Q: I have many years of library experience (primarily in public and school libraries), an MLS from Syracuse University, and a decently long list of publications, committee work (national, regional, and state), and consulting experiences. I’m interested in trying my hand at teaching, both because I’ve never done it before and because I’m contemplating a doctorate and wonder how I would do as an instructor. I’ve taught numerous workshops and classes, but not in a university setting, which I expect will be quite different.

I am actively watching many job boards, but my sense is that direct contact with someone in the program would be a more effective strategy, especially since I’m not really looking for a permanent position. A few brief conversations with current professors have left me with the feeling that sometimes courses are designed around a knowledgeable instructor, rather than the other way around, but I’m having a tough time figuring out who to approach at various programs to inquire about becoming an adjunct or professor of practice. (I should also mention that I would be most interested in online instruction since there are no LIS programs in my state.)

So my questions, as someone not familiar with the intricacies and norms of the academic world, are first: am I correct in assuming that contacting a program to express interest in teaching is appropriate, and second, if it is appropriate, who would I contact and what initial information would be most helpful to them (a full CV? a shorter resume? or something less formal?) Thank you so much for any insight you might have for me!

SM: It is appropriate to contact (someone in) a program to express your interest in teaching. Check the web sites of online-only programs to see if they are hiring, to find out what areas of librarianship they specialize in and what types of classes they offer, and to find a contact person (dean of the school or coordinator of the program). Before you send your full CV, have your initial contact be a query email in which you state your interest in online teaching (in that particular program), and ask him/her if they are looking for adjuncts. In that initial email: offer to send your CV and other materials, briefly state your experience and your specific teaching interests, and let him/her know what classes you would be interested in teaching (or developing). If you have an online portfolio or CV, link to that in your email. You could also contact an adjunct instructor in that program to ask for advice on how to get started teaching an online class.

According to ALA, the following 20 library schools offer 100% online programs:

1. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
2. Drexel University
3. Florida State University
4. Louisiana State University
5. North Carolina Central University  
6. Rutgers, State University of New Jersey
7. San Jose State University
8. Southern Connecticut State University
9. Texas Woman’s University
10. University at Buffalo, State University of New York
11. University of Alabama
12. University of Kentucky
13. University of Maryland
14. University of Puerto Rico
15. University of South Carolina
16. University of Southern Mississippi
17. University of Tennessee
18. University of Washington
19. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
20. Wayne State University  

Other places to look for academic teaching positions:

• Chronicle of Higher Education 
• HigherEd Jobs 

You can also look for adjunct teaching positions at local academic institutions that would allow you to gain experience by teaching a semester long class (either online, in person or hybrid). This can be an excellent way to develop a syllabus and assignments, and learn a course management system (e.g., Blackboard, Angel, Moodle, etc.). Some undergraduate institutions require their students to take research classes and these are often taught by librarians.

Q: I am currently getting my LIS masters degree. I want to pursue a career in art librarianship and I am attempting to tailor my courses to this even though my school does not offer an art specialization. While I have an undergraduate minor in art history, I do not have a major in it but I am fairly proficient in the subject. The majority of my library work has been in an art library. I plan on getting an art history masters in the near future (~5 years?) but want to work in an institution before this. How should I go about addressing these facts when I am applying for jobs? Thanks in advance.

SM: Your experience working in an art library will help with your job search, but without a degree in art, you might have a hard time finding a position as an art librarian. Here are some suggestions that might help you in your job search:

• see if you can do an art-related research project (e.g., thesis), independent study, or practicum, as part of your school work
• be mobile, widen your search, if at all possible, to include all art-related librarian positions in any part of the country
• if you are currently working in an art library, see if you can create research guides/sites/tools (you can then showcase these in your portolio/resume)
• highlight your experience working in art libraries (provide examples of work that you did)
• highlight your minor in art
• mention, or list on your resume, any art-related classes or research
• mention your plan to obtain a second masters in art history
• apply for general positions (not necessarily art-related) at institutions that have art programs

In the mean time, look into possibly taking an online art librarianship course at another institution. Research art history programs, so you have an idea of where you might want to go and what you might want to focus on for your art history degree. Maintain your vision for your dream job and create goals for yourself. This will also help you when you get to the interview stage, as many academic positions require a second masters. They want to know that if you are hired, you already have a plan to complete your advanced subject degree. Caveat: if you do apply for more generalized positions that do not require any subject expertise, you may want to tone down the art librarianship speak. A search committee might get the impression (rightly so) that you will leave after a few years, to move into your dream ‘art librarian’ job. Which is completely OK… but they don’t have to know that.

Q: I have a graduate degree in interior design and elected to professionally pursue the less conventional avenue of an architectural resource librarian. I would like to acquire a similar position in a new location (firm and state), but I have yet to find an organization with which to affiliate, so finding job postings is a challenge. Can you help in my search?

SM: The best places to look for librarian job postings in architecture firms, or interior design firms, are with the following:

• Special Libraries Association (SLA)
• Local chapters of SLA — find the one in the state you are moving to and see if they post local jobs.

Related associations, such as:

• ARLIS (Art Libraries Society of North America)
• Visual Resources Association (VRA) 

And, the large job banks such as:

• Monster.com
• Careerbuilder.com
• Simply Hired

As for joining associations, I would recommend that you do so (check out the ones listed above). Within SLA, there is a Caucus for architecture, building engineering, construction, and design (the ABCD Caucus). Not only does it add to your resume, membership in a professional organization can provide you with a network of individuals, and resources, to assist you in your job search, and provide valuable professional development opportunities.  Best of luck!