“Find something you’re good at and see if you can grow to love it and make a living at it.” Beverly Geer, BioOne marketing representative with Amigos Library Services shares this advice to MLIS degreed professionals. Geer served on a panel of four who all earned an MLS degree, yet are working in a non-traditional position. They participated in a program entitled, “Places Your MLS Can Take You: Alternative Careers for Librarians.” (Turner, 2003) Outside of libraries, there are unlimited job opportunities where the learned skills and knowledge will not be wasted but rather exemplified.
Professional Organizations and the Nontraditional LIS Career
Joining a professional association can be extremely beneficial for any individual, but particularly for someone pursuing a nontraditional LIS career. Since working outside of a traditional library environment means reducing the chance of daily interaction with other information professionals, taking part in an organization will allow you to connect with people in your field whom you may have not otherwise encountered. Whether you are just taking the first step towards a nontraditional LIS career, or if you have been working in such a field for years, it pays to be united with a professional organization that will support and advance you throughout your career.
Networking Opportunities
One of the most valuable results of joining a professional association is the opportunity to connect with people who are in your field. This certainly includes making contacts who can help you attain employment, but it goes beyond just that. You will be surrounded by people sharing their knowledge, ideas and skills, building on one another’s strengths in one vast synergetic relationship. You can learn from each other, discovering what sorts of things have worked for them and what things to avoid. Also, if you are just starting out with your career, you may be able to find a mentor within the organization who is willing to offer guidance.
In addition to profession support, networking within an association can also provide emotional support. In a nontraditional career setting, you may sometimes feel as though no one relates to you and your problems, but the people you connect with in a professional organization certainly do.
Newsletters
Many professional organizations publish journals or newsletters for their members. These resources can be beneficial in several ways. They provide access to valuable information about advancements within the field, they inform you of industry trends, and they reveal what sort of work information professionals are doing in other companies.
Another benefit to association newsletters is the opportunity for your own work to be published. This increases your visibility within the organization, and within the field in general. Not only is this a practical method for sharing your ideas with colleagues, it is also a great way to gain the attention of potential employers.
Opportunities for Grants
Many professional organizations promote research and creative endeavors within their field – and some do this in the form of grants. If you are particularly interested in pursuing a specific research project and would appreciate some financial assistance, your professional association should be the first place you turn.
Increasing Awareness of Your Company
One of the pitfalls of working in a nontraditional setting is being under-appreciated by your company. In today’s competitive job market, employers may ask how exactly you will be affecting the bottom line. As a member of a professional organization you will have an answer to that. When you are involved with an association, fellow members will know you as “Jane from Science Industries Corporation” or “Bob from Health Services Incorporated.” While attending conferences, you will have the chance to talk about work you are doing for your company, thus putting your company’s name out into the public eye. Joining an organization is essentially advertising for your employer. By increasing awareness of your company, you are increasing your own value within the company.
Due to the growing number of alternative careers for Information Professionals, there are several organizations that support and encourage these non-traditional paths. As an Information Professional, there are numerous organizations that are dedicated to a specific field such as the Medical Library Association (MLA), Society of American Archivists (SAA) and American Association of Law Libraries (AALL). For an extensive list, refer to G. Kim Dority’s (2006) Rethinking Information Work, pp. 89-93.
Other organizations have a general Information Professional focus in which several people connect with their different careers while networking and staying informed of the changing profession as a whole. Below are some of these types of organizations.
Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) provides a place for professionals in all stages of their careers to share their experiences, knowledge and advice with one another. Their website includes information on upcoming conferences, published materials, took kits, and many other useful resources. (http://www.aiip.org)
Independent Librarian’s Exchange (ILEX) is associated with the American Library Association and strives to encourage all members in their alternative careers. As a part of
Society for Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP) is an international nonprofit organization available to any professional working with either creating or managing business knowledge. Members of SCIP benefit from continuing education opportunities as well as chances to network in order to further expand their resources. Common background experiences include market research, strategic analysis or science and technology. (http://www.scip.org)
Do You Have What It Takes To Land An Alternative IP Career?
In order to pursue an alternative career, you must be proactive in taking the initiative with
potential businesses, get your resume on their desks and continuing your education to better prepare you a variety of skill sets. Many potential employers are not aware that they need you until you approach them with how you can benefit their company/business. Professionals also stress that you may need to work part-time or even as a temporary employee simply to get your foot in the door – but it’s worth it. Experience, connections and knowledge will help you land your dream job in the field of your choice.
If you are considering taking a non-traditional librarian path but are not sure if you have the personal characteristics needed, visit some of the sites listed on p. 37 of the Dority text to take a personality test. Although these tests will provide information on different aspects of your personality, it is not a pass or fail test for alternative careers. This is just a simple way to look deep into the way you think and act to help make decisions towards the job that will be the best fit for you individually.
Toolkit Resources
Online Job Search Sites
http://sim.management.dal.ca/Employment_and_IM_Resources/Local_Listservs.php
http://www.acrl.org/ala/hrdr/libraryempresources/2004employmentguide.cfm
http://www.ischool.washington.edu/resources/career/mliscareer.aspx
Additional Resources
http://www.aiip.org
http://www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclaourassoc/asclasections/ilex/ilex.cfm
http://www.mla.lib.mi.us/
http://www.scip.org
http://www.sla.org/
http://www.ala.org/ala/ascla/asclapubs/surviving/survivingthriving.cfm
References
Dority, G.K. (2006). Rethinking information work: A career guide for librarians and other information professionals.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you a member of any professional organizations or do you plan to join one? Which one and why?
2. How imperative is it to be involved in a professional organization when pursuing an alternative career?
3. Have you ever taken a personality test? Did the results surprise you?
4. Do you think you would ever consider an alternative career? Why or why not?
32 comments:
I am not a member of a professional organization, but I am seriously considering membership. I think that for those seeking alternative careers, this is crucial.
The last question and the post itself brought some questions to mind. I do not think that I would consider an alternative career unless I were in a financially desperate situation. I severely dislike corporate politics and would much rather work for a public institution. I observed from the post that it seems like it would take a very aggressive person to succeed at an alternative career -- the posters said that many companies don't know they need you until you approach them. The post also says that information professionals are usually under-appreciated. I wonder, however, if it is too easy to get in over one's head when landing an alternative job. Rather than being underappreciated, perhaps you might end up over your head with work that was beyond your capabilities. That is the risk, I suppose, of such careers, and one of the reasons that I am currently not interested in this path.
I am a member of ALA, and when my yearly membership is up, I plan to take advantage of the student rate and re-up my membership as well as add MLA. Being part of professional organizations is a plus for a person's resume and also looks good when applying for scholarships. I was interested in Dr. Holley's invitation at the beginning of the semester for the Freedom to Read organization (I think that's what it was called--for every person that joined, Dr. Holley was going to send a certain amount of money to the organization). I kept the email for quite some time, but the beginning of the semester was so busy I never had the extra couple moments to look into it. I plan to do that the next time he makes the invitation.
I truthfully never thought about the importance of being part of an organization as a non-traditional librarian. I can see where the networking possiblities would be a plus. Workin in a public library, we are supported by the community, the state, and even the federal government. In an alternative career, an organization would be very important in providing support to that alternative librarian.
Again, I had not considered an alternative job until I read the articles in this week's blog. I have been true-blue to the public library all along. But thinking ahead to the future, especially as, having worked in a factory his whole working career, my husband will be eligible to retire several years ahead of me and I may want to consider something a little less traditional.
This week's blog has been very informational, provided some great resources, and has given me food for thought. Good job everyone!
I am a student member of the ALA, MLA and Freedom to Read Association. I chose to join the ALA and MLA (for one low price of $32) because I felt it was necessary in order to learn about current issues and technologies within the LIS field. I felt joining Freedom to Read would be a great way to stay informed about issues regarding censorship and legislation.
Professional organizations are great for non-traditional professionals because they offer resources and connections to the the field. An organization may not directly relate to the non-traditional field, but it would be able to provide some information that would be helpful, in addition to networking opportunities.
I actually decided to pursue my MLIS based on a personality test. I was unhappy in my last position, and felt that I was wasting my life, then I remembered that I had taken a personality test in one of my undergrad Psychology courses. So I pulled the test out and took a look, and under possible career options it listed librarianship.
Jessica Kay-Oosterhouse
I have conceder joining an organization. At the moment I have to be more financial set to join. I do know that is one of the first question they ask is are you a member of an organization. Employers feel that if you are than you are up to date with what is happening in the field. So I encourage anyone to join a good organization.
Are you a member of any professional organizations or do you plan to join one? Which one and why?
I am not a member of any organizations as of yet, however I do plan on joining the ALA and SLA because it may be the best way to learn the latest trends in the industry, network with other profesionals, and build realtionships that can hep me throughout my career. I still beleive who you know is just as important as what you know.
1. Are you a member of any professional organizations or do you plan to join one? Which one and why?
This is one area that i am still working on. With the exception of WebJunction, I know that I personally need to get more active with organizations. I do plan to be a part of ALA as I think it would be very informative.
2. How imperative is it to be involved in a professional organization when pursuing an alternative career?
I think it is important in all fields. It shows a stronger level of discipline and time management.
3. Have you ever taken a personality test? Did the results surprise you?
Yes I have, but it was pretty in line with who I am overall.
4. Do you think you would ever consider an alternative career? Why or why not?
I think as individuals we are constantly evolving, that includes our careers. If I felt the need to do so, I would, but I would try to incorporate my current knowledge with LIS within that field.
I really like your opening quote, “Find something you’re good at and see if you can grow to love it and make a living at it.”
I really like the quote that you open with, “Find something you’re good at and see if you can grow to love it and make a living at it.” It is possible to do what you love in an organization but it is inspiring to think of all the possibilities for what one can create on their or with others outside of an organization. I came across this book "Building and running a successful research business", by Mary Ellen Bates of Bates Information Services. http://www.batesinfo.com/brsrb-toc.html
With so many part time librarian jobs in public libraries there is a great opportunity to have a small business on the side doing research , consulting, organizing private libraries. Sometimes we don't realize how unique our skills are. We just need to learn how to market them and continue to keep building those skills. Networking seems critical, you may meet someone who has an alternative career and has work that they can't handle and can pass on to you which could be the beginning of a career.
Kimberly and Tara: Even after working on this post, I too do not have the desire to work in an alternative career setting. If there were no other LIS specific jobs, I would consider it as my last resort but I do not feel that I have the personality required for this path.
Mary: As you are “true-blue” to public libraries, I am the same with school libraries. Through this course, I have considered other traditional positions including the public library. Who knows what will happen in the years to come!
Jessica: On your personality test results, what other careers were listed with librarianship? I’m curious as to what other jobs attract similar people. Had you ever considered being a librarian before reviewing this list? For me, someone mentioned the field to me and it was just a brief moment before I said, “Yeah, I think I’d really like that!” but the thought had never occurred to me previously.
Heather: I too would like to join an organization but am making sure that I will be able to cover tuition too. I am planning on joining ALA/MLA along with MAME and am just waiting for the extra money in the budget.
DeAidre: Right, wrong or indifferent, I agree that landing jobs today are more related to who you know as opposed to what you know. This is frustrating when you are on the “what you know” side of the job but rewarding when you know the right person through intentional networking and connections and are suddenly on the “who you know” side.
Tim: I like your statement, “Sometimes we don’t realize how unique our skills are.” I too think that we as future librarians, take our knowledge and research skill for granted and are not showcasing them as well as we could. All companies need some time of research and/or information gathering but we fail to recognize this as what we are trained to do!
I recently joined the American Library Association and the Michigan Library Association. I feel that by joining professional organizations you help support and advance the profession. You also advance yourself. The journals produced by these organizations are quite informative and can help keep you update. This is growing ever important in this day and age as technology becomes obsolete and is replaced so soon. After reading several of the Library Leaders handouts it seemed that most played an active role in library organizations, three out of four of the leaders I selected for my tea party were very active in various organizations.
I like th e additional encouragement in the independent path of the information profession. I do not belong to any professional organization but iam glad with the hint. Alot of individuals who do not have access to this information do not experience any growth in their career and turn to see themselves inadiqute. i strongly belive that once you are educated especially professionally your first instinct shown be to learn to use your initiative. Putting variety in the information profession is what is making it grow, and diversifying should not be as a result of desperation.
I recently joined the ALA and MLA. I feel that it is important to stay current with advancements in libraries as well as issues they face. I have yet to take advantage of yet, but as I read in the blog, you can also communicate to others in the field. And since I have no experience as of yet in a library, this would be of great advantage. I also plan to join MAME which would keep me informed of issues directly related to Michigan as well as find conferences related to the field.
During my undergrad work, I remember taking a personality test that took the results and broke you up into colors. I'm not sure what the results were though. It's funny that this is a topic, because I recently took a personality test on the internet (not sure what one) but i basically told me everything I already know.
As of now, I don't have an interest in persuing and alternative career. I'm happy with SLIMS for now, unless I'm unable to get a job. Even then, I'd have to research my options further.
1./2. I am not currently a member of any organization. Between working two jobs (one full-time and one part-time) sadly I have not had the time to join any this semester. I do plan on looking a different organizations in the fall for LIS students. I do think it is extremely important to join professional or student organizations for networking, valuable information, and forming relationships with others in the same field or same interest. I believe this is pertinent to staying ahead of the game and current on what is going in our profession.
“Find something you’re good at and see if you can grow to love it and make a living at it.”
Really good advice, and that's exactly what happened to me! I got a job as a library assistant as an undergraduate when I had no interest in becoming a librarian. Working the job for 2 years, I discovered that I am good at it and do love it. Now I'm furthering my education to see if I can make a living out of it.
I'm not in any organizations, but have thought about joining the ALA, as soon as I get money!
I have taken personality tests before, and was not surprised to see that the tests advised me to become a librarian. Those tests actually do work!
I am a member of the ALA and Freedom to Read. Being very new to the program and to the world of libraries in general, I love the information these organizations provide.
Holli -
My personality test was all over the place! It suggested a career as a librarian, teacher, veterinarian, and interior decorator. I can see some similarities between the careers, but they aren't closely related. I chose librarianship because I had worked as a Page in high school, so it was a good fit. Thanks for asking! Jessica Kay-Oosterhouse
1. Are you a member of any professional organizations or do you plan to join one? Which one and why?
I've attended professional SLA events, but I haven't actually joined.
2. How imperative is it to be involved in a professional organization when pursuing an alternative career? Depends on the alternative career. Nobody cares if you're an ALA member at a consulting firm I would imagine..
3. Have you ever taken a personality test? Yes, who hasn't.
Did the results surprise you? No. I was a dynamic inventor (ENTP)
4. Do you think you would ever consider an alternative career? Why or why not? Of course. I will go where the jobs are...
1. Are you a member of any professional organizations or do you plan to join one? Which one and why?
I currently am not a member of any organization; however I do plan to join the ALA. I feel that joining such an organization is a great way to gather knowledge and advice from others could be beneficial to my future career as a librarian. Not working in the library field, I am at a disadvantage in staying abreast on many of the changes in the field and receiving newsletters and communicating with working professionals could give me some insight.
Employers will look positively upon memberships to organizations such as ALA or MLA. It will show them that you have commitment and are abreast of the changes in your field.
2. How imperative is it to be involved in a professional organization when pursuing an alternative career?
As mentioned in the post, when pursuing an alternative career you may feel that you are alone and that no one understands issues that you encounter. Belonging to an organization can help you overcome these feelings, which is why I plan to join an organization. It will also allow you to hear about others stories and get advice on how to handle certain situations.
3. Have you ever taken a personality test? Did the results surprise you?
Yes I have, unfortunately I cannot remember the results.
4. Do you think you would ever consider an alternative career? Why or why not?
I know that I would like to go into the IT side of the library profession; however there’s no guarantee that is what will happen once I get my degree. So far in the program I feel that I have learned things that could be used in various fields, however the challenge will be to convenience an employer that my skills are needed, which does not sound like an easy task.
“Find something you’re good at and see if you can grow to love it and make a living at it.”
I loved this quote at the beginning of this post. I think this is something that every person should take into consideration when they are thinking about what to major in during college. So many people do majors for the money it offers, but never think about what they actually love to do. This is exactly why I have chosen this profession.
I have taken a personality test before. It was near the beginning of high school and I actually do think of it often. It labeled me as a researcher and a detailer. One of the suggested careers for me was a librarian. To this day I am still amazed that this is what I am doing after that test predicting it so long ago!
Ronald: Selfishly, I had never thought of becoming a member of a professional organization as a way to support the library profession. I saw it more as a way to network, make connections and to help ME grow in the field. But now that you mention it, I can definitely see how it can help the profession as a whole.
Njang: I agree that professional organizations are a great way to grow as an individual in your career. The new advances and practices in the field would be evident in an organization and, as a member, you would remain updated and on top of all changes.
Christy: I too am pursuing my SLMIS and have already filled out the registration form for MAME but it has not yet made it to the mailbox with the check. I plan on doing that very soon though! In high school, I took a personality test that dealt with colors (green, orange, blue, yellow, maybe more) but I don’t remember the name of it either – nor the results.
Tory: I’m impressed that you can work 2 jobs and take classes! Hopefully you’ll find the time in the fall to join some organizations that interest you. Good luck!
Amanda: How exciting that you living out the quote! You enjoy working in the library and are now getting your degree in that field. Congrats on following it through!
Andrea: As a member of ALA and Freedom to Read as a new LIS student, are you ever overwhelmed with all of the information? I just started as well, but have not joined any organizations yet. My classes require so much reading at times that I couldn’t even imagine reading newsletters and other information from any extra sources. Are you involved in any of the round tables or conferences with these organizations?
Jessica: Thanks for sharing the other job suggestions! Like you said, some are similar (teacher) but others seem way different (veterinarian and interior decorator). How interesting!
Sylvia: It is very true that in the alternative job field, some positions may not care much if you in ALA or other library specific organization. I guess it depends on your personal career choices and on what the employer values in an employee.
Kimberly: What a great way to stay informed of library issues by joining professional organizations during a time when you are not working in the field. No experience could be a disadvantage for some but you are making sure that it is not considered one for you. Way to take the initiative and stay knowledgeable!
Beth: With the researcher and detailer as results from your personality test, what is your focus in the LIS program? Research librarian or something of the like?
Have you ever taken a personality test? Did the results surprise you?
Yes and yes! I took the "Which mixed drink are you?" test and it told me I was a mojito but I'm totally a pina colada! Er... Yes I've taken those traditional personality tests too and their results sounded about right for me. Actually I was surprised at how accurate they were.
Do you think you would ever consider an alternative career? Why or why not?
I definitely would consider an alternative career. I'm young and I don't know what I want yet. I know the general direction I want to go, but I can't be sure until I've tried things. I imagine finding the right job is a lot like finding your perfect mate: You know more or less what you want, but you aren't sure of the exact details until you find them.
1& 2) I’m not currently a member of any professional organizations; however, I plan on joining SAA and the ALA. I believe it is very important to join professional organizations because it gives you the opportunity to meet people in the field. Networking gives you an edge because it allows you to find out about jobs, to obtain references from established professionals, learn more about the field, and to keep up on the latest library issues.
3) I have taken personalities tests. I wasn’t surprised by the results because they were a bit vague. They were right but in a rather shallow way. On a lighter note… the most accurate assessment of my personality came from one of those novelty machines that take your name and date of birth and print something out based on that. It was eerily correct
I'm not a member of a professional organization, but I'm thinking I should join a few. I imagine it is pretty important, whatever approach to the profession (alternative or more direct) one plans to take. At least on the Academic Libraries side of the coin, I know employers like to see active participation in the field (we've been revising job descriptions, you see). While the mileage may vary outside of the more literally "library" profession (i.e., these alternative careers), I think active scholarship and participation would never be seen as a drawback ...
I would certainly consider an alternative career, if one with appeal reared its head. I'd definitely be interested in some of the potential spin-off jobs peripherally related to librarianship. One of the things that I find particularly appealing about the MLIS is that it opens (or leaves open) a range of career possibilities, should I decide (or need) to jump ship.
The benefits of being a part of a professional organization are numerous. Beyond the information and connections created at a professional conference there is a certain community that forms that helps cement the profession. In the article
Pergander, M. Calling All Transplanted Librarians. American Libraries v. 37 no. 6 (June/July 2006) p. 92
the librarian finds a non-librarian who holds an MLS degree but works in an alternative career. This person attends the librarian conferences to reconnect with the profession and feel a sense of community with fellow librarians.
I do not belong to any professional organizations, but I have considered joining one. If you are in an alternative position, a professional organization can help to open doors for you by simply knowing the right person.
I would definitely consider an alternative IP career. Todays job market is tough, especially in Michigan. I think we have to be open to every possible option and think outside of the traditional settings. As I am thinking about starting a family an alternative career may offer me more flexible hours.
Kelly: I had to laugh when you compared finding a good job to finding a good mate but it is totally true. You have a general idea of what you’re looking for but don’t fully understand until you’ve actually found it. What a great connection!!
Megan: I have never heard of the test where you give just your name and birth date. That would be kinda strange if it was accurate from that little amount of information.
Russell: I too am glad that we are not pigeon-holed into only one career path with our MLIS degree. The doors are open in many unlikely areas and it is up to us, as librarians, to find a place where we can use our skills and knowledge be it a library or other workplace.
Jeremy: That says a lot for the library field when degreed professionals are attending conferences even though they are not directly working in the field.
Ami: I too have wondered if some of the alternative careers would offer more flexible, family-friendly hours. My guess is that there are options in both paths, you just need to do some searching to find one that matches your needs as well as your families.
During my high school and undergraduate study, I was a member of the Lebanese Red Cross. Now that I am doing my MLIS I would like to join the ALA for many reasons. I think that joining a professional organization is further my education; as a member I will be eligible to attend conferences and receive publications that update you on the profession. Furthermore, it is very good to have this membership listed on my CV because it shows that I am involved and dedicated to my field, so when I go for job interviews this issue will leave a positive impact. Some organizations like ALA have job listed this will help me in case I do need a job in the field. What is most important is that I develop a network of professional people around me who are in the same field and this can help me in my social and career life; if I ever want to get or change my job I will be connected to professional people who are already in the field.
Actually I have taken the IQ test which is an Intelligence Quotient indicates a person's mental abilities relative to others of approximately the same age. I was not surprised at all by the results, I have scored very well on it. Although I think it is good to take a personality test but I am against placing this test as a prerequisite for some jobs; I had to sit for this test and I scored well but that does not mean that I will be good on the job!!!
I may change my career I am not sure yet about this. As for now I want to become a librarian I like my job and I want to practice it. I am considering a PHD in business management this does not mean that I will not be working in a library setting; actually I would like to become a director and I think that having this degree will open a room for change in case I have ever considered change. I think that I might change career if I am not satisfied, or if I am moving out to another country and I couldn’t find a job in my field.
I will join ALA soon and probably SLA. They are obviously great organizations that do much for the information profession. I will be hesitant to get too involved with committee work or other organization work. It would be hard to commit to that when there is so much that I need to get done at my job. I am amazed and grateful that so many people do so much work to support those organizations.
The Internet Public Library http://www.ipl.org/div/subject/browse/hum45.60.00/ also has a great list for library associations. Your group has done an excellent job with this blog. I have especially enjoyed the resources that you have posted. I definitely want to get some more experience in libraries before I would go out on my own. I am learning how broad our profession is. I think that generally "lay" people do not understand that at all. I am also understanding the skills that I will need to be able to do what I want in the profession. Your blog has been helpful.
I plan to join the Society of American Archivists (www.archivists.org) in the very near future because it will be a great way to network with archives professionals and scholars and I'll get a subscription to the American Archivist. I may also join ARMA International (the professional association for records managers--www.arma.org) if I think I might choose that career path after taking the records management course next term.
I would definitely consider working in a special library or the records management field, but I don't see myself as an independent contractor or consultant.
Are you a member of any professional organizations or do you plan to join one? Which one and why?
I need to mail my paperwork to join ALA and MLA with the student rate to keep up with trends and network.
I have never heard of Freedom to Read and WebJunction. I will have to look into those.
3. Have you ever taken a personality test? Did the results surprise you?
Not since high school about 20 yrs ago. I don't remember the results.
4. Do you think you would ever consider an alternative career? Why or why not?
I'm plan to keep my options open. I have learned about many options, traditional and non-traditional, that are appealing. Life can take many different turns so we need to be prepared through skills, training, and networking.
Carla: I think a PhD in business management would definitely better prepare you for a career as a library director. With all of the changes happening in libraries these days, having someone who is educated and familiar with making businesses successful would be a great asset. Good luck Carla!
Tim: I see where you are coming from about being a little hesitant to get too involved in the organizations. Between school and work, it is difficult to find much extra time for committees or other commitments and I don’t want to join if I can’t give 100%. At this time in my life, I do not plan on joining any round tables or anything similar, but I am definitely interested sooner rather than later in my career.
Jessica and Kerry: Jessica, you mentioned not seeing yourself as an independent contractor or consultant and I am in the same boat. Special libraries are not out of the question, but at this time, I think that I would prefer a traditional library setting. As Kerry said, keeping an open mind is important since we never know what life is going to throw at us. For this reason, we all need to be prepared and willing to step into a position that was not our initial choice or plan. Who knows – maybe we’ll love the change!
This is my first semester, so I was a little beweildered with all the push to join professional organizations such as the ALA and MLA. Most offer exceptional student rates, however, so I joined ALA and The Freedom to Read Foundation. I can say now, that my appreciation of the benefits of being a card-holding member is so much better understood, especially with this blog post! I have also been looking into library convention scholarships and membership is a must!
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