Making the Most of Your Library Career

by Lois Stickell (Editor), Bridgette Sanders (Editor)

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 likeHow to work and adapt at a new organizationWhat management expects and how to view everyday activities from that point of viewHow to make suggestions for changeAdvice on navigating the cyclical nature of a librarian's work yearThe rewards and challenges of professional organizationsWhy a library degree is valuable outside a traditional library settingThose 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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Professional Development, Education, Self Help, Female Authors, Librarianship, Library Science

120 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

Reviews

[LibraryDanielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

while an interesting read, this was not what was implied. I was under the impression that it was a series of essays on tips for moving forward and well, making the most of working in a library. instead it was 10 life story essays about a particular time in that specific librarian's life. interesting, but not super helpful. rather than providing tips and guidelines for a wide range of situations it was more of a "this is what happened to me and this is what I did" book. there were small boxes with tips throughout the life stories, but not what is implied by the description. overall I was disappointed.
if the stories hadn't been well written I would have given 1 star not two.

[Megan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short, readable and informative. Geared toward those exploring the idea of a career shift or someone who has not had any practical experience in libraries. The title implied more advice about advancing the career you've already committed to, and I found it a bit lacking in depth as a paraprofessional with 10+ years of experience who is embarking on their MLS studies. I did come away with some good thoughts to ponder but wished there was a bit more content about shifting into managerial roles and progressive responsibility, or at least the titled indicated a more generalized introduction to the profession.

[H. Givens · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would've liked more in-depth information or tips for how to plan for the future, but there was still useful information here, and it would be a good resource when preparing for job interviews because it provides sample questions and things to keep in mind.

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
Fine, but would have been a better fit for someone just entering the field or looking into academic librarianship. Most helpful chapter for me: Greta Wood's Assessing the Job.

[ReadingWench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite informative book. An interesting read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an experienced librarian, so felt I could have written it myself and didn't find much new. But some interesting experiences were shared, so this would be a good read for new librarians.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of planning and managing a career in librarianship for newcomers to the field. Much of the advice is quite general and could apply to any career. Other information is more specific to librarianship and quite helpful for those just entering the field. I was recently hired for my first job as a librarian and found the information in this book to be relevant and insightful.

[Meg]

overpromise + underdeliver - but also solid basics. Plus it's short so no faff