Technical Skills & the Librarian « Life as I Know It
What type of technical skills do you need to be a librarian? A tough question to answer. Specific skills will vary depending on type of library one works in, will vary by departments within a library, will also vary from library to library – and will most definitely change rapidly. Most libraries do not have a tech support person in the building during all hours they are open – many do not have one in the building at all. This often requires that everyone have a good sense of basic computer troubleshooting skills. Some technical skills that I think everyone who works in a library should have are as follows: Ultimately, it is extremely important for everyone to have enough technical knowledge to know when to escalate a problem and to whom to escalate the problem. Other blog post on technology requirements for librarians: Like this: Like Loading...
Programming skills could transform librarians' roles - LIBRARIAN SKILLS
To keep pace with information changes and the needs of users, librarians need some programming skills, argues David Stuart Recent ICT innovations have led to the reappraisal of our understanding of library and information services. The traditional vision of the library as a provider of physical documents has been superseded by the library as a provider of access to information – virtual and physical. However, until now the focus has still primarily been on the concept of the document. While the traditional role of the librarian continues to be important, it would be naïve not to recognise changes in how today’s information is being made available, as well as changes in user expectations, and user perceptions of the librarian. Although librarians have taken the time to learn the intricacies of the advanced search features and the subtleties of Boolean algebra, most users will type two or three words into Google’s query box and find that the simple search is ‘good enough’. The role of APIs
The Shifted Librarian: 20 Technology Skills Every Librarian Should Have
« My Alma Mater Is Blogging! | Main | PDAs or Tablet PCs for Wireless Reference Work? » Thursday, July 21, 2005 20 Technology Skills Every Librarian Should Have Last month, T.H.E. Word Processing Skills Spreadsheets Skills Database Skills Electronic Presentation Skills Web Navigation Skills Web Site Design Skills E-Mail Management Skills Digital Cameras Computer Network Knowledge Applicable to your School System File Management & Windows Explorer Skills Downloading Software From the Web (Knowledge including eBooks) Installing Computer Software onto a Computer System WebCT or Blackboard Teaching Skills Videoconferencing skills Computer-Related Storage Devices (Knowledge: disks, CDs, USB drives, zip disks, DVDs, etc.) Of course, for librarians I would make it a top 25 list and add blogs, RSS, IM, wikis, and audio ebooks right from the beginning. I'd like to see MLS do a series of workshops, either online or f2f, that would help librarians learn all 25 skills.
Start Your Journey!
Welcome! The right career can provide years of enjoyment, challenge and personal enrichment. Libraries offer an incredible range of opportunities to “make a living making a difference.” What is librarianship about? Am I a good candidate to work in a library? What kind of library offers the best match for my interests? What are the skills and education requirements for the job that interests me? Where can I obtain financial and moral support for the job I desire? For Kids For Recruiters/Career Centers About
658.8 – Practical Marketing for Public Libraries
Do I Need a Library Science Master's Degree?
Obtaining a master's degree can involve a large investment in time, effort, and money. There is no question that having a degree is a positive sign of accomplishment, but it may not always be feasible or practical for an individual to obtain. The factors that weigh most heavily on this decision include: Type of position. If you reviewed the " types of jobs" section on this website, you can then learn if a degree is typically required of the type of job you desire. State requirements. ALA-Allied Professional Association list of certification requirements by state
Is a Master’s Degree in Library Science a Poor Investment? A Counter Perspective to Forbes Magazine
In the June 2011 Forbes online edition, Jacquelyn Smith ranked a Master’s degree in Library Sciences as the one of worst Masters Degrees a student could invest in. She based the rankings on employment projection data and average mid-career pay compared to other people in similar jobs. I can understand Smith’s conclusions: based solely on statistical data, librarianship on average does make less than engineering, mathematicians and physicists. My issue with her analysis is that statistical data alone does not provide a complete picture of the opportunities presented by obtaining a degree in librarianship. I disagree with the assertion that a degree in information sciences in an information age is a poor investment. So, let me provide a counter perspective to supplement the statistical analysis and create a more complete picture of the benefits for those considering the degree. Career Opportunities Outside the Library Librarian Revolution = More Opportunities Career Advancement
Master's Degree in Library Science
Programs in library science, also referred to as library and information science, cover the skills and knowledge needed to become a librarian, including book cataloging, Internet researching and information sorting. A master's degree in this field can lead to a career in a library system, working in schools, universities, private companies or other public facilities. Master's degree programs in library science commonly provide students with foundational information in librarianship. Many programs require students to participate in internships or media practicum placements where they explore the career while developing managerial and technical skills. Education Prerequisites Master's degree programs in library science require applicants to have completed a bachelor's degree. Course Topics Students in library science programs study information related to digital literacy, school media, reference techniques, leadership and media technologies. Popular Career Options According to the U.S.
Career Strategies for Librarians
Slow Down: Making the Most of Library Schoolby Patricia Katopol Sarah was a decent student. Of course she showed up to class and even participated during most sessions. She turned her homework in on time and it wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either. When you saw Sarah in the halls, she was either running in from her internship in the university’s library, or running out to her part-time job at a local restaurant. Do you know a Sarah? As a faculty member in a school of library and information science, I see a lot of Sarahs, students who seem more concerned with finishing school quickly than with learning about the profession. Get Library Experience. Connect with Librarians. Library hiring committees want recommendations from practitioners. Working in the field also brings you into the network of working professionals. Explore Problems. Match Your Education to Your Career Goals. Perhaps you know someone in law school or medical school. Connect with Other Students. Take Your Time.
