Category Archives: Career Advancement

We Can’t Wait to See You in Baltimore at LibLearnX24!

Join your peers and colleagues at the 2024 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience, January 19-22, 2024 in Baltimore!

Participate in collaborative, top-quality education where you will discuss the topics that are important to library professionals in peer-to-peer conversations, be inspired by author speakers and thought-leaders on the LLX Studio stage, and attend fun social activities and award celebrations to celebrate your fellow librarians, favorite books, and authors.

LibLearnX is a must-attend learning experience designed for library professionals from all Read the rest

Explaining Non-Traditional Experience on Your Resume

One of the many hats I wear is that of a career facilitator. In this role, I used to get calls all the time from people wanting to work in libraries. People with varied backgrounds were (and still are) deciding to become librarians.  Many were entering the profession as a second or third career. For a number of reasons (burn out, searching for purposeful work, etc.), they all wanted to find work they would love. Some were willing to go Read the rest

How to Get Yourself Out of a Rut

Have you ever had a day when you just couldn’t seem to get moving? Perhaps you couldn’t stay focused. Have there been days when no matter what you tried, you just could not muster the energy to get anything accomplished? Most of us have experienced unproductive days. One awful day here or there is to be expected. It’s normal. However, when our unproductive days stretch into weeks or months, we may discover that we are in a rut. When you’re Read the rest

Start Planning Now for LibLearnX in Baltimore January 2024

LibLearnX is a must-attend learning experience designed for library workers from all library types at all career levels. You’re invited to join us at the upcoming 2024 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience, January 19–22, 2024 in Baltimore! 

LibLearnX offers you direct access to innovative solutions and cutting-edge insights into the challenges and opportunities faced in libraries. It also provides us the chance to reconnect, inspire, and celebrate each other and the work that we accomplish every day as librarians.Read the rest

Time for Your Own Professional Development

The beginning of fall usually indicates the start of classes across the nation. As library workers, we are often engaged in teaching new concepts. The information your students glen from your instruction can help with a lifetime of research and academic success. As you work with students and faculty, you should also consider your own professional development. The world is constantly changing. Technologies and best practices are evolving and progressing, making continual learning more important than ever. Professional development becomes Read the rest

Creating Space for Mutual Support

Library leaders at all levels are facing unprecedented challenges related to a variety of topics: intellectual freedom; equity, diversity, and inclusion; staffing challenges; community engagement; and, let’s face it, sometimes just maintaining your own motivation in a post-pandemic environment. People need time and space to refresh, energize, practice self-care, and feel seen and supported by their colleagues. 

To address this need, the Public Library Association’s (PLA- a division of the American Library Association) Leadership Development Committee will offer a series Read the rest

Consider Taking a Course This Summer

Summer is finally here. It’s a time to relax and take things at a slower pace (when possible).  We often try to spend time doing fun activities with family and friends. It might also be a good time to think about taking an online course for self-improvement. Listed below are several courses that will be offered this summer by the American Library Association’s (ALA) Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR). All courses are online, asynchronous sessions with a Read the rest

7 Video Job Interview Tips

The pandemic prompted a change in all types of procedures, including the way interviews were conducted. Most libraries, if/when they did hire during the pandemic, moved to online platforms such as Zoom to conduct interviews. Employers discovered that this method of interviewing became an efficient and effective way for employers and candidates to connect remotely. In addition, employers realized one huge benefit. Employers were able to reduce hiring costs (i.e., no expenses to bring in candidates or committees, no meal Read the rest

Accepting Career Coaching Appointments

The ALA JobLIST Placement & Career Development Center will host complimentary career coaching sessions on Friday and Saturday, June 25th & 26th, 2023, during the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago, June 22 – 27, 2023. Each one-on-one session is open to any library worker or library school student, and completely confidential. Sign up now for an appointment.

Take advantage of this time to consider recharging your career. The professional career coach can guide you in strategizing for the next phase Read the rest

Refresh Your Toolbox

Although some of us are still getting snow, Spring will soon arrive. It’s the time when we typically clean, get rid of old stuff, and refresh our environments. It can also be a good time to reaffirm life plans, reawaken our energy, and recapture our motivation to move forward. Now is an excellent time to consider professional development options to enhance your knowledge and skills toolbox. The ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment (HRDR) offers a number of Read the rest