Guide for New Librarians
The Library of Congress is the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and it is the largest library in the world.[1]
Librarianship is a dynamic career path. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "employment of librarians is expected to grow by 7 percent from 2010 to 2020." [2] Librarians fill a vital need in society and the community, especially by helping patrons find information. As the world becomes increasingly digital, and electronic resources more prevalent, librarians will be needed to help understand this information and these technological mediums.
Online Resources
[edit | edit source]1. The American Library Association is the professional agency which represents and supports libraries and librarians all over the world. Its mandate from its inception in 1876 was for work in advocacy, diversity, promotion of librarianship and helping libraries everywhere keep current in the fast changing world of technology. This website should be one of the first that any new librarian visits to learn about the profession, find resources, look for employment opportunities, and generally learn anything there is to learn about libraries and librarians.
2. The Internet Public Library is an invaluable online resource for librarians and their users. It has a large collection of web links - journal articles, websites, educational material, and special collections for children and teens. It has thousands of links that are vetted by librarians and updated frequently. Ipl2 offers an "Ask the Librarian" service which allows web users to ask any reference question and receive an answer in a timely manner.
3. The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of the Congress and houses the world’s largest library including millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps and manuscripts. The Library of Congress is a vital resource for librarians and researchers alike.
4. Gale Cengage Learning is a world leader in e-research. It is a massive database used by many libraries in the U.S. It is famed for its authoritative reference content as well as its links to full text journal and newspaper articles. The Gale Virtual Reference Library is a tool any librarian can use. In addition, Gale has relationships with all of the biggest players in information services. It's basically a one stop shop for librarians.
5. Library Technology Guides Library Locator is the premiere website for library automation and the newest technologies that libraries are adopting. In addition, the library locator allows users to find any library in the U.S. – whether it be in their backyard or across the country. It’s a great way for librarians to help users find resources anywhere in the country.
http://www.librarytechnology.org/libwebcats/
6. I Love Libraries is sponsored by the American Library Association and its purpose is to keep the public abreast of what’s happening in all kinds of libraries in the U.S., including public, school, academic, corporate and institutional libraries.
http://www.ilovelibraries.org/
7. The Library Journal has been a trusted and respected resource in the library community for more than 100 years. It features reports covering technology, management and policy to all kinds of libraries. The publishers and editors at Library Journal review over 8000 materials including books, ebooks, audiobooks, videos/DVD’s, databases, systems and websites. This is a resource that helps librarians everywhere stay on the cutting edge of library services in the ever evolving world of information services.
8. The World Catalog is “the” global catalog for library collections. A Librarian can look up any library material on the World Catalog and find information about the book, ebook, audiobook, etc. including where you can get that resource and its subject headings.
Post MLS/MLIS Education
[edit | edit source]This is a listing of American Library Association accredited post masters programs in Library Science
1. Dominican University in River Forest, IL
- Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science (Ph.D)
- Post Masters Education
- • Archival and Cultural Heritage Resources and Services Certificate
- • Certificate of Special Study
- • Informatics Certificate
- • Knowledge Management Certificate
- • School Library Media Endorsement
- • Youth Services Specialized Study Certificate
For more information visit Dominican University's Program Site: Dominican University
2. Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies (Ph.D)
- Post Masters Education:
- • Advanced Certificate in Information Studies and Technology (ACIST)
- • Archives Specialist Certificate
- • Digital Libraries Specialist Certificate
- • Youth Services Specialist Certificate
- • Competitive Intelligence and Knowledge Management Specialist Certificate
For more information visit Drexel University's Program Site: Drexel University
3.University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ
- Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Information Resources and Library Science (Ph.D)
- Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Information Resources and Library Science minor
- Post Masters Education:
- • Digital Information Management
For more information visit University of Arizona's Program Site: University of Arizona
4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in Champaign, IL
- Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science (Ph.D)
- Specialization: Information in Society
- Post Masters Education:
- • Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.)
- • Certificate of Advanced Study in Digital Libraries
- • Certificate in Special Collections
- • K–12 School Librarianship
For more information visit University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's Program Site: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
5. University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC
- Doctor of Philosophy in Library and Information Science (Ph.D)
- Post Masters Education:
- • Certificate of Graduate Study in Library and Information Science
- • Certificate of Graduate Study in Health Communication
- • Specialist in Library and Information Science Certificate
For more information visit University of South Carolina's Program Site: University of South Carolina
6. University of Toronto in Toronto, ON
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
- Concentrations in:
- • Critical Information Studies
- • Library & Information Science
- • Archives & Records Management
- • Information Systems, Media, & Design
- • Cultural Heritage
- • Knowledge Management & Information Management
- • Philosophy of Information
- Concentrations in:
- Post Masters Education
- • Graduate Diploma of Advanced Study in Information Studies
For more information visit University of Toronto's Program Site: University of Toronto
7. University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, WI
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies
- Concentrations in:
- • Information Organization
- • Information Policy
- • Information Retrieval
- Concentrations in:
- Post Masters Education
- • Archives and Records Administration Certificate
- • Digital Libraries Certificate
For more information visit University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee's Program Site: University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee
Job Resources
[edit | edit source]National Job Boards
[edit | edit source]State by State Library Job Resources
[edit | edit source]- Alabama Library Jobs
- Alaska Library Jobs
- Arizona Library Jobs
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Technology
[edit | edit source]1. Library and Information Technology Association
This is a professional association focused on the access to recent and cutting edge technology for librarians. It is a division of the American Library Association and provides workshops and continuing education classes for librarians seeking to improve their knowledge of technology.
2. ALA Techsource: The ALA Techsource is a publication that produces reports on recent developments in library technology. The website features information on subscription, workshops, newsletters, and a blog with online technology articles.
3. The Wired Librarian:
This blog is written by an elementary school librarian and discuses the changing technology of libraries and its impact on schools and school libraries. The author discusses technology and its place in the library and classroom. The blog is archived by year, month, and content.
Notable Lists
[edit | edit source]1. The American Library Association provides a list of "Best of" Awards for print and media contributions. This comprehensive list includes suggestions for readers of all ages, and all literary genres.
http://www.ala.org/awardsgrants/awards/browse/rlist?showfilter=no
2. The Pulitzer Prize is regarded as the most prestigious literary award in the United States. In addition to awards for journalism, there are awards recognizing excellence in Literature including Biography or Autobiography, Drama, Fiction, General Nonfiction, History, Music and Poetry.
3. The National Book Awards, presented by the National Book FoundationNational Book Foundation, are an annual set of literary awards given to works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry and young adult literature written by American authors.
http://www.nationalbook.org/index.html http://www.nationalbook.org/nba2012.html#.T8vSdZiQPh4
4. The Man Booker Prize is an annual award that recognizes outstanding achievement in fiction by authors from Great Britain and Ireland.
http://www.themanbookerprize.com/prize/man-booker-prize
5. The Edgars, given by the Mystery Writers of America, recognize achievement in mystery fiction, nonfiction, and television. This award is considered the most prestigious award of the mystery genre.
http://www.theedgars.com/nominees.html
6. The Notable Books List is arranged by The Reference and User Services Association (RUSA), a division of the American Library Association. This list, released yearly, includes 25 books for adults in the categories of fiction, nonfiction and poetry.
http://www.ala.org/rusa/awards/notablebooks
7. The Reading List is also released yearly by the Reference and User Services Association (RUSA) and highlights different genres of fiction, specifically adrenaline titles (suspense, thrillers, and action adventure), fantasy, historical fiction, horror, mystery, romance, science fiction, and women’s fiction.
http://www.ala.org/rusa/awards/readinglist
8. The New York Times puts out weekly lists of Best Sellers in the Sunday Edition. These lists are comprised of sales data for the previous week. There are a number of Best Seller lists provided by the New York Times, including lists of e-book Sales.
http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/overview.html
9. Booklist annually asks the editors from its Adult Books division to compile a list of the most outstanding books of the year, with a wide range of subject matter and taste taken into account. This list places emphasis on titles that would be suitable in libraries.
http://www.booklistonline.com/ProductInfo.aspx?pid=5203748&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
10. Time Magazine created a list in 2005 of the All-TIME 100 Novels. This list is comprised of English-language novels published since the magazine's inception in 1923.
11. The Guardian's "100 Best Books of All Time" is a list that was compiled after a vote of 100 noted authors from 54 countries, and was released by the Norwegian Book Clubs in 2005.
http://www.listsofbests.com/list/21-100-best-books-of-all-time
Book Reviews
[edit | edit source]1. Booklist has been the most reliable source for librarians for finding learned, unbiased reviews of library materials. When a librarian is looking to add materials to their library, Booklist is usually the first source they go to. Booklist is sponsored by the American Library Association and has been publishing reviews for more than 100 years. In addition to reviews, navigating the website allows users to find further information on the books, magazines, ebooks, etc. they want information on
http://www.booklistonline.com/
2. Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries is exactly what the name implies. It is the premiere source for reviews of academic books, electronic media and internet resources for academic libraries. Choice prides itself on reviews that are timely, authoritative, concise and easy to use. For the Academic librarian, there is no better “choice”.
http://www.ala.org/acrl/choice/
3. Publishers Weekly has business news, book reviews, bestseller lists, commentaries, and much more. This is an international resource about book publishing and for libraries and book sellers.
http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/home/index.html
4. Kirkus Reviews provides critical, descriptive and concise reviews of forthcoming books. These reviews typically are available two to three months prior to publication, giving librarians a chance to order appropriate materials for their libraries in a timely manner. Kirkus also tends to review books that might not get notice elsewhere, so is a good source of little known, but of interest, material.
5. Books & Authors, powered by Gale, is a new resource that offers many ways for users to explore mixtures of books, authors and topics. Users and librarians can look up their sources by any of the above and, in addition, can find similar materials in an “if you like” feature. This website delivers current, reliable information in an organized and responsible manner.
6. The Library Thing is a fun new website that allows users to upload their own books and tag them accordingly. The website features subject headings by users which give a more accurate and robust view into a book or source. It includes Library of Congress subject headings for those who would compare the tags with “official” library subjects. It is a dynamic, current and interactive site for book lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
7. Fantastic Fiction is an indispensable tool for librarians and readers. One can look up any book by any author and find a list of books by the author in order of when they were written. For the reader who likes to read series in order, this is an invaluable and unique website.
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/
Book Reviews for Children and Teens
[edit | edit source]1. The School Library Journal, powered by Library Journal, reviews books, multimedia and technology for children and teens. It has been the world’s largest reviewer for youth multimedia for many years. Librarians trust this site for its recommendations for reliable and age appropriate materials for their young users.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
2. American Library Association has three websites geared toward children and teens.
“YALSA”, the Young Adult Library Services Association, has a mission to expand and support library services for teens. In addition, its mandate is to engage, service and empower teens.
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklistsawards/booklistsbook
3. “ALSC”, The Association for Library Service to Children, supports and develops library services to children. It is an innovative consortium of children’s librarians whose goal is to provide creative programming for children at their local libraries. In addition, the ALSC, publishes information for both the prestigious Caldecott and Newbury medal winners. The Caldecott honors contributions in illustrating children’s books and the Newbury Medal honors American literature for children.
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/newberymedal/newberymedal
Advocacy
[edit | edit source]1. American Library Association's Clearinghouse for Advocacy
This page is a collection of links on advocacy and legislation organized into subtopics such as a legislative action center, state and local resources, and federal resources. Each page has expanded information on the topics as well as contact information for further assistance.
http://www.ala.org/advocacy/advleg/advocacyuniversity/advclearinghouse
2. School Library Monthly
This is an online blog with resources for school librarians and teacher librarians. It is updated monthly and has a convenient list of past issues as well as a categorical list. The link provided leads to all resources on advocacy but the entire site is worth exploring.
http://blog.schoollibrarymedia.com/index.php/category/advocacy/
3. Survive and Thrive!
Survive and Thrive is a general resource for school libraries aimed at assisting librarians in communicating the importance and continued relevancy of school librarians. The site is organized into sections of target audiences including businesses, parents, and legislators.
https://sites.google.com/site/caslsurvive/
Relevant Articles
[edit | edit source]1. There are a number of scholarly journals, trade publications and magazines focused on librarians which address and explore current job trends and practical issues of professional librarianship. Additionally some publications include literature reviews. Valuable articles for new librarians can be found in:
- • Library Trends- http://www.press.jhu.edu/journals/library_trends/
- • Library Journal- http://lj.libraryjournal.com/
- • School Library Journal- http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
- • American Libraries- http://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/
- • Computers in Libraries- http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/ciltop.htm
2. A 2007 paper by Elizabeth Cox entitled "I'm a New Librarian!...Now What?", originally published in the publication Informed Librarian Online, includes steps and tips on how to progress in the field of librarianship. The links provided therein also are useful for new librarians to explore.
http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/morris_articles/10/
3. The New York Times website has a subheading entitled Libraries and Librarians under the heading, Topic Search. This search brings up all articles relevant to libraries and librarians that have been published in The New York Times, both in the print and online versions.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/l/libraries_and_librarians/index.html
Happenings You Won't Want To Miss
[edit | edit source]This calendar is devoted to events specific to librarians, so please check out and add trade shows, conferences, and other events that would be of interest to librarians.