This answer is provided by our guest author, Rachel Kuhn Stinehelfer.

Q: I have an MLIS that I received about 9 years ago. Prior to that, I had about 10 years of experience working as a page, circulation desk worker, supervisor, etc. After receiving my degree, I worked for a year and a half as a reference and systems librarian at a small academic library. Due to a job transfer on my husband’s part, I ended up having to quit that job, and was unable to find a new one in our new location. So I went back to school, and have been working as a web programmer and database designer for the last 5 years.

I really miss working in the library world, and would like to re-enter it. I now live in an area where there are many community colleges. One of the biggest problems I’m finding, though, is that all the job requirements mention wanting “recent” academic library experience — how can I possibly gain some experience while still holding down my current 9-5 job? I don’t see myself getting looked at twice by hiring committees without it, and frankly, I could really use some experience to get back up to speed on library technologies and procedures. I’d be happy to volunteer somewhere, but academic libraries don’t seem real big on volunteers. Is it possible for someone, post-degree, to get an internship? Any suggestions on how to handle this?

RKS: That does sound like a tough position to be in. There are several ways to look at your situation and many opportunities in front of you.

First, I would call a couple of the local community college libraries and ask to speak to the person in charge of hiring or the department head of the area you are most interested in. Set up an informational interview try to see if you can come in person to talk to them and if that is not an option then ask if you could arrange a phone interview. Prepare as if it is a real interview. Have lots of questions (not too many!) and take a copy of your résumé. Look the part – wear a nice outfit and take the conversation seriously. They will be able to talk to you about the job market, their particular library and the skills that they are expecting from a librarian. Be sure to follow up with a handwritten thank you note. All the impressions you are making could lead to a future opportunity.

Second, you mentioned that your skills need updating and refreshing. Taking a class either in person or online would be a real benefit to you – not only will it make your résumé more current, it will show that you are interested in staying current in the profession. You may even make connections that could lead to a job – you just never know.

Third, to your comment about academic libraries not wanting volunteers. I think that is not always the case. Sometimes it has to do with the school’s overall policy, so it is worth a phone call to the libraries you are interested in.

From your perspective it sounds like you are a bit stalled in making that next step, so I hope one or all of these ideas will help you to reach your goal. And good luck!

This answer is provided by our guest author, Rachel Kuhn Stinehelfer.

Q: I recently started library school and I am required to pick a specific track, or focus, within the program: cataloging, reference, information technology,  school librarianship, archives, or law librarianship. For the last year, I have worked in a government law library where I shelve and update  the collection as well as provide some reference assistance to patrons.  I love my job – especially the reference part.  Originally, I entered library school  thinking I would focus on reference. Now, after having finished one term of library school, I’m wondering if concentrating on reference will pigeonhole me  into being qualified for only reference positions when I finish my degree.  Since I’m getting reference experience in my job, should I still plan on making  it my academic focus?  Reference is my favorite, but should I pick something else to be more well-rounded in the job search?  If I concentrate on reference,  will I ever have any business applying for a job in cataloging, for example? Thank you for your wisdom and insight!

RKS: From reading your letter it sounds like you really love reference and law librarianship, so I think the question comes down to – would you want to be a  cataloger?  If you love reference, you should focus on reference. I doubt you would want to apply for a cataloging job if you are really a public services  person as those are two very different positions.  That being said, I think that cataloging is fundamental to understanding library catalogs and metadata so be sure to explore many of the courses available to you. Having work experience and an academic focus in a specific area, rather than being a  jack-of-all-trades, will make you a stronger candidate.

SM: I agree with everything Rachel said. Don’t worry about being pigeonholed before you’ve even started applying for positions. Do what you love, focus on what interests you, and get as much experience as possible. Potential employers will be more impressed with your experience and skills than your concentration in library school (trust me). One of the benefits of working (in a library) during library school, is discovering what you like to do and what  kind of role you would like to pursue after you get your degree. After you’ve worked for a while, you just might feel like you want to change roles, or look for something different — many people do! — and it might not be as difficult as you imagine.  Check out this article that Tiffany and I wrote to address questions and concerns similar to yours:

“How do I get there from here? Changing jobs, changing roles, changing institutions”
by Susanne Markgren and Tiffany Allen
C&RL News, December 2004, Vol. 65, No. 11

Q: I am a new graduate of LIS and obtained my Masters from an ALA accredited library school in Canada. In addition to my MLS degree, I hold a PhD in French literature. I have been looking for a job for two months yet am not able to find one. I have a lot of education, but I don’t have much library experience. My question is: should I put my PhD degree on my resume? I have been told that most employers would consider me to be overqualified.

SM: Short answer: Yes! Your concern is perfectly valid, and many librarians have found themselves in this same predicament (if you can call it that): educationally overqualified. Honestly, it seems ridiculous that the simple fact of having an additional degree can make you less desirable, especially when so many positions require, or prefer, a second masters.

Most likely, you will encounter some discrimination during your job search — it really depends on what kind of job you are looking for. While there are some libraries that seek out librarians who hold PhDs (these are typically large research libraries with very unique collections), there are many more that might look upon the degree as a detriment. You state that you don’t have much experience working in libraries, which means that most of the positions you are qualified for are entry-level positions. Experience is really what’s desired for any librarian position. I imagine that it may be difficult for employers to hire someone who has a doctorate, for an entry-level position. So, you will need to address it, not hide it.

Include all your degrees on your resume/vita, even your PhD. If a search committee or a potential employer finds out that you have another degree and you did not list it, they might assume that you are trying to hide something. Instead, use it to your advantage, especially if you are applying for academic librarian positions. I’m sure you would like to — if not now, then eventually — use your subject expertise in French Literature to complement your role as a librarian. If the position you are applying for has nothing to do with your subject background, then downplay it, or find some aspect of it that fits into the requirements for the position. Some positions will value your subject expertise and foreign-language background more than others.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for: address your educational background in your cover letter, but accentuate your library degree and school work (projects, thesis, etc.). Mention how your PhD and your subject expertise can and will enhance your role as librarian X. Discuss how your use of the library as a researcher and student has helped to prepare you for a career as a librarian. Play up any and all experience you have in libraries – working, volunteering, interning, and just using. And, most importantly, emphasize your interest in the job at hand and your commitment to librarianship.

Two months might seem like a very long time, but when searching for jobs, it isn’t long at all. So don’t get discouraged just yet.

Q: I have an MLS degree but I’m not currently working in a library. How can one obtain continuing education credits without being employed by a library system?

SM: It doesn’t matter if you are employed by a library system or not, you can still register for and attend workshops and classes that will provide you with continuing education credits or CEUs (continuing education units), as long as you are  willing to pay for them. Credits, if that’s what you are seeking, do not come free. Continuing your education and staying active in the profession while looking for library jobs is something we always recommend and will most certainly provide a boost to your resume  – and you can find educational opportunities in many different places and in many different formats. National and state conferences usually offer pre and post conference workshops for credit, but if you are unable to attend these you can look into other venues, such as: your state library association, national and local associations (MLA, SLA , ACRL, PLA, etc.), and established online programs that offer both courses and certificates of advanced study (CAS).

Here are some education sites to get you started:

ALA’s Education and Continuous Learning page
Medical Library Association Education
Simmons Graduate School of Library and Information Science Continuing Education
SLA’s Click U

Online CAS (certificates of advanced study) Programs:

Drexel University, Advanced Certificate of Information Studies and Technology
Rutgers University, School of Communication and Information, Certificate Programs
Syracuse School of Information Studies, Online Programs
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Graduate School of Library and Information Science Online Education (LEEP)
University of North Texas, eCampus

Q: How can I get a job in a biotech, pharmaceutical or medical device company library? I have an undergraduate degree in psychology and a MLIS degree. I worked for a publishing/software company (that has a scientific focus) for thirteen years and primarily worked with attorneys and law librarians. Many of the attorneys I worked with were also scientists and engineers before they went to law school and are now representing clients seeking patents, so I have experience working with individuals who do scientific research. I also have experience finding business information and searching in patents. I’m having difficulty getting anywhere because I haven’t worked at a biotech / pharmaceutical company before, but I have the skills and knowledge to find information that scientists and corporate executives use.

TA: Sounds a little like the chicken and the egg…which came first? In your case, you want to work in a special library but need experience to get there; but you can’t get the job without the experience. Quite the conundrum, it would seem. But don’t lose all hope just yet. There are several pieces in your question that just may be your building blocks to success.

First, you have a lot of highly specialized library experience, albeit in a somewhat different environment. While you say that you worked primarily with attorneys and law librarians, you also mention that many of these lawyers were also scientists, now working with clients (presumably other scientists) seeking patents. When you’re creating your cover letter and resume, you’ll need to describe this experience in a way that is directly relevant to the position you’re applying for. For more information, see our other articles on resumes, cover letters and transferable skills, especially our July 2007 article, How Can I Switch From Public to Corporate Librarianship?

Second, you may want to schedule a few informational interviews with librarians currently in your field of interest or with HR professionals in the field. When you’re talking with the librarians, ask them what experience they had that helped them get the job. Also ask them what experience they wish they had had when they started and how they gained it on the job. And be sure to ask them if they know of any open positions or if they could refer other colleagues to speak with. When you talk with the HR person, ask about the working environment, general expectations for newly hired librarians in this field, and what they’re looking for in future employees.

Finally, don’t forget just plain and simple networking. It sounds like you already have friends in the industry, so that’s one way to get familiar with the responsibilities of this type of position, as well as with the resources most commonly used in these libraries. Additionally, it’s a great way to meet other people doing similar work. In this age of social networking, you might also be able to find someone to follow on Twitter who tweets about the daily life and challenges in a special library.  And be sure to use your professional network through professional associations. Here’s one to consider: SLA has an online career center for members, with articles, online resources, and career coaching.

SM: When you’re ready to begin the job search, consider contacting job agencies, recruiting companies or temp agencies in your area (or desired area of employment). Many biotech/scientific companies prefer to hire librarians and library staff using the assistance of agencies. And yes, many of these jobs will be temporary or contract positions, but they can turn into permanent or long-term positions. At the very least, a temporary position will provide you with valuable experience that will help to secure your next position. I know a few people who found librarian jobs in pharmaceutical companies this way. Also, when you’re looking for jobs in the biotech field, use more general job sites such as CareerBuilder.com, Juju, Monster.com, and SimplyHired.com, and limit your search by category or industry (e.g., biotech or pharmaceutical). When searching through the job ads, be aware that librarians working in biotech fields may not have titles with “librarian” in them, so look for alternative jobs titles such as: information scientist, information specialist, library manager/supervisor/administrator. Finally, to go along with the “all important networking” that Tiffany mentioned above, you should create a professional profile on LinkedIn (if you haven’t done so already), join biotech and library groups, and start making connections.

Some useful sites:

Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA) – Member Directory

Library Job Agencies

Placement & Executive Search Firms

Q: I have been a librarian for over 20 years, mainly working in archives and small special libraries.  My question is, how do I switch to being a catalog librarian without having any real formal cataloging experience?  I considered looking for a copy catalog position, but have not found any openings.  I think people look at my resume and see archives and reference work, and never consider me for a cataloging position.  Also, I have only worked part-time during the last 10 years while raising my kids, mostly in para-professional positions, so I feel almost like I should start all over and go back to library school (although I can’t afford to)!

TA:  There are a number of areas that need to be addressed here: switching specializations from archives to cataloging; moving from part time to full time; and moving from a paraprofessional to professional position after 10 years.

My first suggestion is to dust off the old cover letter and resume and make sure it’s up to date in terms of both your experience and in formatting.  Styles change over a decade, so make sure you put some work into your application materials.  Make them look and feel polished and up to date.

Your cover letter will be especially important because it will be how you address all three questions (specialization, part time/ full time, para- to professional).  We’ve talked many times about the value of transferable skills, so you may want to refer to some of our other articles from the “Career Change” category of the column: http://www.lisjobs.com/CareerQA_blog/?cat=23

You should make a compelling case in your cover letter (supported by the work listed on your resume) about the parallels between your experience and the position for which you’ve applied.  For example, if you have experience processing archival collections and applying descriptive metadata using a standardized, controlled vocabulary, these are pretty similar in nature to traditional cataloging.  Describe how your experience will be an asset to the position.  Also include descriptive words that will appeal to the hiring supervisor, such as “detail oriented”, “works well independently as well as collaboratively”, or “self motivated and eager to learn”.  You’ll also need to explain in your letter that you’re in a position now to seek a full time, professional position, and that you’re eager to apply your knowledge, skills, and talents in that level of position.

In addition to your updating your application materials, if possible, you may want to seek opportunities to volunteer.  It’s a great way to gain experience, build skills, and add to a resume.  You will also build contacts in the profession, some of whom may serve as references for future cataloging positions.

A final idea to consider would be exploring the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) at Library and Information Science programs.  Wikipedia defines the Certificate of Advanced Study as:

A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS), also called a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) or a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), is a post-Master’s academic certificate designed for practitioners who seek a continuing education program to enhance their professional development in areas such as education and library science.

Many library schools, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offer the CAS, and it might be a way for you to develop or further enhance your cataloging expertise.  Drexel University offers an online CAS program for Information Studies and Technology.  Many of the CAS programs are self-directed and allow you to select courses with a faculty advisor to customize your experience.  If you have the time and desire to supplement your educational background, the CAS may be the additional support you need to switch specializations within the profession.

In closing, I wish you the best.  Start with your application materials and put your time and energy there.  Move next to the volunteer experience, and down the road, if you’re so inclined, think about additional educational opportunities that may help you secure the position you’re seeking.

Q:  I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring. Until recently I worked with the developmentally challenged in a residence as a Case Coordinator but became burnt out. I went to a career counselor several weeks ago who administered several tests and after talking with me suggested that I consider learning Library Sciences either to be a librarian or a non traditional path. I am having trouble making up my mind if this the right career for me. Unfortunately, I have only 6 weeks to decide before I will need to submit an application! Is this enough time to make a good decision and if so, what should I be doing to in the meantime to aid that decision?

TA: Wow, this is an interesting, and extraordinarily time-sensitive, question.  I know that we’re all required at some point in our life to make quick decisions, but this feels a little pressured in terms of the short period of time and the large impact of this decision.  My advice would be to slow things down a little.  Meeting with the career counselor was a great first step, and it’s indicative of a level of intellectual curiosity and self awareness.  On the other hand, you shouldn’t pursue a graduate degree just because someone told you to, or because you tested that way.  I would strongly recommend that you get some kind of library experience first, and then pursue the degree if it’s a career of interest.  Try to find a job or even a volunteer experience in a library.  And explore different types of work experience and environments—public services, technical services, public library, academic library, school library.  There are so many choices.  You’ve done the initial work of identifying a new field of potential employment.  Take some time to do the in-the-trenches work to see if actually fits.

Q: I’m an MLIS student and my concentration is digital librarianship. Online databases and helping individuals retrieve information off of them is the largest interest to me. I’d enjoy helping students, professors, lawyers, or doctors. What type of Information Studies job would suit me?

TA: Now is the time to seize the opportunity. Once you leave graduate school, the ease of free exploration of different areas of librarianship grows exponentially more difficult. It’s an accepted practice to try different things when you’re in graduate school. You’re still learning and in many cases still trying things on for size. In graduate school, you can take classes across the curriculum and you can try different (paid or unpaid) working experiences, all in the effort to identify your area of specialization in the field. It sounds like you’ve narrowed your concentration to digital librarianship, but you’re still working on what type of library might suit you best. I would encourage you to use this time in school to try different working environments to see which challenge and engage you the most. You may also be able to earn course credit for some of your employment through field experiences or volunteer placements through your academic program, which might help balance the work hours with your course load.

Additionally, you should also consider other avenues of learning about areas of specialization, such as informational interviews and networking with colleagues through professional associations. I would also encourage you to join several listservs and follow the conversation. Are you interested in what they’re talking about? Do you have ideas to share regarding their topics of discussion? Do you want to learn more? Job announcements, which are often shared via listservs, are also a great source of information. Pay attention to the way positions are described, to the job responsibilities outlined in the announcement, and to the required and preferred qualifications, and use this information to shape your academic and professional pursuits.

This answer is provided by our first guest author, Cheryl Kohen.

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.

Q: I am currently seeking admission to graduate school for library science.  Does the chance of finding a job increase or decrease depending on where you get your degree?

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