Comments on: Networking Tips for New Librarians

By: Amy

Amy — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 19:36:00 +0000

The article on page 3 of this newsletter has some great networking tips for librarians getting started in a new state. http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/docs/February_IL_2.22.12_FINAL.pdf

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 00:00:54 +0000

I got my foot in the door through volunteering. Some of the best advice I got was to be sure to get paid work in libraries while I was in library school. I feel that otherwise I may be without a job. The practical experience is so important–otherwise employers may be reluctant to take a chance on you (despite a solid work history outside the profession).

By: Brian Herzog

Brian Herzog — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 14:38:43 +0000

@Graham: I like this photo a lot – thank you for using the CC license, and how perfect that you’re a recently-hired librarian, too. As for your method of networking though, to my anti-social self it sounds more brutal than subbing simultaneously at five libraries. But congratulations – Teaching and Learning Librarian sounds interesting.

By: Graham Lavender

Graham Lavender — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 01:27:32 +0000

Glad you could make use of my photo!

Here’s my job hunting advice: use your existing connections to get introduced to a librarian in town, and invite that person out for coffee/lunch/drinks. (If you can’t use your connections, just track down someone who looks interesting online and send them a message). Then ask them to put you in touch with two other local professionals, and repeat the process with these new contacts. You’ll probably have some fascinating conversations, while also getting your name out there, so the next time there’s an opening they’ll think of you. This is what I did recently, and it worked for me.

By: Courtney Young

Courtney Young — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:53:28 +0000

ALA’s New Members Round Table hosted their Annual Program online: Professional Networking for New Librarians. There were lots of great networking tips. You can view the Adobe Connect recording of the session: http://connect.ala.org/node/175167

By: Brian Herzog

Brian Herzog — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:37:40 +0000

@SAL Fan: thank you very much – you and @Winifred make me blush. As for LinkedIn though, I really don’t know. The only thing I ever, ever do with it is approve connection requests. I never go on otherwise, although I do hear that people use it for job hunting. I think any networking opportunity has potential, but I personally wouldn’t know where to start there.

@Cheryl: I’m happy to hear it worked out – it does seem like a great path to a full-time job, but very hectic in the meantime.

@Winifred: great tips. My library is unionized, and our rule for #1 is just that we can’t have volunteers doing work that paid staff also does. So, we could have MLS volunteers, they just couldn’t do anything staff is already doing. I’m sure that varies though, so it’s good to keep in mind. And thanks again for the very kind words – it’s always nice to hear.

By: Winifred Flint

Winifred Flint — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 20:04:50 +0000

I seriously don’t have time to even be reading Brian’s blog (my secret pleasure!) let alone comment but I have to add my two cents – I totally empathize with the newbie’s plight. Very briefly:
1) if the library has a union, there can be issues with having volunteer MLSs …the town can say “if we can get it for free – we must not need all the current staff”…but I think you can get around this if you are offering something that no-one on staff knows how to do.
2) as head of circ I deal with all the volunteer stuff and I can totally back up Brian about the volunteer needing extra supervison and we are *really* *really* pressed for time. So if you could come in and really make my life easier I would be all ears.
3) from personal experience I know that some libraries are loathe to hire a part-time MLS becasue they think the hire will jump ship as soon as a full time job comes up
4) we are always looking for program ideas – monthly events that appeal to that community that happen at the libraries – like author talks etc. libraries have a program budget for this. We of course prefer free…is there something you could talk about/ train that would appeal to the community? Look at a multitude of library websites to get an idea of the offerings
5) there are now websites that allow people to volunteer via online – if you can’t volunteer in person but still want to contribute. look into this
6) digitization is a hot thing now – we have on our back burner putting oral histories online – but just don’t have the time or mental bandwidth – i bet we are not the only library in that scenario..
7) Some of this may sound tough – but knowing the real deal will make you smarter in your job search – and I know you must be smart because you had the brains to ask Brian Herzong advice. Good Luck!

By: Cheryl

Cheryl — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:57:06 +0000

For getting a job in a public library I found that subbing was a great way to meet other librarians, gain experience, and get my foot in many doors. I had to work as a sub for two years after grad school before I was finally hired in a permanent position, and towards the end I was subbing at five different libraries! But the hectic schedule paid off because the reason I got that permanent position was because I had been subbing for the library and they knew me and my work. Plus that particular recruitment was in-house only, so I wouldn’t have even been able to apply for it if not for the subbing gig I had with them.

By: Swiss Army Librarian Fan

Swiss Army Librarian Fan — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:34:21 +0000

Hi Brian,
I’m a big fan of yours ! I’m always eager to read your posts ! It is so inspiring to see how much passion you have for our profession, and how we can help our patrons by staying open minded and adventurous librarians as you are !

In regards to today’s post, I was wondering if LinkedIn wouldn’t be a good tip…? I personnaly have never gotten a job through LinkedIn, but I thought I’d mention it.
What do you think ? Can LinkedIn be helpful for librarians ?

Greetings from Switzerland !