Library Professional Associations
When an individual makes the decision to pursue a higher degree of education in a desired field of study, he or she may have decided to follow a professional path in the world of libraries and information science. My career goal has been to become the director of the library system that I am currently working. As director, I oversee all library programs, budget, staff, and library operations. I would like to continue as director for the next 3 to 5 years. After reading about the other opportunities in the library world in “So You Want to be a Librarian” by Lauren Pressley, my goals may have changed. Plans to work in the youth services field of librarianship is a personal choice because of my strong desire to work with young adults. After 3-5 years, I would like to be working for the Division of Library and Information Services of Florida. I have received such valuable resources from the youth coordinator through workshops and webinars. They have provided guidance in my planning for services for the youth in our county library system. After meeting the team that works there each director works autonomously in their specific area, but have impact in all the libraries throughout the state of Florida.
The associations I selected include the Florida Library Association (FLA) and the Public Library Association (PLA). “The Public Library Association (PLA), with more than 9,000 members, is one of the fastest growing divisions of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world” (PLA, 2014). The PLA provides communication, advocacy, continuing education and programming for those interested in advancement of public library service and its members. I ...
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.... (2014). Mission Statement. Retrieved from http://www.flalib.org/mission_state.php
Florida Library Association. (2014). American Code of Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.flalib.org/PDFdocuments/ala_Code_of_ethics.pdf
Gebhardt, M. (2013). Viva Florida, Viva Libraries. Retrieved from http://www.flalib.org/fl_lib_journal/Spring2013.pdf
Mishler,T. (2013). Hands-On Homeschool Programs. Retrieved from http://www.flalib.org/fl_lib_journal/Spring2013.pdf
Public Library Association.com. (2014). PLA receives IMLS Grant to continue leadership for public librarians. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2014/04/pla-receives-imls-grant-continue-leadership-program-public-librarians
Public Library Association.com (2014). About PLA. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/pla/
Public Library Association. Join PLA. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/pla/membership
Librarians are defined as “a person, typically with a degree in library science, who administers or assists in a library.” In truth, they are much more than that. In a recent interview with Traci Glass, the Teen Librarian at the Eugene Public library, we explored her personal story with becoming a librarian, including how it has benefitted and affected her life.
...h are mentioned elsewhere in this book that support local programs. ALSC also provides a database of local programs at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/initiatives/diadelosninos/diacelebrations/diacelebrations.cfm so that librarians can see what their peers are doing and discover new ways to enhance local programs.
Shoaf, E. C. (2003). Using a professional moderator in library focus group research. Colleges & Research Libraries, 64 (2), 124-132.
Sperazi, L. An Evaluation of the IBM PALS Program for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Newton Highlands, MA: Evaluation Research, 1990. (ED 328 267)
The lectures by Jessica Gillis and Lisa Nowlain showed how a youth services librarian does not fit under one definition and may have very different roles depending on the position. While both obtained their degrees from San Jose State University, their vision and geographical preferences have led them in very different directions.
Librarians lament the lack of skills training, but theory is, and must remain, central to LIS. According to Fallis and Fricke, a librarian requires a theoretical graduate-level education, in addition to specific skills.
Public Librarians’ Attitudes Regarding Acquisition and Access. Judaica Librarianship [serial online]. July 2014; 18:54-87. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed February 4, 2015.
We live in an information society where the development of information and communication technologies accompanied by a corresponding increase in knowledge with a rapidly growing flow of information. In this new information environment, library professionals require new skills in seeking, processing and disseminating information.
In thinking about my own journey, my ideal self has experienced a few modifications. Years ago, as a naïve undergraduate, I had determined that my ideal self would be a CIA agent. I wanted to travel, learn new languages, and save the day. The graduate assistant teaching one of my freshman writing courses posed some powerful questions that caused me to rethink that ideal self. At the same time I began working as a student employee in the library on campus. As my education progressed and I continued to explore my options, I kept returning to my work in the library. It was never a future that I divined for myself, but it was something I truly enjoyed and was adept at doing. I went on to obtain my Masters in Library Science with the future goal of becoming a library dean. Over the past twenty-eight years later, that vision became more intangible. Along the way, I must admit, that I became mired in the day-to-day management tasks and assignments, to such an extent that I lost track of my ideal self, the future library
My earliest memory of career goals were in elementary school where I wanted to be a pediatrician. This would remain my goal until age thirteen when I designed my first webpage and began operating a successful e-commerce website. I had quickly learned about the power of computers – they simplified previous processes so much that a thirteen year old could operate a successful business. I was hooked and was driven to learn all that I could to unlock more of the seemingly limitless potential of computers. In high school I pursued certifications in computer networking and hardware until finally my intellectual curiosity led me to the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business where I majored in Management Information Systems and Economics.
My long term career goals include the pursuit of research in the field of Bioinformatics and teaching in an academic environment. I have found that a career in research is both intellectually stimulating and satisfying and hence I have decided to take this up as my career objective.
Bianca, A. (2013). "3 Action Steps to Reaching Stated Career Goals & Objectives." Work.Chron. Demand Media.
Libraries are essential to a community especially in difficult times. Due to rising costs and job losses, patrons may have had to cut their own expenses such as buying books or cancelling their internet service. In order to continue to have access to these materials, patrons turn to their libraries. However, libraries are often the first to get cut in budget reforms. A library can survive a budget crisis by making cuts, fundraising, developing trust, and media exposure.
The field of information systems has grown and become more promising than in previous years. This increase demands highly skilled professionals to keep up with the quickly changing world of IS. Looking for a job in the Information Systems field opens the door for many disciplines, each with its significance in the business world. Most businesses need information systems skills to accomplish their goals. There is a wide selection of career options in the field of information systems. There are the technical positions, such as dealing with information management and hardware and software management, and the people-oriented technology positions, such as dealing with the design and operation of Internet applications (“Why Major,” n.d.).
Library managers should organize technology-based training for librarians in order to make them comfortable with new technologies and more aware of their dangers. Since technology skills are important part of most library and information jobs, librarians should make sure they acquire technological skills continuously. University libraries should employed qualified information and technology specialist and troubleshooters to maximize system accessibility and provide a level of comfort to the librarians.