Sage advice and career guidance is offered by sixty-four information professionals from diverse positions and workplaces. This practical guide addresses a wide variety of career issues. The advice is aimed at librarians in various stages of a career: prospective librarians, M.L.S. students, and entry-level librarians, as well as experienced information professionals. Covers: . Career options . Education . The job search . On-the-job experience . Professional development . Essential skills and strategies for enjoying your career"

Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science is designed to help new librarians begin to manage a successful and satisfying career in the library and information science profession. Although the first years are often overwhelming, they can be the key to creating a successful career as a librarian or information professional. Unless one is fortunate enough to have good mentors or strong support groups, a new librarian may drift into an unsatisfying career. This book emphasizes the value of defining one's own idea of success and of positioning one's self to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that arise. Although the book is aimed at students and new information professionals, much of the advice may apply to a librarian at any stage of his or her career. This book contains advice and anecdotes gathered from research and interviews with more than 70 information professionals in a variety of library-related careers. The book is written in a practical, easy-to-read style. The modular format allows a reader to read any chapter on its own or to read the chapters in any order, choosing which ones are most relevant at any point. The book covers eight broad topics: career planning, job searching, gaining experience and education, developing interpersonal skills and leadership skills, networking, mentoring, and writing for publication. Lengthy lists of related readings, as well as related web sites, are included to allow the reader to follow up on any topic.

A candid, comprehensive, and insightful explanation of what library school students need to do in order to maximize their chances of getting a professional position immediately after graduation. While library schools provide graduates with a solid understanding of library science concepts, many diploma holders have no clear plan for finding a desirable job with their knowledge The information in What Do Employers Want? A Guide for Library Science Students will be extremely valuable for students currently in Masters of Library Science program as well as recent recipients of MLS degrees, regardless of what kind of work environment they wish to work in. The book guides readers through the process of planning a job search step-by-step. Divided into two major sections-the student experience and the job search-the authors provide critical advice derived from their combined 30 years of real-world, in-the-field experience. Specific topics include choosing classes, gaining practical experience while in school, establishing a professional image, gaining skills that make applicants more marketable, writing effective resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and negotiating a job offer.