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Keeping Up as a Solo Librarian
by Patti McCall
Continuing education is important to all librarians, but, as the sole librarian in my organization, I consider it critical. Continuing education is my link to the outside world of librarianship. I can get the answers to my questions, learn new skills, and gain exposure to new ideas that I would not have otherwise learned while working independently. Continuing education comes in many forms, from the traditional class to meeting a fellow librarian for lunch to discuss work related issues.
There are a number of ways to continue your education aside from the formal classroom. Expanding your knowledge base does not necessarily require a large budget and extensive time. Sick of school? Suffering from a bit of graduate school burn out? Maybe taking formal classes is not your preferred style of learning. Continuing education opportunities are not limited to the classroom. Consider low-cost, less formalized opportunities. I have found a variety of ways to further develop my skills and learn new information.
Take a Class
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement? Seize this opportunity to learn something new, address a weakness in your resume, or take that class that always looked interesting but you did not have a chance to take in graduate school. You might take a class in computer technology at your local community college, where tuition is often more affordable, or you may consider an online course. Many schools offer certificates in advanced studies in their information/library science programs. These programs are often helpful for those looking to brush up on their skills or for those looking to change the direction of their career. After a few years in the field, I realized I could benefit from courses on administration, cataloging, and legal research.
Join a Professional Organization
Join your state library organization, a national organization such as ALA, or even a local organization. Once you join, get involved! Many organizations have local chapters and offer opportunities for participation. Serving on the board of two organizations has enabled me to acquire much stronger skills in organization, management, and public speaking, in a friendly, low-pressure learning environment. The multitude of networking opportunities is an added bonus of membership. Seek out challenging opportunities and learn from them (and get your money's worth out of your professional memberships!).
Attend Conferences and Training Seminars
Local conferences and training seminars are often offered through your state library association, local library council, or other local professional organizations; they are usually low-cost and very worthwhile. My local library council has an "Interlibrary Loan Field Day" where attendees can learn the latest on available technologies and products and discussion important issues concerning interlibrary loan. I also attend the New York State Library Association's annual conference, where I can attend sessions on various topics as well as full-day and half-day continuing education programs, and have attended a number of free online training sessions offered through vendors.
Find a Mentor
Many organizations will match "mentees" with "mentors" who can provide guidance on a wide variety of areas such as collection development, systems librarianship, or interlibrary loan. Finding a mentor does not have to be a formalized process. I introduced myself to a local colleague who had extensive experience in the field I was just beginning. Our occasional lunch meetings have provided an opportunity to get answers to my questions. It is comforting to know that she will not laugh at my questions, no matter how silly they might sound to me!
And, of Course...
Be sure to keep up-to-date on your professional literature. I like to look through the professional publications at my local university library. Not only can I learn about developments and research in my current area, I can keep apprised in other related areas. I think it is important to stay informed about other areas of librarianship and information science. I will also read books on a variety of topics. Sometimes independent study is necessary to learn a new skill or tackle a new problem. E-mail discussion lists are also important tools for keeping current and for learning about continuing education opportunities as well as job opportunities.
Take advantage of the continuing education opportunities available for a variety of learning styles, schedules, and budgets. If you are like me, and you are the only professional librarian in your organization, you will need proactively to seek out opportunities for continuing education.
Patti C. McCall is the Corporate Librarian for Albany Molecular Research, Inc. (AMRI) and a part-time Adult Services Librarian at the East Greenbush Community Library in East Greenbush, NY.