Career Opportunities in Library and Information Science by Linda Carvell

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"Carvell has served as editor of the library journal Learning & Media for six years and as president of the Pennsylvania School Librarians Association for two years. This book includes descriptions of more than 70 different jobs for librarians, and explores the information and resources readers would need to pursue them. Entries are divided into six areas that represent the types of jobs in which librarians can expect work, including academic, government, public, K-12, special, and other. Careers profiled include: academic law library clerk, children's librarian, corporate law librarian, film/video librarian, government archivist, K-12 library clerk, media specialist, medical school librarian, public library technician, public policy information broker, university library director, and professor of library and information science. Also included are extensive appendixes of accredited library and information science degree programs and associations. This book is part of the Career Opportunities series. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)" Reference & Research Book News, 08/01/2005


 A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science by Priscilla K. Shontz
Look at the preview on Google Books.

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"Shontz and Murray are editor and assistant editor of popular Web site LIScareer.com. Shontz has written two other books on the subject of careers in library and information science,  but this one is a bit different in that she has librarians in the field tell us what it’s really like to do what they do. Contributors write about more than 90 unique jobs, what their typical workdays are like, the pros and cons of their positions, how one would go about getting a job like theirs, and resources that correspond to positions like theirs. The book is an interesting read for those thinking of a career change or interested in pursuing a new direction in the field of library and information science. There are some positions that most readers probably wouldn’t think of, such as “Golf Librarian” and “Web Marketing Coordinator.” -- Christy Donaldson. Booklist, published by the American Library Association." BookList, 09/01/2007

"Coeditors Shontz (Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science ; webmaster, LIScareer.com ) and Murray (cataloging, Duke Univ. Lib.) asked 95 individuals working in the library and information science field to provide a brief job description, describe a typical day, list pros and cons of their job, and advise how someone might find a similar position. Because not all the contributors followed the guidelines, there is a certain unevenness. Most work in the United States and Canada in traditional areas of librarianship—public, school, academic, and special—though school librarianship only has two entries (neither are from a public school), and public libraries are represented by only 11 entries. The remaining profiles cover consortia, associations, library schools, vendors, publishing, and "nontraditional" jobs, including a "community evangelist"—someone who wants you to believe in their idea or product as much as they do. If a general overview of what one can do with a library degree is of interest, this work may prove useful.—B. Susan Brown, formerly with Pamunkey Regional Lib., Hanover, VA Library Journal, A Reed Business Information Publication" Library Journal, 08/15/2007


Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science by Priscilla K. Shontz.

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"For new librarians, Shontz's how-to guide stresses the value of defining one's own idea of success and positioning one's self to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The guide covers career planning, job searching, experience and education, interpersonal skills, networking, leadership skills, mentoring, and writing for publication. It can be used by readers interested in public, academic, or special libraries. Shontz, a longtime librarian, is now a freelance writer and Web designer. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)" Reference & Research Book News, 01/01/ 2002

The Librarian's Career Guidebook by Priscilla K. Shontz.

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"Compiled by the LIScareer.com webmaster and author of Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science , this valuable compendium of practical career advice presents 63 chapters authored by information professionals in different stages of their careers and serving in a variety of workplaces, specialties, and positions. The chapters are divided into eight sections—Career Planning, Education, Employment, Experience as an Entry-Level Librarian, Experience as an Experienced Librarian, Skills, Professional Development, and Enjoying Your Career. Although the quality of some chapters is a bit uneven, overall this is a wonderful collection of wit and wisdom, almost like having a stable of mentors that fits in a briefcase. Other recent works address specific aspects of a library career, such as career paths and résumés, but none are as comprehensive. New and prospective librarians will find the book invaluable; more experienced professionals will learn something from it, too. Highly recommended for graduate and professional collections.—Janet A. Crum, Oregon Health & Science Univ. Lib., Portland Library Journal, A Reed Business Information Publication" Library Journal, 03/15/2005

The Nextgen Librarian's:  Survival Guide by Rachel Singer Gordon

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"While the American Library Association is concentrating on recruiting and retaining new librarians, those same new librarians struggle to find entry-level jobs. In the midst of this generational angst, prolific author Gordon (The Accidental Library Manager , Library Journal 's NextGen column, and much more) is a voice of reason and balance. In her newest book, she covers the major concerns of new and aspiring librarians, including library school, job-hunting, entry-level positions, career advancement, stereotypes and diversity, networking, achieving work/life balance, and transforming the profession. She also includes a chapter aimed at library administrators. In addition to her own advice, Gordon includes many comments from librarians and library students. She handles generational issues with sensitivity, addressing concerns about ageism, distinguishing between age and years of experience where appropriate, and avoiding age-based generalizations. The target audience of 25- to 34-year-olds will find reassurance and sound—if occasionally too general—advice. Gordon's book is also recommended for library managers, as it will help them better understand the concerns of younger librarians, thereby making them better equipped to recruit, retain, and mentor the next generation of library professionals.—Janet A. Crum, Oregon Health & Science Univ. Lib., Portland Library Journal, A Reed Business Information Publication" Library Journal, 06/15/2006


Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques that Work: A How-To-Do-It Manual for Librarians by Robert R. Newlen, Neal-Schuman, 2006.

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Most resume writing books are not very useful for our profession. This book is geared toward writing a resume for job openings in the library and information science field. The author works for the Library of Congress, and has helpful hints for standing out during the interview process in a good way!

Straight from the Stacks: A Firsthand Guide to Careers in Library and Information Science by Laura Townsend Kane

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"This guide endeavors to educate readers about employment opportunities in library and information science and to familiarize current librarians with other career choices in their profession. This goal is achieved through firsthand accounts from more than 30 librarians working in disparate areas. Chapters are divided by type of institution: public, school, academic, nontraditional, medical, and law libraries. The personal accounts contain a photo, title and place of employment, and a narrative in which participants talk openly about their jobs, offering an inside glimpse of what the work is really like. At the end of each chapter, the author provides sample job descriptions that recap each job's environment, responsibilities, and education requirements. The personal accounts, integral to the book's appeal, do not disappoint; they are frank and engaging and should provide a new understanding of and appreciation for librarianship. -- RBB. Booklist, published by the American Library Association." BookList, 03/01/2004

The whole library handbook 4 : current data, professional advice, and curiosa about libraries and library services - edited by George M. Eberhart

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"This reference presents a diverse assortment of facts about libraries as well as discussions--some serious and others humorous--addressing current issues. The volume is organized thematically into general categories, such as materials, special users, and technology. Just a few of the offerings: a glossary of blogging terms, the text of the ALA Code of Ethics, and an article on the fundamentals of good press releases. Eberhart is senior editor of American Libraries magazine. Annotation 2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)" Reference & Research Book News, 05/01/2006