How to work in the library

Author: Lewis Jackson
Date Of Creation: 5 May 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
Anonim
4 Things to Know About Working at the Library
Video: 4 Things to Know About Working at the Library

Content

The staff in the library is divided into levels, from students volunteering to stack books on shelves to librarians - with many advanced degrees - managing specialized collections. To start working at a library, the first thing you can do is register as a library collaborator, join library clubs, or apply for assistant positions at small libraries. . The competition for those positions is often stiff, so read on to learn more about them and how to boost your advantage.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Explore the different types of library work

  1. Find out about volunteering at your local public library. The librarian at the direction counter - the lookup desk can give you more information on volunteering, or tell you who is in charge of that matter. Public libraries often have opportunities for people with no experience or training in the library profession. Your volunteer work may include putting books on a shelf, fixing damaged books, helping readers to return books, or assisting librarians in the children's reading room, recording "books. say "for visually impaired readers ....

  2. Consider becoming a library collaborator. Library collaborators are usually paid, but they may be temporary or part-time employees. The job is similar to what volunteers can do, typically putting books on the shelves. This may be your best option for getting hired and paid in the library if you are not a college student, and do not have an undergraduate degree.
    • The librarian at the guidance desk can also tell you about this program.

  3. Ask about other library jobs. It is important to note that not all jobs in a library are related to librarians or require a degree in library science. Almost all libraries need servants, and larger libraries need guardians as well.
  4. Look for job opportunities at your college or university. If you are a college or university student, visit the school library. The library can hire students to act as librarians. These positions can usually be arranged during class hours and may or may not be related to the student's financial aid package, (or counted toward the training score, student volunteer score).

  5. Compare the library assistant job requirements. The position of a library assistant is a simple job in charge of the daily routine of the library. The job requirements vary from library to library. Small libraries are more likely to have lower requirements, and may also train high school students. Typically, you will need a high school diploma, and sometimes an associate degree course in library science.
    • Some libraries use the term "library technician" which is interchangeable for the concept of "library assistant". In other libraries, technicians are in a higher ranking and have higher graduation requirements.
    advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Get the job

  1. Check out the bulletin board or website. Most libraries have bulletin boards, where they put announcements on special events, and occasionally, vacant slots. Check here from time to time to apply for suitable jobs, or find what suits you. The library can also advertise for the job they are currently recruiting on the website, or on local government websites.
    • Most libraries are non-profit facilities supervised by a management board. Therefore, compared to other employers, they rarely hire people according to their own wishes. You may not be recruited out of personal relationships, and meeting established requirements is often imperative.
  2. Please visit the library before you apply. When you find a job that matches your level of experience, visit the library in person. Rate the service you get and experience visiting that library. Ask about the librarian. Consider the program schedule, available technologies, and other library resources. All of that will give you material to say during the interview, both to say that you've done your homework, and to provide hints about what you can contribute to.
    • For example, if you have visited a library program, come up with ideas for how to improve it. If a children's gardening program is popular, suggest starting a seed library.
    • Get as much information as possible about the library where you are applying for the job:
      • Activities of libraries (public libraries, specialized scientific libraries - multidisciplinary)
      • classification system is used
      • the database is used
      • whether the library has digitized the book editions
  3. Submit your resume. Many public library jobs, especially in large cities, will use computers to scan CVs on behalf of people. Those summaries must include certain keywords that describe the job, otherwise the candidate will not be considered for an interview.
    • In your resume and interview process, highlight the qualities that make you a good librarian (organizational skills, attention to details, social skills ), as well as your interest in the library and the areas it covers.
  4. Research local policy. Find out everything you can about the policies that could affect the library before going to the interview. Funding is at risk, or are hours of work or services being cut? Consider role as a library guard or advocate. Check out the group of "friends of the library" who may be active in this.
  5. Network connections. If possible, get acquainted not only with librarians or staff members, but also with members of the leadership who are looking for recruiting. If, after applying for a job, the library invites you to meet with management, library friends, or other civic groups, treat it as an extension of the interview. Be professional and conscientious. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Practice to pursue a career as a librarian

  1. Look for college-level jobs. Some librarianship positions in public libraries require only a bachelor's degree or associate's degree. These positions are usually reserved for librarians at teen or children's libraries.
  2. Study for a master's degree in Library Science. Almost all intermediate and most advanced library jobs require a Master's in Library Science (Master's in Library Science). Those professional librarians have more advanced tasks, such as monitoring assistants or updating library collections.
  3. Specialization. Librarians often play a variety of roles, including reference librarians, corporate librarians, catalogs, librarians, collections manager (decide which books to add and type removed), children's libraries, youth libraries, school librarians (K-12 systems), academic librarians, systems librarians (related to IT work), or manage the desk to borrow and return books. Research roles that seem interesting to you, and focus your studies on those positions.
    • Many library science programs also have archive majors. Archives manage historical documents, archive them and grant access to the archives for study.
  4. Train for an academic library. Many academic librarians also have additional master's degrees on a particular subject. If you are passionate about a certain academic subject, such as art, law, music, business or psychology, then this path can combine your passion with an interest in the library.
  5. Consider working in a special library. Specialty libraries are often private libraries, belonging to companies holding collections that are focused on legal, business, medical, or government. Most librarians positions in special libraries require a minimum of a master's degree in library science. A librarian may also need qualifications or experience in the specific subject area of ​​the library. Example topics include law, business, science, and government. advertisement

Advice

  • Public and academic libraries will often require staff to work on a flexible schedule to be able to serve on evenings and weekends.
  • Librarians must have strong customer service skills to assist patrons.
  • If you are a new librarian who recently won MLS and have little or no library experience, consider going to less crowded areas or applying for small libraries.
  • Look for library jobs through the websites of public or university libraries and library associations such as the American Library Association and the Special Libraries Association.

Related posts

  • Use a Public Library
  • Select the Perfect Library Book
  • Get a Library Card
  • Save Time in the Library