Category Archives: Career Advancement

Inc.: 8 Ways To Be a Memorable Boss

This article is from the May 2013 issue.

In his article on Inc., Jeff Haden argues that “employees don’t leave jobs; they leave bad bosses–and even mediocre ones.” To help managers avoid poor – or even mediocre – performance, he outlines advice on how best to inspire employees. Read the full article.… Read the rest

From Para-Professional to Director: A Librarian’s Tale

This article is from the May 2013 issue.

By A.D. Beman-Cavallaro, MLS

Over my academic and professional career, I attended Florida State University, (attaining my B.S. in Geography in ‘05) and University of South Florida, (to receive my MLS in ‘08). My time at USF, (as a Master’s Student: ’05-’08 and para-professional Library Employee: ’05-’10), prepared me for a position of Reference/Instruction Librarian at the Bartow Public Library in Polk County, FL, (’10-’12). I then returned to the academic world as Associate Library Director for Pasco-Hernando Community College’s (PHCC) … Read the rest

Career Hub Offers Advice to Job Candidates Battling Ageism

This article is from the May 2013 issue.

Age discrimination has always been an obstacle for job seekers, and as the U.S. work force ages, more and more job candidates find themselves facing HR professionals who prefer to higher younger workers for lower wages. Career Hub offers excellent advice to older job seekers.… Read the rest

A New Professional Development Opportunity: ALA Leadership Institute

This article is from the April 2013 issue.

Leading to the Future is a new four-day immersive leadership development program offered by ALA for future library leaders—you or someone you’d like to nominate.

The institute offers the chance to delve into leadership practices, concepts and frameworks and to shape your own leadership vision and ethos—one that can sustain you into the future. ALA President Maureen Sullivan and ACRL Content Strategist Kathryn Deiss will help you develop and practice your leadership skills in areas critical to the future of the … Read the rest

Managing Your Career in a Negative Environment

This article is from the February 2013 issue.

By Mandy R. Simon

Many of the colleagues I’ve spoken to lately have alluded to having a similar problem in their work environments, regardless of organizational size or type: rampant negativity from co-workers. Workplace negativity is insidious and can feel downright inescapable. As the old-timey educational movie reels explain about tooth decay and drug addiction, negativity can seep into an organization unannounced and threaten to discourage even the most motivated and enthusiastic leaders. How does one manage their career in … Read the rest

21 Success-Killing Phrases (and Thoughts) to Avoid

This article is from the November 2012 issue.

Frequently, we read books, attend workshops and seek advice from mentors to improve ourselves and move up the career ladder. But how often do we give consideration to the things that could derail our careers? Do we ever stop to think about the things we say and do, even casually, that might leave negative impressions and possibly keep us from gaining much-desired promotions? Though you may never find out that these things may have affected your chances—more than likely, you … Read the rest

Online Workshops a Growing Opportunity for Professional Development

This article is from the September 2012 issue.

By Rory Litwin 

Many librarians are required to pursue professional development and continuing education, in order to maintain a credential, to justify promotion or, in the case of many academic librarians, tenure. Conference attendance is a major professional development activity for librarians, but tight budgets and a desire for greener alternatives to air travel are leading many to participate in local and regional conferences and in online workshops and courses. Local and regional conferences give librarians an opportunity to network with … Read the rest

What to Do with Your Conference Notes

This article is from the August 2012 issue.

By Satia Marshall Orange

A few weeks ago I was helping a friend clean out her files, and I found a familiar picture. She had piles of old staff development relics: program booklets, session agendas, handouts, flyers and countless notes…in notebooks, on the backs of flyers, on empty, old folders and even on the backs of used envelopes. When I asked her what to do with them, I heard a familiar response. She never got around to reviewing them when … Read the rest

Don’t Go There: How engaging in speculation, gossip and negativity affects your work ethic

This article is from the July 2012 issue.

By Diane Strzelecki

Forget the fat-laden birthday donuts loitering in the break room or the fun-size candies lurking on your coworker’s desk. Throughout my working life I’ve discovered hazards exponentially more detrimental to your emotional and professional health: gossip, speculation and hypercriticism. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie in the library world, there’s plenty of examples of such indulgence – and plenty of reasons to resist.

Resisting the big “What If”

You’d have to be living under a … Read the rest

The Ten Commandments of the New Professional

This article is from the July 2012 issue.

By Natalie Baur

Library school diploma straight off the press, check. Applications and cover letters sent out to dream jobs, check. Weeks (and weeks) of waiting, phone interviews and on-site interviews, check. An accepted job offer and start date, check! For many new librarians, the long, angst-filled path from graduation to job offer is a journey that consumes every last ounce of attention, making it all too easy to forget that a career is indeed waiting for them after getting … Read the rest