delivers an excellent overview of the challenges and opportunities facing academic libraries today. This book works equally well as a thorough introduction to the profession for library science students or as a good environmental scan for practitioners.
Periodicals
The Chronicle of Higher Education. Editorial Project for Education, 1966- . weekly. ISSN 0009-5982. http://chronicle.com/
The leading publication for news, in-depth features, analysis, and job information for higher education, including academic libraries. The Chronicle provides a useful overview of all aspects of higher education - as an industry, a public good, and a profession. The website offers some content for free (including a very extensive listing of posted jobs - search on "librarians/library administration"), but you must be a subscriber to access its large online archive of articles and career information. An extremely valuable resource for those interested in academic librarianship.
College & Research Libraries. Association of College and Research Libraries/American Library Association, 1939- . bimonthly. ISSN 0010-0870. http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/publications/crljournal/collegeresearch.cfm
Articles of interest to those working in and/or managing college and research libraries. Topics covered include research studies, case studies, new projects and initiatives (how undertaken, what results), and issues discussions. Articles are archived at the website, but are available to ACRL members only. A refereed journal.
Journal of Academic Librarianship. Pergamon, 1975- . bimonthly. ISSN 0099-1333. http://www.elsevier.com/locate/jacalib
A highly regarded, refereed journal, JAL provides academic librarians a forum through which to share ideas, challenges, scenarios for the future, and solutions for today. Much of the content is research-based, which provides authority for the ideas discussed. An excellent and useful, if expensive, professional resource.
Associations
Canadian Association of College and University Libraries (CACUL) - http://www.cla.ca/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CACUL
CACUL "promotes professional development opportunities to its membership of almost 700 academic librarians," while also offering members "the opportunity to build community" through its electronic discussion list, and professional development workshops and conference programming. Check the website for professional development resources and CACUL publications, and the association's online discussion list.
Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) - http://www.ala.org/acrl/
ACRL describes itself as "a professional association of academic librarians and other interested individuals" dedicated to "enhancing the ability of academic library and information professionals to serve the information needs of the higher education community and to improve learning, teaching, and research." It membership (approximately 12,400 total) is primarily individuals, rather than institutions, and among them those individuals represent many diverse communities. ACRL publishes College & Research Libraries, College & Research Libraries News, Choice, and a number of highly-regarded monographs. At its website, see especially the "Career Opportunities from Across the Country" listings (ACRL > Publications > College & Research Libraries News > Career Opportunities) for descriptions of academic jobs throughout the country. A modest student membership discount is available.
Association of Research Libraries (ARL) - http://www.arl.org/
The ARL mandate is to influence "the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the communities they serve." The membership is made up of 123 institutions' academic libraries; there are no individual memberships. Its website however, has a rich collection of resources for everyone. See especially the sections on Diversity (www.arl.org/diversity), Career Resources (www.arl.org/careers/index.html), and the Leadership and Career Development Program (http://www.arl.org/diversity/lcdp/index.html), all resources and programs geared toward expanding the number of librarians from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in academic librarianship.
Research Libraries Group (RLG) - http://www.oclc.org/programs/default.htm
The more than 150 institutional members of RLG include universities, national libraries, archives, historical societies, museums, and similar institutions with substantial collections focused on research and learning. Founded in the mid-seventies by the New York Public Library and Columbia, Harvard, and Yale universities, it is now international in scope and membership, with a goal of ensuring access to research materials for scholars throughout the world.
ACRL Distance Learning Section - http://caspian.switchinc.org/~distlearn/
With the exponential growth of online learning in higher education, ACRL's Distance Learning Section is taking an increasingly important role in identifying and promoting best practices in online librarianship. This includes formulating and showcasing the ACRL Guidelines for Distance Learning Library Services, which has become the standard by which library services to off-campus students are measured.
Online Resources
Managing the 21st Century Academic Library: A Bibliography - http://lists.webjunction.org/wjlists/web4lib/2002-June/008555.html
From the prolific Bernie Sloan, this bibliography points to mostly-online resources that focus on managing today's academic libraries. Although it hasn't been updated since 2002, most of the links still work, and you can usually track down those that don't through an online database such as Library Literature.