Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 3/15/2008
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I am in the distance learning program at Syracuse Univ and I will be graduating this December. I reside in Southern NJ.
I continue to volunteer once a week at the public library as a shelver (since Nov. 2006) and I did complete an unpaid internship at that same library earlier this year (paid ones were all up in Syracuse or nearby towns). I would like to obtain a job in a public library and relocation is an option for me since I'm single. I would like to do either cataloging or instruction of some type. I also had ALA look over my resume and I have contacted my school's career center. I also have ten years worth of call center experience since I worked in three different call centers during that period of time.
Is it true that employers who see new hires that have worked part-time in a library will be hired over those who do not despite having an internship and volunteer time?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Joined: 3/3/2008
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Location: kansas
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I think you are asking whether your experience will count as equal to paid experience..... If so, that will depend on the person hiring. Many places will consider volunteer work to be equal, as long as the work is the same. I personally rely more on references than whether someone was working part-time during school or volunteering. The nature of the work, and how you translate that into a marketable skill, count for a great deal. If you shelved materials, you should have an excellent understanding of the dewey system--as an example. Hope this helps.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Joined: 1/2/2008
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Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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I agree with Hollis. It also comes down to who can "sell" their experience better to the hiring organization. It is your challenge to demonstrate how your activities prepared you for their job. That task may be easier for a paid position.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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