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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A few links:

ALA Accredited Schools

ALA Scholarship Program

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

Peterson’s.com

GradSchools.com

How to Choose a Library Science School

Top 5 Tips for Job Hunting in Tough Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ask yourself the following questions:

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

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

Sites to check out:

For Young Adult Librarians:

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

Online courses for YA librarians

YALSA wiki

YALSA blog

For Children’s Librarians:

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

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

New Grant Will Support Youth Services Students Seeking Advanced Degrees

Online courses for children’s librarians

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

American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Two Questions on Getting Experience Through Internships and Volunteering”

TA: Your initiative in taking classes at your community college to re-tool yourself for new career opportunities is to be commended. And I especially like that you are interested in applying both your diverse work experience and your interests in research to a career in library and information technology. Your questions are good ones: What do I do with this certificate? What are my career options? And where can I find more information?

Most professional librarian positions require an advanced degree, usually the MLS. However, the community college certificate program may land you an advanced support staff position and will certainly be an excellent introduction into the field of librarianship and library-related technologies. One of my local community colleges has a Library and Information Technology certificate program and their website states:

If you enjoy working in a library setting and have an interest in technology, you should consider enrolling in the Library and Information Technology (LIT) program. Students in this program tend to be detail oriented. They enjoy assisting others and utilizing computer technology. The LIT program is suitable for persons seeking entry-level employment in either public or private libraries. The curriculum is also ideal for current paraprofessional and professional library employees who seek specialized training in new technologies… Graduates are employed in libraries, media areas, learning resources, information and instructional materials centers and with other organizations engaged in library-related activities. They are prepared for jobs with any organization that use technology to process, manage, and communicate information [http://www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/library/].

So essentially, the certificate will introduce you to library and information technologies, vocabularies and cultures, and will prepare you for a job working with data and managing information (which is broadly applicable in workplaces these days). Also, I would suggest that your diverse work experience, coupled with demonstrated initiative and the educational credentials, make you more marketable in a competitive workforce.To learn more about library support staff positions, I would explore the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 edition, which is available online: [http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos113.htm]. The Handbook provides information on training qualifications, earnings, work environment, and related occupations, as well as many other topics that may be of interest to you as you pursue your certificate.

My question is related to job seeking.  I am wondering if internships in the summer months would suffice as experience, or if I am setting myself up for a difficult job hunting situation without any experience in a library proper. Any advice on my particular situation would be much appreciated.

SM: Internships do count as experience. If you can find one, or create one, do it.

An internship is a great way to start off your career change, without a major commitment or stress from job hunting and interviewing. It is also an excellent way to network with people in the profession, discover the ins and outs of working in libraries, find mentors, and possibly even secure a job down the road.

Internships can be very valuable and rewarding, and may even provide you with more relevant experience than a library job would provide. It will help if you know what kind of experience you need – this could be very specific or quite broad (especially if you’ve never worked in libraries).

You may find that you need to structure your own internship and approach librarians and library directors with your plan.  And by plan, I mean write up something specific that  includes the number of hours you can work, the days of the week you are available, and include some flexibility. If you have an ideal library in mind, or know of someone who holds your dream job, see if that library or person would consider offering you an internship. Many libraries will offer them on a case by case basis, even though they might not advertise them. From my experience, libraries that offer internships are looking for motivated people who can work on specific projects. Internships work best when the tasks are focused (on one or two things) and the intern has (at least some) control over his or her role and pace of learning.

Talk to someone in career services for your local MLS program. They should be able to help you locate existing internships and provide you with guidance in structuring internships in order to get the most out of them. Since you work in academia, and you’ve no doubt spent a lot of time in academic libraries, you probably have an idea of what you would like to do and what kind of librarian role you would like to pursue. Use your subject expertise, your knowledge of academic institutions, and your contacts in academia to explore your options and learn more about your local library and see if they can help you gain the experience you need.

Another option to consider, if you are unable to do (or find) an internship, is to volunteer. The same advice applies to volunteering as to interning. Some places will offer internships only to current students, so find out about volunteer opportunities as well.

Take charge of your own career path and go out there and get the skills and experience you need.  There is no right way to do so, and each person’s path is different. Good luck!

Further Reading:

“Internships are the Appetizers of the Library World So Nibble, Nibble, Nibble…”
by Melissa Aho, Marcia Franklin, Susan Wakefield, and Sara Wakefield
Library Journal, 6/6/2006

Recently I have given thought to asking a public librarian for an internship (I have a professional relationship with this woman. I am a chair on a small library friends group). I don’t necessarily want to work in a public library, but exposure to new ideas and roles can’t hurt. What do you suggest? How would you evaluate skills? I do know that I don’t want to be a cataloger — I can’t bear the thought of sitting behind a computer screen all day… any ideas?

TA: There are three suggestions that quickly come to mind:

1. Prepare a resume and keep it current.
   Include all of your experience, library and real estate. Be sure to draw direct parallels between all of your work experience and the work of your local public library. Real estate work can translate into customer service, familiarity with the local community, etc. Also, be sure to include your service as chair of the friends group — this shows a continued interest in the field, leadership and commitment. Talk about goals as well as achievements.
2. Approach your public librarian contact and ask to volunteer.
   Be sure to give her your resume, explain that you want to get back into libraries and are looking to update your skills. Explain that you have years of experience to offer, as well as recent research and customer service skills from your experience working in real estate, and leadership experience and ties to this library from your volunteer experience in the friends group.
3. Don’t limit yourself.
   Statements like “I don’t want to be a cataloger and I can’t bear the thought of sitting behind a computer screen all day” can come across as a little dramatic and demanding when you’re in the asking position. It’s good to know, long term, what you want to do and what you don’t want to do, but when you’re getting started (or re-started), experience is experience. Just because you spend some time cataloging, doesn’t mean it’s a wasted experience. As a matter of fact, a broad-based volunteer experience will help you update your skills across the board, as well as develop a broad support network of librarians.

You may also want to check out our other posts on cover letters, resumes, and transferrable skills:

Q: How do I get back into the workforce after an illness, and being a stay-at-home parent?

Q: I’d like to learn as much as possible about the whole archival process and hopefully move into the archival profession. Is it possible for me to have a career as an archivist despite not having setting out to become one?

Q: Am I overqualified for library positions?

Q: How can I switch from public to corporate librarianship?

Q: How can I find information about making the move from a community college to a four-year college or university?

Q: How do I make my resume work for me?

My work record at the time was excellent and I was very happy to find the job I’d wanted the most. It was a very busy department and I was responsible for lending. I approached my job with energy and enthusiasm and worked hard; I even kept current with “the literature” (Library Journal, etc.) but my boss never stopped casting everything I did in a negative light.

I managed to maintain decent performance reviews by scrupulously documenting everything I did; but in the end, I saw an EAP counselor who helped me to plan and set up meetings with the director, my boss, and other concerned parties to try to bring about a more equitable workplace (as this was affecting my health). After almost nine years at this university, my supervisor wrote an entirely false performance review which despite my response (written at the director’s urging) with documentation to refute her assertions, I resigned after being placed on a disciplinary program that no one in that library’s history had been put on before and the full details of which were not written down anywhere.

No investigation was done. I hired a lawyer and the university’s response to his letter was “the worst thing he’d seen in thirty years”. No reference, severance, or unemployment insurance benefits. I looked for a job for 8 months; customized my resume and cover letter for each position I applied for. Not only was I not contacted, other positions included; when I attempted to contact the HR person, no one called me back.

Since my resignation, the university I worked for has been beset by scandals; ranging from mismanagement of large grants to the dismissal of a student without due process. How does one go about beginning to repair a work history, or “fill in a gap” nearly a decade-wide, that was spent doing excellent work (our borrowing institutions regularly sent notes of praise and, of course, the work was reflected in our statistics!) but is entangled in an institutionally- sanctioned lie?

TA: After reading your question a couple of times, there are a couple of things that come to my attention that I think would be helpful to point out in an attempt to move ahead. First, it’s clear you feel very hurt and betrayed by the situation with your supervisor. It wouldn’t be unusual for someone in the situation you’ve described to feel this way. However, and this is the second thing I noticed, you also seem to express yourself in a way that hints at feelings of resentment, maybe even hostility. Talking about how your lawyer thought the University’s response was “the worst thing he’d seen in thirty years”, but not talking about any successful litigation feels like a worthless jab. The same goes for your reference to “an institutionally-sanctioned lie.”

As an outsider looking in, and with only the information you’ve provided to me, here’s the situation as it seems to me: you worked for many years at an institution with a challenging supervisor and in challenging work conditions. By your own accounts, you had some successes in the position, but when it got to be too severe, you resigned from your position. Now you’re looking for a new position and you aren’t getting many responses. What do you do now?

First, you need to figure out a way to talk about your experience at the University that does not criticize or come across as negative. When you’re describing your work experience in your cover letter and resume, talk about your successes. Mention your increased, and sustained, usage statistics. Talk about successful partnerships and collaboration within the library and beyond. Do not talk about how you managed to survive despite the oppressive supervisor, or the challenging circumstances, or a University “beset by scandals.” That’s really just too much drama for anyone, especially a prospective employer. You may also want to ask a couple of colleagues for written letters of reference that you can attach to your application materials. If you take this approach, make sure they are current letters, and the colleagues speak to your professional experiences and talents. Do not turn these letters into you-versus-them detailed sagas of your University experience. The letters should describe how the colleague knows you, in what context and for how long, as well as his or her description of your work experience, knowledge and strengths.

Second, choose your references carefully. With such a long tenure at the University, it might seem conspicuous to not have a reference from that institution. However, given your relationship with your supervisor and director, you probably don’t want to list them as professional references. You should think carefully about other colleagues, maybe even folks with whom you worked at the University but they too have moved on, and consider if they could serve as a reference for you. And of course, colleagues, supervisors, department heads, directors, etc… from other institutions of employment would be good to include as well.

Third, when you get an interview, be prepared to talk about all of your work experience, including your time at the University. Again, leave out the drama and negativity and find a way to talk in a positive way about what you learned and what you gained from the experience. If you’re asked a reason for leaving, since you resigned, you can simply say that you had been at the University for a number of years, but were also dealing with an aging parent and needed to resign for personal reasons.

Just because the University is still struggling with some issues doesn’t mean you need to be swept up with it. Your focus needs to be on you and your future, not anchored to the past and a very difficult situation.

Can you suggest other ways for me to get experience? There does not appear to be many online opportunities for archival education (either formal or non-formal) but I may not be looking in the right places. Also, is it possible for me to have a career as an archivist despite not having setting out to become one?

TA: There are a number of approaches to graduate school. Some students use the time to explore different areas of the profession so they can focus on their true calling when it comes time to find a job. Others go into the beginning of their academic training knowing exactly what they want to do and use the time to build experience and expertise in support of that original goal. I don’t think you’re alone in discovering a particular interest after you’ve completed your degree, but it does put you in a bit of a “catch up” situation. Here are a few quick ideas on how to level the playing field and switch to the archival profession:

First, think about what you did in library school that may relate to the archival profession. For example, did you take a cataloging or technology class that included EAD or XML? Look for these transferable skills and highlight them when you’re applying for archival positions.

The experience you’re gaining now as a volunteer with the photo collection should also be recognized as valuable and transferable. See if you can find other opportunities (paid or unpaid) that allow you to learn more about working in an archive and to develop specific, related experience and expertise with different types of materials.

Third, you should explore additional educational or professional development opportunities. Some institutions offer a Certificate of Advanced Study as a post-MLS educational certificate. The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois describes their Certificate as a program that allows holders of the MLS “to refresh and update their skills, gain greater specialization in their professional training, or redirect their careers from one area to another.” If you are not quite prepared to head back to school for another degree, you could also consider more focused short term training opportunities related to the archival profession.  The Society of American Archivists posts a Conference/Workshop Calendar on their website that lists current classroom and online training opportunities. You should check there (and in other local organizations) to see if there are classes that could help you build and enhance the basic archival skill set. Plus, all of these training opportunities look great on a resume.

And finally, I would recommend that you reach out and find a mentor, or someone you can connect with, to talk about working in an archive. Many professional organizations will facilitate a match for a mentor/mentee relationship. You can also attend professional development or professional networking events to meet a more experienced colleague who may be able to assist you with navigating the archival profession.

Good luck as you pursue your interest in archives!

______________________________________________________________________

SM: According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition,

Archivists maintain records in accordance with accepted standards and practices that ensure the long-term preservation and easy retrieval of the documents.

Seeking a specialization, such as archives, is a great way to further your career and make you more marketable. Of course, acquiring the skills, knowledge and experience in that specialty is another story – but it sounds like you are on the right track. The SAA web site, as Tiffany mentioned, is a great source for information about archival work and becoming an archivist. They also post job listings, links to local organizations, an overview of the profession, and a very useful glossary of archival and records terminology. You should also check out the Academy of Certified Archivists site for information of how to become certified, and The National Archives Information for Archives Professionals page.

Archivists, as I’m sure you’re aware, work in all types of organizations and with a wide variety of materials. When pursuing archives experience, broaden your search to include museums, historical or governmental institutions, corporations, zoos, and nature centers (to name a few), as well as libraries. These places all maintain archives and may need assistance (paid or unpaid) in their archives. Archivists work with specific standards and rules, which are applicable across institutions, so even if you really want to work in an academic library down the road, focus your immediate attention on getting any experience you can, in any type of institution.

Online certificate programs:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Archives and Records Administration which can be completed online.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science, which is offered through their LEEP program.

If anyone knows of any other online programs, please let us know.

A: Great question! This dilemma affects many librarians who desire to make a role change and are lacking in relevant experience. I moved from a reference role into a systems role (at a past job) because I became frustrated with the ILS (integrated library system), and wanted to update its look and functionality. The person who was in that role had shifted her attention to something else, and was actually happy to let me take over. I was working in a small, specialized, academic library at the time and I was able to acquire on-the-job experience over time.

First, decide on which area you want to focus on, cataloging or systems. Although both are in technical services, they are quite different. The primary role of a systems person is maintaining the ILS and troubleshooting technical problems, for several different systems. The primary role of a cataloger is cataloging, using one or two different systems and managing bibliographic access to materials. Each role will require a different set of skills and experience. The systems person will need to understand some cataloging in order to make sure the system is running smoothly and doing everything it can do for the cataloger. Since I am speaking from personal experience, I will talk mainly about systems, but similar information can be applied to cataloging positions.

To be qualified for a systems librarian position, you need experience. This is why you don’t see postings for entry-level systems librarians. I have seen the job postings that you mention and I always wonder if the employers are getting any applicants who have all of the requirements…. doubtful. I also know of several libraries who have hired non-librarians for their systems roles, probably because they could not find MLS holders with the specific computer programming experience they desired.

Second, the role of the systems librarian can vary greatly by size of institution. So think about where you would like to be.

Larger institutions (university libraries, public library systems, large corporations, etc.) will most likely need more people with very specific skills and expertise, because they have more systems to manage and more people to serve. They expect a systems person to be able to develop something unique for their user population and/or environment, if they cannot find it commercially. Larger institutions usually have several people, with differing skills, working in a systems department where they typically focus on the ILS and other systems that work with the ILS. Jobs in larger institutions may offer a better opportunity for specialization, experimentation and training.

Smaller institutions will most likely need fewer people with diverse skills.  Small libraries are often largely dependent on commercial systems, which offer both hosting and service, so the systems librarian (who is usually on his or her own) may not need to know any programming languages or be required to develop anything new for the user population. This is good, because many systems librarians are also expected to do reference, collection development and instruction. Systems people who work in smaller institutions often find themselves in charge of everything digital and computer-related including the web site, course management systems, software and hardware, and electronic resources. Jobs in smaller institutions will offer lots of variety.

Third, don’t despair just yet. You will get the experience you need, but it might take time. Clearly you are motivated, so keep doing what you’re doing: volunteering and taking classes, if you can. Specific web and programming skills will definitely boost your qualifications. Start small and local — use your current job to get experience now. Talk to your supervisor and let her or him know that you are interested in doing more technical services tasks. Are there people you can learn from in your current job, people who can mentor you and teach you about specific systems? Knowledge of an ILS is usually a requirement for systems (and cataloging) positions. See what you can learn about the one in your current library and the one where you volunteer.

And finally, look closely at the requirements and the preferred skills for the job at hand. If you have all the requirements, then by all means apply. Don’t let the preferred list (which can be quite long) discourage or deter you. Best of luck!

Extra Info:

Hiring a systems librarian
By Dorothea Salo

The Accidental Systems Librarian
By Rachel Singer Gordon

Systems Librarian Jobs & Careers from SimplyHired

Cataloging Jobs & Careers from SimplyHired

The Whimsy of Cataloging
By Richard A. Murray

Cataloging Futures

How do I get there from here? Changing jobs, changing roles, changing institutions
By Susanne Markgren and Tiffany Allen