Many professionals in the Library and Information Services (LIS) area are using Web 2.0 to deliver content and reaching out to connect with library users. This book applies these technologies to help shape your own career development plan. Increased online connectivity has opened up new opportunities for professionals to network, learn and grow in their careers; in an online world, where many of us have a digital footprint already, new rules apply. This readable guide builds on the solid foundation of previous library career books. The social networking tools described will supplement the traditional methods of career development. Chapters provide advice and practical examples, showing how to use Web 2.0 technologies in our careers including: ways to enhance your skills; building professional networks; developing a positive online presence. - Provides fresh ideas on building networks to survive and thrive in the digital career space - Covers the risks and opportunities of having an online presence - Provides a Web 2.0 toolkit for independent learning

Many professionals in the Library and Information Services (LIS) area are using Web 2.0 to deliver content and reaching out to connect with library users. This book applies these technologies to help shape your own career development plan. Increased online connectivity has opened up new opportunities for professionals to network, learn and grow in their careers; in an online world, where many of us have a digital footprint already, new rules apply. This readable guide builds on the solid foundation of previous library career books. The social networking tools described will supplement the traditional methods of career development. Chapters provide advice and practical examples, showing how to use Web 2.0 technologies in our careers including: ways to enhance your skills; building professional networks; developing a positive online presence. Provides fresh ideas on building networks to survive and thrive in the digital career space Covers the risks and opportunities of having an online presence Provides a Web 2.0 toolkit for independent learning

An MLIS can provide the skill set needed to get a library job, but building a library career means knowing how to maximize your potential every step of the way. Benefiting those fresh out of library school as well as experienced professionals, career librarians from every corner of the profession offer a personal, down-to-earth view of "what it's really like out there." Filled with valuable insights into how to better launch and manage a library career, this book addresses important topics like How to work and adapt at a new organization What management expects and how to view everyday activities from that point of view How to make suggestions for change Advice on navigating the cyclical nature of a librarian's work year The rewards and challenges of professional organizations Why a library degree is valuable outside a traditional library setting Those new to the field will find the contributors' seasoned advice both inspiring and practical, while veterans of the profession will find guidance on retuning their careers in librarianship's changing environment.

"Provides information about librarianship as a career, including types of libraries, types of jobs within libraries, professional issues, and educational requirements"--Provided by publisher.

Taking Your Library Career to the Next Level: Participating, Publishing, and Presenting helps librarians establish a brand and name recognition in their area of expertise, suggesting how to write winning proposals for both publication and presentation and places to publish. In addition, it covers how to conquer fears of public speaking and how to make presentations more dynamic. As professional development is important in most library settings to earn or maintain credentials, this book helps academic librarians look for opportunities to earn tenure, also helping special librarians look for ways to focus their training on a narrow subject area. Regardless of their reason for looking for professional development opportunities, librarians of all types will find satisfaction in contributing to the profession at a higher level. Participating in professional conversations and decision-making that impacts others in the field, and sharing knowledge through publishing and presenting are great ways to become better librarians. - Helps librarians establish an area of specialty and generate name recognition in their sub-field - Provides guidance on the writing process and publishing opportunities, also touching on places to present material - Includes guidance on establishing a brand, writing successful proposals, and being a dynamic speaker

"Priscilla Shontz presents advice and anecdotes gathered from research and interviews with more than seventy information professionals in a variety of library-related careers. The modular format allows a reader to peruse any chapter on its own and to read the chapters in his or her preferred order. Seven broad topics are covered: career planning, job searching, gaining experience and education, developing interpersonal and leadership skills, networking, mentoring, and writing for publication. Related readings, as well as helpful Web sites, are included."--BOOK JACKET.

As the global information economy grows, librarians who are able to retool and transfer their skills are finding themselves increasingly in demand. Here, Rachel Singer Gordon explains the dynamics of the shifting market for information-based work, reveals a range of nontraditional employment opportunities for librarians, and encourages info pros to utilize their skills in new and exciting ways. Mixing practical advice with real-life stories of librarians working in various fields, Gordon provides a wealth of useful ideas and resources for info pros rethinking their career paths. Whether youre a recent library school grad facing a tight job market, a working librarian seeking improved work/life balance, or an info pro with an entrepreneurial streak, Whats the Alternative? will help you explore your options and maximize your career potential.

Growing Your Career with Social Media presents social media tools, current trends and professional development strategies to help busy librarians remain up-to-date. This title offers advice from librarians on how to use social media for career development and continuing education. Advice is based on accumulated experience from professionals who have incorporated social media into their professional lives. The book includes interviews and suggests ways librarians can use social media as a tool for self-promotion. It includes tables of social media tools and their potential uses, and also provides resources, lists, organizations and information on librarians currently active in social media. - Gives strategies, resources, and social media tools for career advancement in librarianship - Presents interviews from experienced librarians on how best to use social media - Offers real-world experience of great use to practicing librarians - Incorporates original research unique to this book, which librarians can use - Includes practical resources so librarians can start using social media tools immediately

Are you considering a career as a librarian, or simply curious about the fascinating world of libraries? Buckle up, because this book is about to take you on a wild ride through the captivating realm of librarianship! With a generous dollop of humor and a friendly tone, this comprehensive guide is your one-stop-shop to uncover the secrets, joys, and challenges of becoming a librarian in the 21st century. Join us on this delightful adventure as we explore the many facets of library life, from the evolving roles of librarians to the strategies for professional development. We'll provide you with invaluable tips, insights, and resources to help you navigate the exciting journey to your dream career. You'll also find an abundance of inspiring stories and anecdotes that highlight the rewarding nature of a librarian's career. In this entertaining and informative guide, you can expect to discover: The different types of libraries and librarians, and their unique roles and responsibilities The ins and outs of pursuing a Master's in Library Science (MLS) Essential certifications and continuing education opportunities Tips for building your professional network and staying current with industry trends Expert advice on crafting an effective resume, acing the interview, and negotiating job offers And that's just the tip of the iceberg! This book is packed with a plethora of resources, including a comprehensive glossary of library terms, an alphabetical listing of key concepts, and cross-references for easy navigation. Plus, you'll find sample resumes, cover letters, and interview questions to help you stand out from the crowd. This book is not only a treasure trove of information but also a love letter to libraries and the dedicated professionals who keep them running. So, whether you're a library enthusiast, an aspiring librarian, or just someone who loves a good read, grab your copy today and dive into the enchanting universe of librarianship!

Academic libraries have continually looked for technological solutions to low circulation statistics, under-usage by students and faculty, and what is perceived as a crisis in relevance, seeing themselves in competition with Google and Wikipedia. Academic libraries, however, are as relevant as they have been historically, as their primary functions within their university missions have not changed, but merely evolved. Going beyond the Gate Count argues that the problem is not relevance, but marketing and articulation. This book offers theoretical reasoning and practical advice to directors on how to better market the function of the library within and beyond the home institution. The aim of this text is to help directors, and ultimately, their librarians and staff get students and faculty back into the library, as a result of better articulation of the library's importance. The first chapter explores the promotion of academic libraries and their function as educational systems. The next two chapters focus on the importance of the role social media and virtual presence in the academic library, and engaging and encouraging students to use the library through a variety of methods, such as visually oriented special collections. Remaining chapters discuss collaboration and collegiality, formalized reporting and marketing. - Offers clear, concise writing, with thoughtful discussions of the problems facing academic libraries - Demonstrates comprehensive and thoughtful research that informs theoretical approaches to realistic outcomes that address these problems - Provides helpful tables, illustrations, and photographs that evidence the collaborative nature of contemporary academic libraries - Provides practical examples from actual experiences that can be adapted by readers