McDreamy!

Our invitation for reflection this time around is future career paths – my dream job, even!  Now... I included a teaser of sorts in my last entry, which is directly related to this topic; my exploration of professional associations has given me some further clarity into my vocational goals, for I have discovered that while I am interested in all kinds of facets of librarianship, the practice setting that continues to inspire and energize me the most is the public library.  My adventures in job searching on behalf of this blog post have only given strength to this discovery!

I am fortunate to live in an area that is rich with a variety of libraries and centers for information and learning – a huge public library system with dozens of branches throughout the city; a vast network of public libraries in the suburbs and towns surrounding Chicago; several excellent colleges and universities; a fantastic array of museums; great opportunities for specialized librarianship, in healthcare, law and even humanities research; public and private elementary and secondary schools; corporate information centers; and more.  So I've poked around the job listings right here in “the Chicagoland area” (as it is sometimes affectionately known) and I've found several that are enticing.

For instance, one of the universities recently posted a position for an Information Commons and Student Engagement Librarian, and another has been seeking a Humanities Reference and Instruction Librarian.  Both of these positions piqued my interest, both because of their setting in major undergraduate and research institutions, and because of some of the educational background and skills involved.  While a background in the humanities and in reference services is required for one of these roles, both require experience and expertise in instructional services and learner support, including information literacy and instructional technology, as well as the ability to serve as a liaison to various academic departments.  Positions like these in academic libraries are most definitely of interest to me, because they combine my up-and-coming LIS education and experience with a number of other aspects of my past and current professional experience.

On a completely different note, one of the public library positions that caught my eye is a Reference Services position, with many typical reference, reader services, programming and community outreach responsibilities – and a special focus on genealogy!  I just had to poke around the Google, Library Journal, the ALA website and others to learn a wee bit more – and I’ve learned (perhaps you already knew?) that genealogy reference services are indeed a widely desired feature in many of our public libraries (and beyond).  What a great specialty!  And, I would think, one for which people skills are that much more significant, as researching one’s family history can sometimes be as challenging as it is exciting.

But really, my dream job?  The one that gets me the most excited about this new professional path?  It’s almost literally right under my nose.  The Chicago Public Library is constructing a new building for the branch in my neighborhood.  Short walk to work and fancy new LEED certified building aside (though those are indeed significant benefits!), the very recently posted job description for this entry level public librarian position pretty much has my name written all over it, as I envision where and how I’d like to put my MLIS to good work:

Provides reference and reader's advisory assistance (adult, teen and juvenile) using detailed knowledge of both print and electronic media. Assists in designing, developing and administering library programs and services to the general public (e.g., book discussions, library orientations, bibliographic instruction, and other programs). Interprets library policy, procedures and regulations to staff members and the general public. Prepares reading lists, bibliographies and annotations for library collections. Oversees library collections and collection maintenance, and makes recommendations for the acquisition of new materials and collections. Processes interlibrary loans, reserves and holds. Promotes library programs, services and exhibits (e.g., designing flyers or displays). Assists in establishing and maintaining relationships with schools and community organizations to promote library services (e.g., visiting area schools and community organizations, or participating in community events). Assists in supervision, training, evaluation, and mentioning of paraprofessional, clerical and other staff. Assists in writing grants or seeking outside support for library programs. Attend meetings, workshops, training courses as assigned. May participate in library committee work and staff training. Keep current of emerging library trends. Performs related duties as required. 

Public services in a public library setting, for adults, teens and kiddos.  Reference, reader’s advisory, community outreach and networking, programming, collection development, library advocacy, and more.  All things for which I am currently – and happily! – developing knowledge and experience, and to which I bring other experience and expertise that will enhance my work.

Bring. It. On.  :-)

Will there be other McDreamy possibilties out there for me, as I enter the world of professional librarianship?  Perhaps.  Once I get started, I may find myself seeking greater opportunities for leadership, or ways to dive a bit deeper in one area or another.  But right now, I’m just looking forward to jumping into the pool and starting to swim!