chasing the dream…

So, other than my excitement about jumping in to the pool of LIS jobs like the Chicago Public Library opportunity that sounds dreamy to me (from my previous post), what will it take for me to stand out as an ideal candidate for such positions? 

Let’s start by digging into the job posting a bit.  There some aspects that are library-specific, and that necessitate a both a graduate LIS degree from an ALA accredited program and recent, relevant library experience.  So we can take these and create a "to do list" for me, as I pursue my SLIS studies and seek additional education and experience through volunteer work, internships, professional networking and conferences, and perhaps even library employment that doesn't require an MLIS.  For instance, this public library position (along with many others like it) requires knowledge of, experience with and competency in...

☐         print and electronic resources for reference and reader's advisory services

☐         collection development and maintenance, along with bibliographic instruction

☐         library services for adults in particular, along with some understanding/experience of library services for teens and children

☐         interlibrary loan and other processes

☐         emerging library trends and issues

This type of position also requires other areas of experience/expertise and competency, which I already bring to the table via various roles I’ve played and activities I’ve engaged in, in my educational and work/professional history, such as…

✔        experience working in a variety of library settings, including public

✔         management experience including policy development and interpretation, and supervision, training and evaluation of staff and volunteers

✔         presentation skills and experience with developing, planning and presenting programs

✔         bibliographic research via library databases and internet tools

✔         experience with grant writing

All of the above are necessary, and will likely be shared (in various degrees) by everyone who applies, due to the educational credentialing, desired experience and understanding of public library environments, and other skills, competencies and knowledge that are essential for this kind of role.  So, what else might I highlight from my professional experience that might help my resume and cover letter rise to the top of the heap?  A few things that come to mind are…

!!         outstanding customer service skills, from years of work in public service roles, some of which have required great compassion and sensitivity

!!         experience and expertise with the listening, interpersonal relationship and communication skills necessary for good reference and reader's advisory service

!!         teaching experience - from kids to seniors, and from basic literacy to graduate level - which will translate very well into bibliographic instruction with a diverse community of library users

!!         years of experience with outreach and relationship building, and connections to a variety of community organizations and networks, which will be of great service to the outreach and promotional activities of the library

 
As I look forward to enjoying such a role in a public library setting, and as I look back on the goals I named earlier in the semester, I think I'm pretty much on the right track – and I’m glad that I already have much to offer while I am also building upon my knowledge base, skills and competencies in ways that are not just required but essential, relevant (and, to me, exciting!)  Perhaps, though, since I’m discovering greater clarity around my interest in public libraries, I would do well to lean more heavily in that direction, course-wise.  And, it's definitely time to stop talking about professional networking and relationship building within the field and to start walking the walk, fostering those connections and joining those associations!