Category Archives: Library School Career Center

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | January 30, 2023 · 11:00 am

Library School Career Center: University of North Texas (UNT)

This series is a collaboration with Hack Library School (HLS). HLS is written by library school students. In this series, the students interview their schools to dig deeper into the resources provided for job hunting and career support. We are cross-posting here and on Hack Library School. This post is written by Lauren Bauer, who is the current managing editor for HLS.

By the way, if you are an employer looking to get your job ad out to library schools, Hilary Kraus (who you may also know from Further Questions) has created a very helpful spreadsheet with the best process to reach each of the 63 ALA continually accredited library schools.

This interview is with Anna Motes, who is a Career Coach and supports the students at the College of Information (COI) at UNT Discovery Park.

Anna has an M.S. and a B.S., both in Mathematics, from Texas A&M University in College Station. She comes to UNT with 8 years of experience in the K-12 Education sector, managing an after-school math program. Anna likes helping UNT students because she loves to build relationships with her students, and she is continuously impressed by their hard-work and passion for their education and their futures.

Career Center Information

What does the school do to support students and alumni as they look for jobs?

University of North Texas (UNT) supports students and alumni as they look for jobs through the Career Center and other programs like the Mean Green Mentors Program, the Dr. Yvonne J. Chandler Mentorship Program, and incorporating career readiness material into classes & degree plans. The Career Center provides a full range of services to support undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni at all points along their career journey, including personalized career and internship advising, access to job and internship postings, career fairs and networking events with employers, workshops on timely career topics, presentations for student organizations, career-focused videos, on-demand resources, and much more.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

Yes, our Career Coaches are here to help students with their careers! The Career Coach position at UNT requires a master’s degree and two years of experience in student services, counseling, or advising. Each Career Coach’s background is different – I came to UNT after working in industry as an educator, manager, and hiring manager. UNT’s Career Coaches have trained in career counseling theory, and I participate in several professional organizations & communities, learning as much as possible to keep up with today’s ever-changing job world & better help my students.

Does the school have a job board or an email list with job postings?

Yes, Handshake

If so, how can employers get their job listing included?

Register on Handshake & request/get approved to post to UNT students – once a job is posted on Handshake, you can email the posting to the relevant College’s Career Coach & ask that they share it with their students. Each Coach is different in how they get the word out, I will generally share relevant jobs to the Career Center’s website and the College of Information Community page on LinkedIn.

Do you require that a salary be included on job listings?

Handshake requires specifying if an internship/job is paid or unpaid but putting a salary amount is optional.

Are there any other requirements for job listings?

An employer needs to be approved to post to Handshake first, and the job posting will also need to be reviewed & approved by our Career Center team.

Does the school provide any of the following?

√ General career coaching

√ Resume/CV review

√ Help writing cover letters

√ Literature/articles

√ Interview practice

√ Networking events (virtual or in-person)

√ Other: Career Fairs, Employer Tabling/Informational Events, Major Exploration & Assessments, LinkedIn Tips

Does the school provide any of the following in-person career services?

√ Appointments

√ Speakers, or programs that present experts

√ Mixers or other networking events

√ Job Fairs

√ Drop-in career center:

Mon/Wed 8 am – 12 pm
Tue/Thurs 3 pm – 5 pm
Fri 1 pm – 5 pm

Does the school provide any of the following online career services?

√ Website with resources

√ Blog: intermittent updates with Career Center news

√ Webinars

√ Podcasts: Get Hired, UNT (on Apple Podcasts) and Hidden Points (on YouTube)

√ Social Media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram

√ Newsletter: There is a student employment newsletter and some of the Career Coaches write newsletters for specific colleges within the University. So far, there are newsletters for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, and the two Colleges housed at Discovery Park: the College of Information and the College of Engineering.

What do you think is the best way for students to use career help provided by the school?

Take advantage of Career Services early & often! Don’t wait until you’re about to graduate to get some insight into the process. Meeting with your Career Coach to prepare your application materials, attending Career Fairs, and following up with the companies that you met at the Career Fair are some of the easiest ways to make the job searching process smoother.

May alumni use the school’s career resources?

Yes

Are there any charges for services?

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the school’s career resources?

I have lots of stories about the students that have found positions, but the ones that are nearest & dearest to my heart are the students that I meet with several times and go through the process with them from start to finish. One student that sticks out was an international student that graduated last year – over the course of about 6 months, I met with them to help develop their resume, practice interview skills and good answers, and several other times when the job search was not going well. International students have a deadline for their work authorization, and they might have to leave the country if they don’t find a job before their deadline. My last meeting with this student was 2 weeks before their deadline, and they messaged me the next week that they found a job in their desired field. It’s so meaningful for me when I get to go through the process with my students and share in their success when they find a job!

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

I know the job searching process can be frustrating, but don’t be disheartened or give up! Check out the Career Services at your school, they’re there to help you.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

We collect graduate’s employment information through our First Destination Survey – our latest published report is from our 2020 graduates (we are still gathering information from our 2021 & 2022 graduates) and can be found here. In the 2020 Report, about 68% of respondents were working (includes full-time jobs, part-time jobs, volunteering, military service, and enrolled in continuing education) and 32% of respondents were seeking employment. According to niche.com, 93% of UNT graduates were employed 2 years after graduation.

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

Many degree programs at UNT require either an internship (this includes student teaching), a practicum, a research project, or a volunteer project, and those Colleges have staff/faculty that approve & track past internship/practicum locations – usually, the Colleges that do not require any of these still recommend that students do an internship/practicum if they can. The Career Center has Internship Specialists & an Employer Services team that reach out to employers to create partnerships, along with the Career Coaches that assist students in their search.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

UNT’s President has a Career Readiness initiative, which so far has expanded the Career Center staff, created a First-Year Career Readiness course, created a Get Hired Grad resource page (which includes on-demand videos of industry panels), and encouraged faculty & staff to incorporate high-impact learning experiences into courses and extra-curricular opportunities.

Does the school have any relationships with organizations that offer fellowships or other post-graduate opportunities?

UNT partners with Forage and Parker Dewey for internship alternatives: Forage is a virtual work experience program and Parker Dewey is a micro-internship program. The Career Center also partners with several companies on our Employer Advisory Board, which keeps us informed of changing hiring trends and allows us to educate our partners on new recruiting initiatives we have put in place.

Are there any notable graduates?

“Mean” Joe Greene and Dr. Phil McGraw are some notable graduates, along with other alumni that attended but did not graduate like Norah Jones, Pat Boone, Roy Orbison, Thomas Haden Church, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and Anne Rice.

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

There are over 44,000 students enrolled at UNT, approximately 2,400 students in the College of Information, 550 in the Library Science Master’s program, 210 in the Information Science Bachelor’s program, 520 in the Information Science Master’s program, and 100 in the Information Science PhD program.

What degree(s) do you offer?

The College of Information offers several degrees that are related to Library Science, most of these degrees also have different concentration areas like Information Organization, Archival Studies, Law Librarianship, etc. The degree options at the College of Information related to Library Science are a Bachelor of Science in Information Science, Master of Science in Information Science, Master of Science in Library Science, and PhD in Information Science. Students can also earn Graduate Academic Certificates by taking certain classes, like Storytelling or Digital Curation and Data Management. The College of Information has more degree choices in fields like Data Science, Learning Technologies, and Linguistics, and there are over 200 degrees at UNT as a whole.

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes

What are the entrance requirements?

Applicants must apply to both the Toulouse Graduate School (TGS) & the College of Information. Apply to TGS through the statewide ApplyTexas application ($75 application fee), along with official transcripts from every college or university attended. Then applicants need to apply to the Department of Information Science – which requires the department’s application form, a statement of purpose & goals, resume, and 2 letters of recommendation.

The Information Science department has minimum GPA requirements of 3.0 on the last 60 hours of a bachelor’s degree, a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA, or a 3.5 GPA on a completed master’s degree. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be reviewed on an individual basis. Students who have a lower GPA (2.6 or above) can be considered and may be conditionally admitted to the program or considered through course leveling – take 4 information sciences undergraduate courses at UNT, if As and Bs are earned in those 12 hours, students can then request admission to the MS program.

When was the library school founded?

1939

Where are you?

√ Southern US

Where is the school located?

√ Suburban area

This interview was conducted by Ashley Young.

Ashley is a current online MLS student at University of North Texas and works as a Library Supervisor in Special Collections at the University of Houston. Her academic focus is information literacy, digital platforms, management, and academic research initiatives. Ashley hopes to stay in academic librarianship after graduation. Outside of the LIS world she loves being outdoors, fostering kittens, and collecting records.

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Tagged as jobhunting, Librarian, libraries, library hiring, library jobs, library school

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | December 20, 2022 · 11:00 am

Library School Career Center: San José State University

This series is a collaboration with Hack Library School (HLS). HLS is written by library school students. In this series, the students interview their schools to dig deeper into the resources provided for job hunting and career support. We are cross-posting here and on Hack Library School. This post is written by Lauren Bauer, who is the current managing editor for HLS.

By the way, if you are an employer looking to get your job ad out to library schools, Hilary Kraus (who you may also know from Further Questions) has created a very helpful spreadsheet with best process to reach each of the 63 ALA continually accredited library schools.

This interview is with Kim Dority, iSchool Career Consultant for Students and Alumni. Kim Dority is the founder and president of Dority & Associates, an information strategy and content development company focusing on researching and writing print and online content to help advance client goals. During her career, she has worked in academia, publishing, telecommunications, and the library fields, in for-profit and nonprofit settings, for both established companies and start-ups.

Additional information was also provided by Nicole Purviance, iSchool Director of Marketing and Communications.

Career Center Information

What does the school do to support students and alumni as they look for jobs?

From iSchool career advisor Kim Dority to the faculty, administration, student support service advisors, and the students and alumni themselves, all iSchool stakeholders are focused on helping our “LIS professionals in training” graduate with knowledge, applicable skills, and job opportunities.

To that end, the program has developed a multi-pronged approach to sharing LIS career information and insights:

The iSchool has created and continues to expand a rich collection of career resources in a broad range of formats, including online career workshops, practitioner-interview podcasts, how-to guides, descriptions of various career pathways, articles, and career checklists, among others, available in the Career Development section on the school’s website. Career-coaching workshops and a career-insights newsletter for students and alumni alternate monthly, focusing on topics ranging from job-search strategies to information interviews to creating LinkedIn profiles and similar “how-to” subjects. In addition, a student career blogger posts weekly insights and information from the student’s point of view.
Even before students start the program, once registered for a course they immediately have access to career advisor Kim Dority, who is available to them on an individual basis throughout the program and after they graduate. As students progress through their courses, they may have questions about types of LIS work, potential career paths, emerging opportunities, how to gain professional visibility while in grad school, library culture, job hunting and landing, or even who pays what salaries. These and hundreds of other questions are all part of exploring students’ “best-fit” options, and they are encouraged to reach out at any point to brainstorm answers that work for them.
Career advisor Kim Dority also regularly presents LIS career-related insights as a guest speaker in various courses and alerts faculty to new career materials of potential value to their students, especially practitioner interviews. The goal is to integrate real-world insights from those in the field with scholarship and theory, so that students regularly have an opportunity to see how various types of knowledge translate into actual LIS jobs.
All students are encouraged to join at least one LIS professional organization and if possible, to take a leadership role in the association student group. The iSchool pays for each student’s membership in one LIS association, and students are encouraged to actively engage with fellow members locally and nationally to help broaden their professional networks (and the job opportunities that come with them). In addition, the iSchool is currently in the process of creating a career-mentoring program led by career advisor Kim Dority for all students in school chapter leadership roles.
Recognizing the importance of professional-level internships for student success, the iSchool has developed and maintains a robust and ever-expanding database of internship opportunities, both in-person and remote, that reflect the broad range of information work and employers open to LIS professionals. In addition to the internship database (and in recognition of students’ time constraints) several articles in the Career Development section deal with how to make the most of internships, the benefits of internships, and ways to find time for internships.
Students who are or will be job-hunting have access to Handshake, San Jose State University’s job-listing platform where employers post jobs of interest to both students and alumni. In addition, the program’s liaison with the campus Career Center works regularly with iSchool students on perfecting their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and cover letters. Through the main Career Center, our students can also practice their interviewing skills, complete self-assessments, and learn additional job-search strategies.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

Yes. Career Advisor Kim Dority is the author of Rethinking Information Work and creator of an MLIS course, “Alternative LIS Careers,” which she taught for 20 years. An independent information professional, Kim has been advising LIS students and career transitioners regarding how to find or create “best fit” work in all types of information environments for decades in addition to the client-based information work she does via her company, Dority & Associates, Inc. (See her interview with Hiring Librarians here.) Carrie McKnight, SJSU Career Center liaison for the iSchool, is an expert career development practitioner with over twenty years of experience in counseling, training, and teaching.

Does the school have a job board or an email list with job postings?

The school provides multiple channels for letting students/alumni know about job postings. The primary job-listing platform is Handshake. New job postings are also noted via the various student-outreach communications (e.g., career newsletter, student career blog, weekly student alerts, etc.) based on newly posted Handshake jobs of interest.

In addition, the Career Development site has an entire section devoted to Job Search and Agencies, including Job Listing Sites and Resources (which identifies dozens of general and specialized LIS job sites) and Placement Agencies.

If so, how can employers get their job listing included?

Handshake has information for employers posting job openings here.

Do you require that a salary be included on job listings?

Although not required previously, California state law SB 1162 stipulates that any employer with at least 15 employees must include the salary or hourly wage range in all job postings. This requirement takes effect January 1, 2023.

Are there any other requirements for job listings?

No.

Does the school provide any of the following:

√ General career coaching – Yes. Kim Dority is available to all students and alumni for individual career advising on all aspects of LIS careers.

√ Resume/CV review – Yes. The iSchool Career Development website has information and examples for effective resumes, CVs and cover letters. Both Carrie McKnight and Kim Dority are available to critique final draft versions of each of these documents and provide detailed feedback to students.

√ Help writing cover letters – Yes. The iSchool Career Development website has information and examples for effective resumes, CVs and cover letters. Both Carrie McKnight and Kim Dority are available to critique final draft versions of each of these documents and provide detailed feedback to students.

√ Literature/articles – Yes. The iSchool Career Development website provides links to many relevant articles, job sites, blog posts, and journals. In addition, the career newsletter often includes reviews of relevant LIS career books.

√ Interview practice – Yes. Big Interview, which enables students to practice and perfect their interview skills, is available through the SJSU Career Center.

√ Networking events (virtual or in-person) – Yes. Because the iSchool understands the critical role networking plays in career development, it provides numerous opportunities for networking:

Student chapters: All new MLIS students receive a complimentary one-year membership in their preferred professional association, including the American Library Association, Special Libraries Association, American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), and ARMA International. Students also benefit from the opportunity to participate in the iSchool’s active professional association student chapters. Students interact with their peers and professional leaders through virtual networking events, workshops, and conferences, as well as blogs and online discussion forums. Our student chapters have won numerous awards recognizing their excellence and their innovative approach to serving online students, including the 2009 and 2010 ALA, the 2012 ASIS&T, and the (multiple years) SLA Student Chapter of the Year.
Professional conferences: The iSchool participates in professional conferences and meetings held all over the U.S., Canada, and internationally. We host networking receptions at many conferences, and our students and alumni are always welcomed. It’s a great way to reconnect with colleagues and make new contacts.
Internships: Student interns gain real-world experience for building their resumes and make new contacts with potential future employers. iSchool students have the option to complete an onsite internship located near their home or a virtual internship, where they interact with a host organization that may be located nearby or across the continent. Our expansive internship program gives students the opportunity to engage in exciting learning opportunities that fit their career aspirations, regardless of where they live. The iSchool offers more than 200 virtual and physical internship opportunities each semester.
Career podcasts: Our practitioner podcasts feature information professionals and hiring managers from a variety of professional settings. They discuss their work, the skills and experiences required to pursue a similar career pathway, and recruitment opportunities. If students have questions, they are often able to contact speakers directly by email and phone.
Student assistantships: Many iSchool students work as student assistants with the program, helping faculty and staff while gaining hands-on experience with research and professional projects. Student assistantship opportunities vary each semester. Student assistantships are paid part-time positions.

Does the school provide any of the following in-person career services?

√ Appointments: Yes. Individual appointments with Career Advisor Kim Dority and/or Career Center liaison Carrie McKnight via phone, Zoom, or email are available upon request.

√ Speakers, or programs that present experts: Yes. Students hear from LIS professionals via iSchool podcast interviews and occasional career newsletter and student career blog interviews.

√ Mixers or other networking events: Yes. Many iSchool student chapters host virtual social gatherings/mixers. In addition, the program also hosts networking receptions at professional conferences where current students can mingle with alumni, faculty, and friends of the iSchool.

Does the school provide any of the following online career services?

√ Website with resources: Yes. The Career Development section of the iSchool website comprises hundreds of resources within the broad categories of career direction, networking, job search and agencies, social media for the job search, resumes, CVs, and cover letters, career e-portfolios for landing a job, and interviewing, among others.

√ Blog (if so, how often is it updated): Yes. The iSchool hosts a weekly student career blog, written by a current program student.

√ Webinars: Yes. The iSchool offers archived presentations on career strategy and tactics as well as online workshops on career topics with Career Advisor Kim Dority.

√ Podcasts: Yes. The iSchool hosts an ongoing series of practitioner interviews.

√ Social Media: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

√ Newsletter: Kim Dority writes a career newsletter every other month that is distributed to all students.

What do you think is the best way for students to use career help provided by the school?

The iSchool recommends that students use its career development resources and services “early and often.” By that it means that students should think about and focus on their professional career paths throughout their time in the graduate program. It’s important not to wait until they’re ready to graduate. Instead, the iSchool encourages students to get started in their first semester by exploring the career development site, and using the tools to help determine how their course choices can help them pursue their future career ambitions. Learn how to conduct informational interviews and to network while they are in school. Take advantage of opportunities to increase their understanding of traditional and non-traditional work settings where they can use skills learned in their courses. The iSchool encourages students to use the resources and to contact the Career Advisor Kim Dority if they need help, have questions, or just want to learn more about the possible career paths open to iSchool graduates. We want students to be successful!

May alumni use the school’s career resources?

Alumni may freely use all of the resources publicly available on the website and the career advising provided by Career Advisor Kim Dority.

Are there any charges for services?

The iSchool Career Development resources, all archived podcasts and recordings of career workshops are freely available on the website. The Handshake database and individual career consulting and materials review is free to iSchool students and alumni.

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the school’s career resources?

We receive emails from alumni who credit our career resources for helping them land professional jobs. Our students are also very enthusiastic about our career development web pages. Here are a few quotes from students:

“This site is so incredible!”

“This is by far one of the best, if not the best, resources for students that I have seen.”

“I would recommend to anyone in need of career advice, not just iSchool students.”

“The information is tailored to the iSchool making it a one stop guide.”

The iSchool publishes Community Profiles and Career Spotlights about working alumni.

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

In addition to our career development resources, the iSchool curriculum is constantly evaluated and updated to align with today’s job market and emerging trends in the library and information science field. As a graduate put it, “I entered the job market with usable skills.”

It’s also very important for students to think broadly and keep an open mind when job searching. The MLIS skillset is transferable to a wide range of organizations and industries. iSchool graduates work at medical facilities, law firms, public libraries, academic libraries, high-tech companies, schools, and more. Their business cards carry titles such as Information Architect, Usability Analyst, Librarian, and User Experience Designer – just to name a few exciting job titles.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

Yes! See here.

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

While internships are not required, the iSchool strongly encourages all students to take advantage of their time in the program by registering for one (or more) of the approximately 200 physical and virtual internships offered each semester. Even if students are currently working in an information center or library, doing an internship in a different work environment provides them with new experience and information – and allows them to “test” or “practice” working in a new environment without much risk. Many graduates have stated that internships were the most valuable part of their master’s education because internships lead to expanded professional networks and also often provide the critical lead to that first job.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

Our approach is to provide excellent career resources and services to our students, and to encourage students to take advantage of those resources “early and often” during their graduate program.

Believing it is an integral part of the iSchool’s mission to provide relevant and comprehensive career resources, the program supports these resources by assigning faculty and staff to develop and maintain them. While the faculty and staff strongly encourage students to make use of the iSchool’s career resources and services, it is a student’s individual choice to do so.

Does the school have any relationships with organizations that offer fellowships or other post-graduate opportunities?

Not at this time.

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

We average about 2,000 active MLIS students per semester.

What degree(s) do you offer?

See here.

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes.

What are the entrance requirements?

For the MLIS program, see here.

When was the library school founded?

See here.

Where are you?

As part of San Jose State University, the iSchool is physically located in California (Western US), but the online program is offered nationally and internationally.

Anything else you’d like to share?

All of the iSchool’s resources are focused on supporting online students, including its career counseling, academic advising, and technology support team.

iSchool instructors use emerging technology in their courses to enrich student learning in an engaging and interactive online environment. They exchange ideas and perspectives with students via live web conferences, recorded audio lectures, screencasts, emails, online discussion forums, blogs, Zoom meet-ups, instant messaging, and social networks. The multimedia format enlivens the learning experience while introducing students to the same types of tools they’ll use in their future careers.

This interview was conducted by Lauren Bauer, a current MLIS student at SJSU and the Managing Editor of Hack Library School. Lauren Bauer is a lifelong Los Angeleno and is in the all-online MLIS program at San José State University. She works with circulation, ILL, and course reserves at a community college library, and hopes to stay in the academic library world after graduation. Her academic focus is on instruction, information literacy, student worker management, resource sharing, and cataloging. Previously she worked as a page and public library assistant, wrote and edited for the LA Zoo magazine and website, and loaned people her corkscrew as an usher at the Hollywood Bowl. She likes Star Wars and indoor cycling, plays trombone in the Lancaster Community Orchestra, and posts rarely and mostly about movies on Twitter at @darthbookworm3.

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by Emily@HiringLibrarians | November 8, 2022 · 11:00 am

Library School Career Center: University of Iowa

I’m super excited to reintroduce this series, which is a collaboration with Hack Library School (HLS). HLS is written by library school students. In this series, the students interview their schools to dig deeper into the resources provided for job hunting and career support. We are cross-posting here and on Hack Library School. This first post in the return to this series is written by Kellee Forkenbrock, who you may know from Further Questions.

This interview is with Duncan Stewart, Rare Materials & Monograph Cataloging Librarian at the University of Iowa School of Library & Information Science (SLIS). Duncan is also the University Libraries liaison librarian for SLIS, and a special collections cataloger in the Department of Cataloging and Metadata. As SLIS liaison Stewart is responsible for Library and Information and Museum Studies collection management and coordinates the UI Libraries-SLIS student mentoring program matching library science students with working academic librarians. He also assists LISSO with resume coaching, mock interviews, and occasional presentations. He earned his MLS at Indiana University – Bloomington.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run.

While the University’s career resources aren’t specific to the SLIS program, my colleague Katie McCullough serves as the main contact for library students seeking support services. In addition to Katie’s expertise, students can connect with their SLIS liaison and the Library and Information Science Student Organization (LISSO) for additional assistance.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Job Listings √ Resume/CV Review √ Help Writing Cover Letters

√ Interview Practice √ Mentorship Program

√ Other (Please Specify): Sponsorship opportunities are available to students who wish to attend professional library conferences, including the Iowa Library Association’s (ILA) annual meeting.

Do the career center provide online services?

√ Website with resources √ Webinars √ Twitter: @UIowaSLIS √ LinkedIn √ Facebook: @SLISUIowa

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

Our mentorship program is the best way to get hands-on experience and on-the-job perspective about career solutions.

May alumni use career center resources?

We offer a variety of services for the SLIS alumni, including online spotlights, informational webinars, and networking events.

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

I’ve already mentioned that SLIS students should take full advantage of the mentorship program but connecting with LISSO is another recommendation. Professional library organizations like ALA also have student chapters that can help students find a career path in librarianship. Above all, always keep learning from others in your program. Seeking out advice is a better indicator that you are a self-starter than anything else.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

Our practicum program is facilitated by Kara Logsdon, a lecturer with over three decades of library experience – including 21 years as a public librarian. In addition to the SLIS courses she teaches, Kara connects our students with partners and organizations seeking to bring any form of library practice into their workflow. It’s a worthwhile gift of experience that aligns with the SLIS model.

Are there any notable graduates?

I have a few students I’d like to highlight. Andrea Martin is my former student doing contract cataloging of rare materials at Loras, She starts a paraprofessional job as rare materials cataloger at Yale’s Beinicke Library in January 2023. Also, four of my former students work here at UI Libraries: Jennifer Bradshaw (Metadata Librarian), Bethany Kluender (Rare Materials Cataloger), Damien Ihrig (Curator of the John Martin Rare Books Room), and Lauren Claeys (Cataloging Assistant).

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

We have approximately 60 students in the SLIS program.

What degree(s) do you offer?

We offer a Master’s certificate in LIS, which can be used in a joint program with either a Master of Fine Arts in the Center for the Book or with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) with the College of Law. We also offer a Teacher Librarian MA program as well as several certification options, including Special Collections, Public Digital Humanities, Informatics, School Media, and Book Studies.

Is it ALA accredited?

Our LIS program is ALA accredited.

What are the entrance requirements?

Please see this site for our most current admission requirements for our Graduate College and this site for our most current requirements for our MLIS degree.

When was the library school founded?

The first SLIS class of students started in September 1967. Please see this site for the complete history of our SLIS program.

Where are you? Where is the school located?

√ Midwestern US

√ suburban area

This interview was conducted by Kellee Forkenbrock, who is a second year Master of Library Science/Public Digital Humanities Certification student at University of Iowa’s School of Library and Information Science. She is a Contributing Writer and Community Manager for Hack Library School as well as an author and wellness blogger under the pseudonym Eliza David. Learn more about Kellee through her blog, by connecting with her on LinkedIn, or by following her on Twitter @elizadwrites.

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Tagged as library careers, library hiring, library interview, library jobs, library school

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | June 5, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: University of Pittsburgh

Hey look! A new installment of the Library School Career Center feature! This is presented in partnership with the folks from the blog Hack Library School. If you’re interested in library education, or in new ideas and the future of the profession, you should check it out.

This interview is with Wes Lipschultz, Manager of Student Services in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run.

Our career support comes from three sources:

1) A centralized career development and placement assistance office at the University of Pittsburgh which hosts two liaisons to our School – one focused on career development (resume, cover letter, interview etiquette, mock interviews, monitoring your social media presence, etc.), and one focused on job placement (developing relationships with employers, connecting our students with those employers, etc.).

2) Student Services staff who host monthly professional development sessions (building a portfolio, looking at “outside the box” careers, how to network, etc.), and

3) A cadre of willing alumni/ae who have agreed to review resumes/cover letters/conduct mock phone interviews on an ongoing basis with our current students.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

The two liaisons to our school are career experts; their positions, experience, and professional associations are focused entirely on career development and employer relations.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Job Listings √ Resume/CV Review √ Help writing cover letters

√ Interview Practice √ Networking events

Do you provide in-person services?

√ Appointments √ Speakers, or programs that present experts

√ Mixers or other networking events √ Job Fairs

√ Drop-in career center: Our liaisons are available M-F 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Do you provide online services?

√ Website with resources √ Newsletter

√ Twitter: @ischool_pitt

√ LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups/School-Information-Sciences-Pitt-41203/about

√ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ischoolpitt

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

Students should attend our monthly professional development sessions and avail themselves of the assistance of our career development liaison from the start. They may also wish to consider beginning to develop a professional portfolio during their first semester. As they gain more experience (through field experiences, volunteer work, and/or other formal or informal practical experience opportunities), they may wish to attend our professional development day and practice mock interviews with current alumni/ae. They then should begin to have our alumni/ae review their resumes, cover letters, etc. They should monitor our Facebook, LinkedIn, and listserv postings for job opportunities, and they can use the University’s central job database, FutureLinks, to access more general job postings as well.

May alumni use career center resources?

Alumni can attend our professional development sessions for free and can access FutureLinks for a nominal fee.

Are there any charges for services?

Yes – a nominal fee.

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the career center?

One “outside the box” case was particularly interesting. I was contacted by a local finance firm that was looking for someone to assist them in sorting through their documents, policies, records, etc. with the goal of coming up with an introduction and training manual for their employees. I posted this need to our listserv and was contacted by an MLIS student who had prior experience managing items in a museum. The fit seemed perfect to me, and the employer agreed. She was hired!

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

We wish to continue to sustain relationships between our MLIS students and traditional employment settings, but we are also noticing (and excited about) the fact that less traditional employers in Pittsburgh seem to face a growing need for the skills our MLIS graduates possess. We are working on making connections with these employers and we are also trying to help our students realize that there are relevant and interesting opportunities in such settings as well.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

All information pertaining to employment and employment statistics for our school can be found here: http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/about/career-resources.php

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

Pittsburgh has a rich cultural infrastructure worthy of a city many times its size. As such, we have many opportunities for relevant experience for our students. We call our credit-bearing internships/practica “field experiences” and our students are encouraged to choose this option as part of their degree (all specializations allow for this as part of the degree requirements). We also have, on a very competitive and space-limited basis, the Partners Program. This program is akin to a co-op for graduate students. When a student is chosen for this program, they are placed in a local employment setting relevant to their degree for an entire year. The student works between 10-20 hours a week in this setting and in turn typically receives a partial tuition scholarship.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

Our approach is multi-faceted and involves school staff, career staff, and alumni/ae of the School. We want our students to be able to clearly articulate the skills they develop and map them to both traditional and nontraditional career settings.

Does the school have any relationships with organizations that offer fellowships or other post-graduate opportunities?

Yes – our faculty, staff, and liaisons are all connected with different potential employers, but as we become aware, we share job postings with each other and these postings make their way to our listservs.

Are there any notable graduates?

We have many alumni/ae who are known and respected in their profession. Each year we highlight those whose personal and professional achievements we deem as outstanding here:

http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/alumni/about/laureates.php

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

We are an iSchool. The iSchool comprises between 700-800 students total in a given year. About 150 of those are undergraduates, 80 are doctoral students, and the rest are Master’s or certificate students. Of those, 250-300 are MLIS students.

What degree(s) do you offer?

In Information Science we offer an undergraduate degree, a Master’s, a post-Master’s certificate, and a doctorate.

In Telecommunications we offer a Master’s, a post-Master’s certificate, and a doctorate.

In Library and Information Science we offer a Master’s, a post-Master’s certificate, and a doctorate.

Is it ALA accredited?

Our LIS program is ALA accredited.

What are the entrance requirements?

Please see this site for our most current requirements for our on-campus MLIS degree:

http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/lis/degrees/mlis-admissions.php

…and this site for our most current requirements for our online MLIS degree:

http://www.ischool.pitt.edu/online-mlis/admissions/application-process.php

Where are you?

√ Northeastern US

Where are you?

√ Urban area

Anything else you’d like to share that’s unique about the school?

The combination of the rich cultural heritage of Pittsburgh coupled with its small size and “down home” feel makes for a setting that uniquely engages the intellect yet makes you feel like you are family.

This interview was conducted by Brianna Marshall, who is a second year dual-degree Master of Library Science and Master of Information Science student at Indiana University’s School of Library and Information Science. She is Managing Editor for Hack Library School and a 2012-2013 HASTAC scholar. Learn more about Brianna through her blog and portfolio or by following her on Twitter @notsosternlib

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Filed under Library School Career Center, Northeastern US, Urban area

Tagged as Career counseling, Career development, Education for librarianship, Employment, Hack Library School, Information Science, Internship, Interview, Job hunting, Library School Career Center, Library science, University of Pittsburgh

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | March 12, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: University of Washington

This interview is with Janet Matta, who is the Career Services Advisor for the Information School at the University of Washington, serving the career development of 850 iSchool students in four academic programs. Prior to her joining the University of Washington Information School, Janet was a Career Counselor at the University of Washington – Bothell, provided career support to high school students at a small nonprofit, Bainbridge Youth Services, and did her Career Counseling Internship with the University of Washington Evans School of Public Affairs. She has a Masters of Education from Seattle University and an undergraduate degree in History from Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada. In addition to her career counseling experience, Janet spent 6 years in environmental consulting for oil spill response, and gets excited about environmental science. Her diverse background means she’s great at connecting students to ideas and resources in a wide range of professional disciplines. Janet is deeply passionate about helping students find and create unique careers that are a perfect match for their interests and strengths, and loves teaching career skills like networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation to students. Learn more about Janet at www.linkedin.com/in/janetmatta/

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run.

Janet is the Career Services Advisor for the iSchool, which includes the Masters of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program. Her office is in the Office of Student Services for the Information School which includes academic advisors, the admissions advisor, and support staff.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

Janet has 3 years of experience in career advising and over 10 years of experience in training and education of adults and youth. She has an M.Ed. in Student Development Administration, and spends every free moment possible staying up to date on hiring trends and techniques to help students succeed in their future jobs.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Job Listings √ Resume/CV Review √ Help writing cover letters
√ Literature/articles √ Interview Practice √ General career coaching
√ Networking events

Do you provide in-person services?

√ Appointments √ Speakers, or programs that present experts
√ Mixers or other networking events √ Job Fairs
√ Drop-in career center: Set drop-in hours each quarter, and students routinely pop in when my office door is open.

Do you provide online services?

√ Website with resources √ Blog: updated 1x per week
√ Facebook: updates to student group pages and the Office of Student Services Facebook page √ Newsletter: published online at http://ischooloss.wordpress.com/
√ Other: online and phone advising appointments to distance students, a jobs and internships database just for iSchool students and alumni.

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

I augment the resources available through the main UW Career Center, so I recommend that students visit and bookmark the content on the UW Career Center website, or visit with Career Center professionals for resume/cover letter reviews, and then to schedule an appointment with me if they want more specialized support! Attend workshops and employer information sessions to learn about common topics and to network with professionals. The more you attend that will help you network with professionals across a variety of industries and sectors the better, and not just with traditional libraries!

May alumni use career center resources?

Alumni can use our job and internships database, called iCareers, and can utilize web resources and the resources available through the UW Career Center.

Are there any charges for services?

Nope!

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the career center?

I have received a few thank you notes from students who credit their appointment with career services to increasing their confidence and helping them generate ideas and contacts that have led to internships or full time jobs. It makes me so happy to know that our services are helpful to students!

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

I advocate creativity in the job search and career development process! I ask students to think about their values and what they want to be doing every day, and then to think creatively about all the different environments and organizations that might benefit from their skill set that an MLIS and their other professional backgrounds provide. In a market that’s tough for libraries, our students are active and successful in a variety of corporate, nonprofit, or government settings in addition to traditional library environments.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

We unfortunately have never had a response rate of over 51% to surveys of our graduates, so we don’t currently have very accurate data on employment rates after graduation.

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

Internships for our MLIS students are highly encouraged! The more experience a student has the better, and internships can lead to great contacts and skills that will help you land a job later. I advocate that students take on as much internship or independent experience as they can to bolster their experience, their network of contacts, and their resume. Students work with me to find great internship options, and with their academic advisor to figure out how to get credit.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

The mission of iSchool Career Services is:

Mission Statement

We make information work for your career. The iSchool Career Adviser offers information on job search skills, advising on career development, and connections to resources and employers tailored to the information field. We help you to stand out and be noticed no matter where you are in your professional career.

Commitment to Students

Our first responsibility is to connect the student experience at the iSchool to the professional goals of our students. We focus on the information profession and refer students to the UW Career Center for other general career counseling and workshops.

Commitment to Employers

Our students are highly qualified to fill roles as information professionals in a variety of organizations. We facilitate job recruitment through a fair and equitable process that is driven by the needs of our students. The iSchool supports and abides by theNational Association of Colleges and Employers Principles for Professional Practice.

Are there any notable graduates?

Too many to count!

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

Approximately 400

What degree(s) do you offer?

MLIS

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes

What are the entrance requirements?

Bachelors degree* or higher in any discipline (must be equivalent to a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution)
Grade point average of 3.0 or higher (exceptions considered on a case by case basis)
Law MLIS program applicants must have:

○ JD from a law school within the US

Non-native English speakers must fulfill the UW English language proficiency requirements

When was the library school founded?

1911

Where are you?

√ Western US

Where are you?

√ Urban area

Anything else you’d like to share that’s unique about the school?

We’re so lucky to be in Seattle, it’s beautiful here!

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by Emily@HiringLibrarians | March 5, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: LIU Palmer

This interview is with Ellen Mehling, Director, Westchester Program and Internships, Palmer School of Library and Information Science, LIU Post.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center?

Career services (job hunting and career development) are provided by me [Ellen Mehling] for the Palmer School’s students and alumni. There is not an actual physical center; services are provided in various ways, online and face-to-face, one-on-one and in groups, for all Palmer School locations.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

I’ve been an advisor on job hunting and career development for various groups including librarians/information professionals and library school students, for about eight years. I started in a former job, advising members of the general public and special populations who were seeking employment, and before long was being asked to teach workshops on the job search to other library professionals. In addition to my work at the Palmer School, I am Job Bank Manager and Career Development Consultant for the Metropolitan New York Library Council (METRO).

I’ve trained other librarians on assisting job hunting patrons, and have taught classes/workshops, moderated or spoken on panel discussions and conducted mock interviews and more, at various venues. I write regularly on job hunting/career topics for various sites, including METRO’s. I’ve served on hiring committees and have been a successful applicant myself in recent years too, so I’ve seen and experienced first-hand what works and what doesn’t.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Resume/CV Review   √ Advice on writing cover letters
√  Interview Practice [mock interview]
√ General career advising
√  Other: Career Q&A on blog, webinars presentations/workshops (given by me), joint or guest presentations/workshops, recruiter visits, panel discussions, and full-day job hunting/career events. Some of these are open to students and graduates from other schools. I visit each of the Internship classes each semester to discuss resume writing. Palmer School students and alumni are also encouraged to make use of LIU’s Career Services in addition to the industry-specific career services provided by the School.

Do you provide in-person services?

√ Appointments
√ Speakers, or programs that present experts

Do you provide online services?

√ Website with resources √ Blog √ Webinars
√ Twitter: @LIUPalmerSchool
√ LinkedIn √ Facebook
√ Other: Career / Job Hunting Q&A, “Kiosk” student listserv (anyone can subscribe to the listserv)

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

Palmer School students and alumni contact me directly. Anyone can access the information on the blog and/or join the listserv or follow on Twitter, etc.

May alumni use career center resources?

Yes.

Are there any charges for services?

There is no charge.

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the career center?

We are always delighted to hear that our graduates have found positions. Three recent hires among our alumni: Library Media Specialist in the Elmont School District, Archives Technician at the National Archives at New York City, and Archives Coordinator for NY at Cartier.

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

The job market is improving, but competition is still very strong, with many well-qualified applicants for each open position. Relevant skills and experience are necessary in addition to the degree, as are a strong network, patience, and a positive attitude. Students should start networking while they are still in school, and begin their job search before graduation.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

A 120-hour internship is required for the Master’s degree students. It is usually done in the final semester. This benefits the students in a number of ways, including giving them experience to put on their resumes, and providing networking opportunities, both of which are crucial to job-hunting success. Students are encouraged throughout the program to get as much experience as they can, however they can, including volunteering, part-time jobs, project work etc.

Are there any notable graduates?

Bonnie Sauer at the National Archives at New York City
Caitlin McGurk at the Center for Cartoon Studies

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

Approximately 325.

What degree(s) do you offer?

MS in Library and Information Science
MS in Library and Information Science – School Library Media
PhD in Information Studies

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes.

What are the entrance requirements?

http://www.liu.edu/CWPost/Academics/Schools/CEIS/PSLIS/Graduate-Programs/MS-LIS/AdmisReq

When was the library school founded?

The Palmer School of Library and Information Science was established in 1959 on the LIU Post Campus of Long Island University. The Master of Science in Library Science was first accredited by the American Library Association in 1971. In 1992, the M.S. in Library Science was merged with the M.S. in Information Science and subsequently the name of the degree was changed to the M.S. in
Library and Information Science.

In 1995, the School began to offer the full accredited M.S. in Library and Information Science in Manhattan, and in 1997, the first class of students was admitted for the Doctor of Philosophy in Information Studies program.

Where are you?

√ Northeastern US

Where are you?

√ Urban area (NYC)
√ Suburban area (Long Island)

Anything else you’d like to share that’s unique about the school?

The Palmer School of Library and Information Science is one of the most distinguished schools of library and information science in the country. With three program locations throughout the New York metropolitan area as well as online and blended courses, the Palmer School offers a broad portfolio of degree and advanced certificate programs taught by a faculty of distinguished scholars, researchers and hands-on practitioners. We prepare our students for careers for a digital world and help them skillfully harness the way information is preserved, valued and delivered to every facet of society.

Aside from the internship requirement, the Palmer School is known for personalized one-on-one advisement and support throughout the time students are in the program. This continues even beyond graduation with the services available to alumni. The three campuses are LIU Post and LIU Brentwood on Long Island and in Manhattan at NYU’s Bobst Library. There is also a Dual Degree (Master’s) program, offered at the Manhattan location.

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by Emily@HiringLibrarians | February 26, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: Drexel University iSchool

This interview is with Jennifer Lally, Event & Career Services Manager, Drexel University, The iSchool, College of Information Science & Technology. Jennifer Lally plans all the events for the college and manages a jobs page on the iSchool’s website, where she posts weekly full-time and part-time jobs that pertain to iSchool students. Jennifer works with employers interested in hiring iSchool students, by setting up information sessions, webinars and field trips. She also works with student groups helping them plan events.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run.

We do not have a “career center” per se; I am the only person in the iSchool’s office that deals with career services. Drexel University as a whole has the Steinbright Career Development Center (SCDC) where career services are offered to ALL Drexel students. Each college is assigned someone from the SCDC to work with our students. The iSchool at Drexel’s key feature is the job board we keep where any jobs received are sent to an email address where they are then opened and posted onto our website. If students have career services questions, they stop in, call or email me. I field the questions they have and decide which department they should speak to. I am basically the liaison to all career services questions, I field the questions and then send them to the appropriate department/person.

We want the students to understand the resources we have available so we include a few career services slides in our mandatory online/on-campus orientation presentation in the beginning of each quarter. We have a weekly e-newsletter, “The iSchool Weekly Digest” where announcements are sent out every Tuesday and we also have an announcements section in Blackboard Learn where I can post upcoming information sessions, networking events, internships, etc. We have Graduate Peer Mentors who are available to speak to prospective and new library science students. The Alumni Association also manages an Alumni Peer Mentoring Program, so students can sign up and find a mentor. Students may schedule appointments with Ken Bohrer, Graduate co-op coordinator at the SCDC to talk about career questions, resume and cover letter review. I also help the student chapters advertise the events they plan, which consist of information sessions, field trips, webinars, tours, networking events, resume review events.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

We have faculty mentors and we list on our website their specialty areas so students can contact them with questions.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

(If I do not directly provide this service, a department on campus does)

√ Job Listings √ Resume/CV Review √ Help writing cover letters
√ Literature/articles √ Interview Practice √ General career coaching
√ Networking events (virtual or in-person)
√ Other: We participate and help promote events sponsored by the student groups of professional library associations.

Do you provide in-person services?

√ Appointments (Ken Bohrer does at the SCDC)
√ Speakers, or programs that present experts
√ Mixers or other networking events
√ Job Fairs (*The SCDC hosts 2 big career fairs a year one in October and one in April and I have an event every year after the October career fair inviting all employers who hire iSchool students and invite them to a private reception where students can speak to them one on one.)
√ Drop-in career center: Students can stop in anytime from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm

Do you provide online services?

(If I do not personally do it, the Marketing team promotes on Facebook and Twitter; The student groups have webcasted events, I advertise in the e-newsletter)
√ Website with resources
√ Webinars √ Podcasts √ Twitter: @ischoolatDrexel
√ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ischoolatdrexel √ Newsletter
√ Other: Blackboard announcements section.

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

To read the weekly e-newsletter that goes out every week, to join a student group and keep an eye on the iSchools job board.

May alumni use career center resources?

Yes, the jobs website is open to the public, so anyone can view it. They can also contact the Career Services Office in the Department of Alumni Relations.

Are there any charges for services?

No

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the career center?

Students that pay attention to the announcements and job board and become involved in the student groups are more likely to get an internship and gain the experience they need to get a job after graduation.

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

No

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

Library Journal 2012 Placements & Salaries results.

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

We post all internships, practicums and volunteer projects on our job board and will highlight specific ones in our weekly e-newsletter. We encourage students to take the practicum after they have 24 credits to help build their job portfolio and to become involved if they do not have any prior library experiences.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

No

Does the school have any relationships with organizations that offer fellowships or other post-graduate opportunities?

Yes, we received announcements like these from faculty members and staff on the student services team.

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

We have 470 students currently enrolled in the library science program this winter quarter.

What degree(s) do you offer?

www.ischool.drexel.edu/PS/GraduatePrograms

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes

What are the entrance requirements?

www.ischool.drexel.edu/PS/GraduatePrograms/Admissions

When was the library school founded?

1892

Where are you?

√ Northeastern US

Where are you?

√ City/town

This interview was conducted by Brianna Marshall is a second year dual-degree Master of Library Science and Master of Information Science student at Indiana University’s School of Library and Information Science. She is Managing Editor for Hack Library School and a 2012-2013 HASTAC scholar. Learn more about Brianna through her blog and portfolio or by following her on Twitter @notsosternlib

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Filed under Library School Career Center, Northeastern US

Tagged as Alumni Association, Career counseling, Career development, Drexel University, Education for librarianship, Employment, Hack Library School, Information Science, Interview, iSchool, Job fair, Job hunting, Library School Career Center, Library science, LinkedIn, List of I-Schools, Master's degree, Professional Association, School of Library and Information Science, Twitter

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | February 19, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: University of Illinois

This interview is with Roy Brooks, LIS Career Specialist at the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library & Information Science. He earned his M.A. in Library & Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run?

At Illinois GSLIS, career services are coordinated by Roy Brooks, the LIS Career Specialist. The Career Specialist helps students figure out where they want to go professionally and how to get there.

Roy collaborates with faculty, staff, alumni, and other friends of the GSLIS program to deliver a full suite of services and programming that helps students and alumni through their career development process. Assistance can range from exploring career options to identifying deep experiential learning opportunities to salary negotiation, and beyond. GSLIS has a talented alumni base and making connections between students and alums is a primary strategy in affording students the opportunity to receive career advice from active practicing professionals in their interest areas.

Students also have access to services offered by the campus Career Center and Graduate College Career Services – both in-person and virtually and subsequently alumni have access to the University of Illinois Alumni Career Center.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

Roy Brooks has a wide range of experience working in both public and academic libraries as well as a masters degree in Library and Information Science. GSLIS also has a strong faculty, staff and alumni base that contributes to the career advising services.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Job Listings   √ Resume/CV Review   √ Help writing cover letters
√ Literature/articles   √ General Career coaching   √ Networking events (virtual or in-person)
√  Other (Please Specify): Students are also able to take advantage of the GSLIS Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program. With ASB, GSLIS staff assists students in finding one-week placements at libraries and other information service settings during Spring Break. These experiential learning opportunities are very valuable when exploring career opportunities and building a professional network.

Do you provide in-person services?

√ Appointments √ Speakers, or programs that present experts
√ Mixers or other networking events
√ Drop-in career center: As long as Roy is in his office, generally 9-5.

Do you provide online services?

√ Website with resources √ Webinars √ Twitter: @GSLIScareers
√ LinkedIn
√ Other: Pinterest (new)

The careers website is in the middle of an overhaul — http://www.lis.illinois.edu/careers/explorecareers

Check back soon to see the new and improved GSLIS careers site!

Everything available to on-campus students is also available to online students. Students can call/skype or chat (GSLIScareers@gmail.com) with the Career Specialist by appointment or by “drop-in.” Evening/weekend appointments are also available for those students working full time or with busy schedules. Programs/workshops/speakers are available online and often recorded.

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

Start early! It is never too early in the program to start career planning – identifying career options, learning about job search strategies, practicing application writing and interviewing techniques, getting help with networking, navigating professional organizations etc. Everyone will need help or guidance with some aspect of career development and should check in with the Career Specialist to talk about their goals in order to identify where the school may be able to help them.

May alumni use career center resources?

Yes! All resources and services are available to alums.

Are there any charges for services?

No charge!

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

Advice for job seekers: Work hard! Start early. Network. Be flexible where possible. Become involved in student and professional organizations. Find a mentor. Obtain hands on experience. Ask for help! Stay motivated and poised. Stay organized in your job search. Build your “brand.” Ask for more help!

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

We survey recent graduates about their job seeking experience. The vast majority find positions shortly after graduation, but rates vary depending on geographic scope and area of specialization.

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

We recognize the importance of gaining hands on experience that complements a student’s academic program and highly encourage students to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. The GSLIS Practicum Coordinator works with students to identify and secure experiences.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

We aim to provide the most comprehensive services possible. If you need help, we will find a way to help you – even if that is outside of our advertised suite of services. We understand that you come to our program seeking a rewarding career and we want to do all we can to help you realize your goals.

Are there any notable graduates?

Too many to list!

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

665 students in the MS program

What degree(s) do you offer?

MS LIS, CAS LIS, PhD LIS

More on Programs of Study: http://www.lis.illinois.edu/academics/programs

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes.

What are the entrance requirements?

Bachelors degree, 3.0/4.0 in the last two years of undergrad study, resume, essays, three letters of reference.

More details at: http://www.lis.illinois.edu/admissions/requirements/ms

When was the library school founded?

1893

Where are you?

√ Midwestern US

Where are you?

√ City/town

Anything else you’d like to share that’s unique about the school?

Our programs include the longest running LIS doctoral program, an award winning online education program, LEEP, and robust continuing education opportunities. Our students benefit from ample engagement with the vast resources of the University of Illinois library.

This interview was conducted by Nicole Helregel, a second-year master’s student at the University of Illinois Graduate School of Library & Information Science. She works as a graduate assistant at the Funk ACES Library She hopes to one day become a reference or outreach librarian at an academic library. Find her on twitter (@nhelregel) and follow her blog here.

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Tagged as Alumni Association, Career counseling, Career development, Education for librarianship, Employment, Hack Library School, Information Science, Interview, Job hunting, Library School Career Center, Library science, LinkedIn, Master's degree, Roy Brooks, School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | February 12, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: San Jose State University

Here is this week’s installment of the Library School Career Center feature, which is presented in partnership with the folks from the blog Hack Library School. If you’re interested in library education, or in new ideas and the future of the profession, you should check it out. I’m particularly interested in this one because SJSU is my alma mater, and I know first hand that our career center is an excellent resource.

This interview is with Jill Klees, Career Consultant/Employment Specialist in the Career Center at San Jose State University. Jill has worked in the career coaching field for over 15 years in both academic and corporate environments. She directly supports the School of Library & Information Science as well as the College of Engineering and Department of Computer Science. Jill is highly skilled in resume writing and helping her clients determine their unique talents and strengths. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavioral from the University of San Francisco. Previous to her role at SJSU, Jill gained extensive experience working in start-up, non-profit and technology-based industries providing career-related resources within the Silicon Valley marketplace. As you might expect, SJSU SLIS’ extensive library-specific Career Development Resources are available online.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run.

Our School, in collaboration with the San Jose State University Career Center, develops and manages career resources and services for our graduate students, alumni, and the Library and Information Science (LIS) community. Career Counselor Jill Klees is our School’s Career Center liaison, and she works closely with SJSU SLIS faculty member Jane Fisher in developing career resources that are customized to the library and information science field.

We have an entire section of our website (http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/career-development) that is dedicated to career development. Students can access tools to help them pinpoint their career direction. They can view resume and cover letter directions and samples. They can get tips for conducting a successful job search, including how to use social media in their job search. They can learn how to create a career e-portfolio for sharing with future employers. The website has a wealth of valuable information about careers, and all the career resources are freely available to the public.

Our students also have access to SpartaJobs, which is an active list of job openings. They can contact us for individualized career guidance, such as resume and cover letter assistance. We meet with students – typically this is done virtually – to provide career guidance as well as very specific suggestions for improving resumes and tailoring cover letters.

We also send a monthly e-newsletter to students and alumni that includes job search tips, hot jobs, and career resources. Employers contact our Career Center looking for information professionals to fill open positions. We include these exciting job opportunities in the newsletter – sometimes they haven’t yet been advertised to the public.

We facilitate virtual career development workshops on a variety of career topics, and we offer bi-monthly virtual Career Colloquia featuring industry professionals who share tips, resources, and ideas for employment in the LIS field. For example, we recently, produced an employer meet-and-greet that featured the hiring managers at Credo Reference. Students were able to ask questions and learn what this employer, in particular, looks for in applicants. All workshops and colloquia are held online via web conferencing, allowing for real-time interaction. They are also recorded and available on-demand as webcasts and podcasts. Our Career Colloquia are open to the public for free.

Are there “career experts” on staff? What are their credentials?

Yes, both Jill Klees and Jane Fisher have a solid background in career development.

Jill is a career expert with over 15 years of experience in the career development field. She has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and is certified to administer numerous career assessment tools.

Jane has worked in the LIS field for more than 30 years. She has been a part of the industry as it has evolved, giving her a unique perspective on how to be successful in the field and conduct a job search.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Job Listings – Job listing sites and other job search resources are freely available on our School’s website. These resources are open to everyone. Students also have access to SpartaJobs, the San Jose State University campus job and internship database.

√ Resume/CV Review, writing cover letters – The SLIS Career Development website has information and examples for effective resumes, CVs and cover letters. Both Jill Klees and Jane Fisher are available to critique final draft versions of each of these documents and provide detailed feedback to students.

√ Literature/articles – Yes, the SLIS Career Development website provides links to many relevant articles, job sites, blog posts, and journals.

√ Interview Practice – Interviewing tips and strategies, including practice questions, are available on the SLIS Career Development website. There is also a link to an online mock interviewing tool free to SJSU students called Perfect Interview where students can record themselves practicing an interview. Jill Klees also offers mock phone interview practice as part of her services for SLIS students.

√ Networking events (virtual or in-person) – Our School understands the critical role networking plays in career development. We provide numerous opportunities for networking:

Student chapters: All new MLIS students receive a complimentary one-year membership in their preferred professional association, including the American Library Association, Special Libraries Association, American Society for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), and ARMA International. Students also benefit from the opportunity to participate in our School’s active professional association student chapters. Students interact with their peers and professional leaders through virtual networking events, workshops, and conferences, as well as blogs and online discussion forums. Our student chapters have won numerous awards recognizing their excellence and their innovative approach to serving online students, including the 2009 and 2010 ALA and the 2012 ASIS&T Student Chapter of the Year. Current SLIS students can also join the combined student and alumni group, SLISConnect.
Professional Conferences: SJSU SLIS participates in professional conferences and meetings held all over the U.S., Canada, and internationally. We host networking receptions at many conferences, and our students and alumni are always welcomed. It’s a great way to reconnect with colleagues and make new contacts. A list of upcoming conferences we plan to participate in can be found on our website.
Internships: Student interns gain real-world experience for building their resumes and make new contacts with potential future employers. SJSU SLIS students have the option to complete an on-site internship located near their home. Or they can complete a virtual internship, where they interact with a host organization that may be located nearby or across the continent. Our expansive internship program gives students the opportunity to engage in exciting learning opportunities that fit their career aspirations, regardless of where they live. We offer more than 200 virtual and physical internship opportunities each semester.
Career Colloquia: Our Career Colloquia feature guest speakers, who include information professionals and hiring managers from a variety of professional settings. They discuss their work, the skills and experiences required to pursue a similar career pathway, and recruitment opportunities. If students have questions, they are often able to contact speakers directly by email and phone.
Student Assistantships: Many SLIS students work as student assistants, helping SJSU SLIS faculty and staff while gaining hands-on experience with research and professional projects. Student assistantship opportunities vary each semester. Student assistantships are paid part-time positions.

Do you provide in-person services?

√ Appointments – In-person appointments are available. Since our School is 100% online, most appointments are conducted via email, web conferencing, phone, and instant message. If students or alumni live close to campus, they can choose an in-person, on-campus appointment.

√ Speakers, or programs that present experts –Our Career Colloquia series is held fully online, and all sessions are recorded and made available on the SLIS website.

√ Mixers or other networking events- Many of our student chapters host in-person social gatherings/mixers and set up tours of their local libraries. Our School also hosts networking receptions at professional conferences where current students can mingle with alumni, faculty, and friends of SLIS.

√ Drop-in career center – Jill Klees is available for drop-in consulting for students who are close to the San Jose campus and the SJSU Career Center.

Do you provide online services?

SJSU SLIS offers a wealth of online career development resources and services. These resources include self-assessment quizzes to help you pinpoint your career direction, résumé workshops, job search tips and strategies, job listings, and career guidance. All of our career resources are freely available 24/7 on our website: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/career-development

√ Website with resources – updated regularly

√ Blog – new posts once month

√ Webinars – monthly Career Colloquia and Career Workshops

√ Podcasts – Career Colloquia are made available as podcasts and webcasts for access after the live program.

√ Twitter – We live tweet during our Career Colloquia. We also share career-related article links and job search tips.

√ LinkedIn – We post upcoming SJSU SLIS career events to LinkedIn library and information science discussion groups such as LIS Career Options, Job Skills for Future Librarians, and Librarianship Job Search.

√ Facebook – We share career-related article links and job search tips on our SJSU SLIS Facebook page.

√ Newsletter – emailed monthly to all students.

√ Other – We have a board on Pinterest dedicated to careers. Follow our “Explore Career Paths” board.

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

We recommend that students use our career development resources and services “early and often”. By that we mean that students should think about and focus on their professional career paths throughout their time in our graduate program. Don’t wait until you are graduating. Begin in your first semester by exploring the career development site, and using the tools to help determine how your course choices can help you pursue your future career ambitions. Learn how to conduct informational interviews and to network while you are in school. Take advantage of opportunities to increase your understanding of traditional and non-traditional work settings where you can use skills learned at SLIS. We encourage students to use the resources and to contact us if they need help, have questions, or just want to learn more about the possible career paths open to SLIS graduates. We want students to be successful!

May alumni use career center resources?

Alumni may freely use all of the resources publicly available on the website and participate in all Career Colloquia. SJSU SLIS is also offering one-year free paid memberships in the SJSU Career Center for all graduating students.

Are there any charges for services?

The SLIS Career Development resources, all Career Colloquia, and recordings of career workshops are freely available on the website. The SpartaJobs database and individual career consulting and materials review is free to current SLIS students.

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the career center?

We receive emails from students who credit our career resources for helping them land professional jobs. Our students are also very enthusiastic about our career development web pages. Here are a few quotes from students:

“This site is so incredible!”

“This is by far one of the best, if not the best, resources for students that I have seen.”

“I would recommend to anyone in need of career advice, not just SLIS students.”

“The information is tailored to SLIS making it a one stop guide.”

To learn more about how our career development resources have helped SLIS students find jobs, we invite you to read about Sarah Naumann, who credits our School’s career resources for helping her land a job as a reference librarian. You can also read about Sam Leif, who consulted with our Career Counselor and used our career resources to land a job as a librarian at an academic library just two months after earning her MLIS degree at our School.

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

In addition to our career development resources, the MLIS curriculum is constantly evaluated and updated to align with today’s job market and emerging trends in the library and information science field. As a Spring 2012 graduate put it, “I entered the job market with usable skills.”

It’s also very important for students to think broadly and keep an open mind when job searching. The MLIS skillset is transferable to a wide range of organizations and industries. SJSU SLIS graduates work at medical facilities, law firms, public libraries, academic libraries, high-tech companies, schools, and more. Their business cards carry titles such as Information Architect, Usability Analyst, Librarian, and Web Technologist – just to name a few exciting job titles.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

We recently conducted a survey asking our recent graduates about their employment status after graduation. Eighty-six percent of the Spring 2012 graduating class who responded to the survey are working either full time or part time. Of those who reported they had a job, 96% got their job less than 6 months after graduating. Only a small percentage took longer than 6 months to find a job. This is due to a recovering economy and the diversity of the SLIS curriculum, which prepares students for opportunities in a variety of information environments. More information: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/about-slis/mlis-program-performance#alumni

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

While internships are not required, we strongly encourage all students to take advantage of their time at SLIS by registering for one (or more) of the approximately 200 physical and virtual internships offered each semester. Even if you are currently working in an information center or library, doing an internship in a different work environment provides you with new experience and information – and allows you to “test” or “practice” working in a new environment without much risk. Many graduates have stated that internships were the most valuable part of their master’s education, because internships lead to expanded professional networks and also often provide the critical lead to that first job.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

Our approach is to provide excellent career resources and services to our students, and to encourage students to take advantage of those resources “early and often” during their graduate program.

We believe it is an integral part of our School’s mission to provide relevant and comprehensive career resources, and our School supports these resources by assigning faculty and staff to develop and maintain them. While we strongly encourage students to make use of our career resources and services, it is a student’s individual choice whether or not to use the career resources.

Does the school have any relationships with organizations that offer fellowships or other post-graduate opportunities?

Not at this time.

Are there any notable graduates?

Our School’s alumni are recognized leaders in our profession. To learn more about some of their accomplishments, we encourage you to:

Read about our alumni who have been recognized as Library Journal Movers & Shakers

Read about the career successes of some of our alumni

Read about our alumni who have received awards from our School (click on any name to read about a past award recipient).

Read about our alumni who are making a difference in our profession, by browsing stories about our alumni in our Community Profiles

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

All of our students are online students, who may live across town or on the other side of the globe, providing a diversity of perspectives that enrich each student’s learning journey. We have approximately 2,000 students, who live in 47 U.S. states and nearly 20 countries. For more information regarding our students, check out our MLIS Student Profile web page: http://slisweb.sjsu.edu/mlis-student-profiles

What degree(s) do you offer?

The San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science offers two fully online master’s degrees, a fully online certificate program, and a doctoral program:

Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS)

Teacher Librarian Program

Master of Archives and Records Administration (MARA)

Post-Master’s Certificate in Library and Information Science

San Jose Gateway PhD Program

SJSU SLIS is a recognized leader in online learning and is a member of the Sloan Consortium (Sloan-C) and Quality Matters. In 2012, the School’s online programs received a score in the exemplary range according to the Sloan-C Quality Scorecard for the Administration of Online Education Programs.

Is it ALA accredited?

Our MLIS program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The program has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1969. Our Teacher Librarianship program is also accredited by NCATE. In addition, San Jose State University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

What are the entrance requirements?

Prospective students can apply for admission in the fall or spring semester. Please check our website for current application deadlines.

Admission Requirements:

A Bachelor’s degree from any regionally accredited institution in any discipline with an overall GPA of at least 3.0

A general understanding of computers and technology

The School requires that all students have computer access

International Applicants must have a TOEFL score of 600 (paper version) or 250 (computer version) or 100 (Internet-based)

We do not require a GMAT or GRE test, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, or a résumé.

When was the library school founded?

The first Library Science course was taught at San Jose State University in 1928, and SJSU SLIS first started offering a graduate degree in Library Science in 1954. The MLIS program has been continuously accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) since 1969.

Where are you?

√ Other: Online

Where are you?

√ Other: Online

Anything else you’d like to share that’s unique about the school?

All of our School’s resources are focused on supporting online students, including our career counseling, academic advising, and technology support team.

Our instructors use emerging technology in their MLIS courses to enrich student learning in our engaging and interactive online environment. They exchange ideas and perspectives with students via live web conferences, recorded audio lectures, screencasts, emails, online discussion forums, blogs, instant messaging, and social networks. The multimedia format enlivens the learning experience while introducing students to the same types of tools they’ll use in their future careers.

This interview was conducted by Madeleine Mitchell, who is currently in her final semester San Jose State University’s School of Library Science. With a major job hunt quickly approaching, she can honestly say that the Career Center is one of the SLIS program’s best and most comprehensive resources, and she is very grateful to have access to it.

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Tagged as Career counseling, Career development, Education for librarianship, Employment, Hack Library School, Information Science, Interview, Job hunting, Library School Career Center, Library science, LinkedIn, Master's degree, Professional Association, San Jose State University, School of Library and Information Science, SJSU, Twitter

by Emily@HiringLibrarians | February 5, 2013 · 8:00 am

Library School Career Center: University of Wisconsin – Madison

This interview is with Tanya Cobb, Student & Alumni Services Coordinator, at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Ms. Cobb is a graduate of the SLIS MA program (2004) and has worked for several years at the UW-Madison campus in the areas of human resources, student services and research administration.

Career Center Information

Who staffs the career center? Please talk a little about how it is managed and run.

In my role as Student & Alumni Services Coordinator, I am responsible for coordinating career services and events for SLIS. This includes bringing in speakers and LIS professionals to do seminars, webinars and workshops about job hunting, applying, and interviewing; working with faculty who are incorporating career development exercises into their courses; partnering with our division-level career services office (Letters & Science) and meeting one-on-one with students (in person and via phone) to provide cover letter and resume feedback, interview practice, and general advice.

I would describe our career services more as a philosophy and a practice rather than as a “center.” Career-building is an ongoing component of our students’ graduate education, and is woven throughout the program through coursework, specific career development events, involvement with student and professional organizations, and hands-on experience through practicums, internships, volunteer opportunities and student employment. We offer the same resources and services to our students in the distance program as we do to our on-campus program. Distance students can participate remotely when events take place at SLIS (or access the archived recording later), and have access to individual feedback services via phone, chat or email.

Does the career center provide any of the following:

√ Job Listings √ General career coaching
√ Resume/CV Review √ Help writing cover letters
√ Literature/articles √ Interview Practice
√ Networking events (virtual or in-person)

Do you provide in-person services?

√Appointments √ Speakers, or programs that present experts
√ Mixers or other networking events

Done at the college or campus level:
√ Job Fairs √ Drop-in career center

Do you provide online services?

√ Website with resources √ Webinars
√ Twitter √ LinkedIn √ Facebook
√ Blog (includes internships, volunteer opportunities, student LIS jobs, conferences, professional association opportunities. Posted daily.)
√ Other: Career Services Wiki for current students and alumni

What do you think is the best way for students to use the career center?

Start your career planning before you even show up for the first day of graduate school! Use LIS job lists to identify positions you might be interested in, and review the skills and experiences the employers are looking for. Ask yourself, how will I get those skills and experiences in the next two years while in graduate school–through my coursework, my field placements/practica, internships and volunteer work, student library positions, involvement in professional organizations, etc? It’s OK if you don’t know exactly what path you want to take in the LIS field. Just look for job listings that catch your interest. Graduate school is a great time to explore multiple pathways through coursework and the many hands-on opportunities mentioned above. Meet regularly with your career services advisor and faculty advisor to talk about where you should be in terms of career planning, ideally at least once a semester. Attend as many of the workshops and seminars as possible, or view the archived recordings on our Career Services Wiki. If a faculty member or staff member offers you an opportunity to volunteer or work on a project with them, say “yes” as often as possible. This builds your network and your experience, and you may be surprised at what good opportunities saying “yes” may lead to!

May alumni use career center resources?

Yes!

Are there any charges for services?

No.

Can you share any stories about job hunters that found positions after using the career center?

“SLIS provided a plethora of interactive workshops covering all aspects of the job hunt. I religiously attended every session that I could (and not only for the free pizza). My first year as a SLIS student I attended sessions to hear panelists talk about their recently successful job searches, to hear from library staff who regularly hire librarians, and to hear what is looked for in resumes, cover letters, and during the interview. I listened and asked questions so I could apply all that information while starting my job search in December of my 2nd year.

I had my resume and cover letter reviewed and revised by a few different people (through a formal review program SLIS offers, by SLIS faculty members, and from my current library supervisors) to get their different opinions. It must have worked as I heard back from every science librarian position I applied for. I also received assistance practicing my interview techniques and coming up with the proper scenarios to discuss for tricky questions. Although I was still super nervous during my first in-person interview, I knew what to expect from the wonderful work that UW-Madison SLIS did to help get me to that point. Interviewing became a piece of cake after 5 phone interviews and I was able to land an awesome job after my 3rd in-person interview (and then I was able to use the great negotiating skills SLIS taught me before accepting the offer). Although applying for jobs and interviewing is hard work, I felt that I was well prepared with all the opportunities that the SLIS Career Services offered.”

–Jonathan Carlson (2012), Science Librarian, Alcuin Library
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
Collegeville, MN

Anything else you’d like to share with readers about your services in particular, or about library hiring/job hunting in general?

You are a unique candidate, and you have a lot to offer a potential employer. As you progress through graduate school, develop your two-minute story of who you are, and the key three to four skills/experiences you would bring to a library or information agency. Create a job hunt support team from your network of peers, advisors, program staff, and employers. They can help you create your two-minute story, provide feedback on job applications, and help you with interview practice and moral support. As mentioned before, build career development steps into each semester along with your coursework, so that when you are ready to begin your job hunt, you feel prepared.

Students’ Career Paths

Can you share any statistics about employment rates after graduation?

We are proud of our placement rates, which have been strong even in the past couple of difficult economic years in this country.

Please note: in this year’s LJ Annual Salaries and Placement survey some of our data was erroneously omitted in the Explore the Data section of the report, “Table 3: 2011 Total Graduates and Placements by School.” This omission is in the process of being corrected, but in the meantime numbers should be:

Employed Men: 9, Employed Women: 47 , Employed Total: 56 (of 59 graduates who responded to the survey).

A more detailed report focused specifically on our graduating class of 2011 will be coming out in February, and will be available along with past annual employment reports at: http://www.slis.wisc.edu/empdata.htm.

Can you talk a little bit about the school’s approach to internships, practicums and/or volunteering?

Applying what is learned in coursework is critical to becoming a competent professional and a competitive job applicant. Knowing this, SLIS requires all students to do a 120 hour, three-credit field placement their second year in the program, to apply what they are learning in class at a professional level and to build a solid working relationship with their field placement supervisor, who can then serve as a strong job reference.

Students are encouraged to do more than one field placement, to add on shorter practicums that are available with some of courses, to intern, to volunteer and to work. Internship and volunteer opportunities are posted regularly to our student daily blog. With 40 libraries on campus, students have a multitude of opportunities to work in a library while in school, and most of them do.

Does the school have a stated approach or policy on helping students to find careers?

Yes. At SLIS the faculty and staff understand that the job market is competitive. Opportunities to hone skills both in the LIS field and for the job hunt are integrated throughout the program, from practice job talks in classes, to workshops on writing winning job applications, to one-on-one career advice from professionals in the field, supporting students in becoming competent professionals and competitive job applicants.

Does the school have any relationships with organizations that offer fellowships or other post-graduate opportunities?

Yes, we regularly receive notices directly from organizations who have hired our graduates, which we post to our jobs listserv (soon to be a blog).

Are there any notable graduates?

This is a tough question, because with a program that is over 100 years old, there are so many alums that I could list! So, with the caveat that for every alum I mention there are so many more doing amazing things and working to make a difference in the profession every day, here are a few that come to mind (in order of more recent graduates to more senior professionals):

● Andrew Johnson – (MA ‘11 ), Metadata Librarian, University of Colorado-Boulder. See page nine of the Spring 2012 Jottings & Digressions (our alumni and friends newsletter) for his interview.
● Omar Poler – (MA ‘10) , Outreach Specialist at UW-Madison SLIS and Founder of the Tribal Libraries and Museums (TLAM) Project, which includes a community engagement group, service learning projects, a course, and a conference “Convening Culture Keepers”
● Caitlin Sticco – (MA ‘09, Specialist Certificate ‘10), National Library of Medicine Fellow
● Bonnie Tijerina (MA ‘03) – Head of Electronic Resources & Serials, Harvard University Libraries and President, Electronic Resources & Libraries, LLC, LJ Mover & Shaker Tech Leader (2010), LJ Mover & Shaker Challenger Buster (2005)
● Chris Wagner (MA ‘88)- Head librarian of the Goodman South Madison branch of the Madison Public Library (WI), and winner of the Carnegie Corporation of New York/New York Times “I Love My Librarian!” award.
● K.T. Horning (MA ‘82) – Director, University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Cooperative Children’s Book Center, SLIS Centennial Distinguished Alumna, (2006)
● Nancy Kranich (MA ‘73) – past ALA president, SLIS Centennial Distinguished Alumna (2006)

We have many notable accomplished alumni who are mid-career or later in their careers. Each year SLIS alumni nominate and award the Distinguished Alumnus/a Award to one of these professionals. The Distinguished Alumnus/a then presents the commencement speech at our SLIS graduation ceremony in May.

Demographics

How many students in the library school?

approximately 200

What degree(s) do you offer?

Masters in Library and Information Studies (On-Campus and Online), PhD.

Is it ALA accredited?

Yes, continuously since ALA accreditation began.

What are the entrance requirements?

Please see our admissions information at:
http://www.slis.wisc.edu/MA-application.htm

When was the library school founded?

1906

Where are you?

√ Midwestern US

Where are you?

√ City/town

Anything else you’d like to share that’s unique about the school?

Yes, in addition to some of the points I have already mentioned, our program emphasizes:

Small class sizes, accessible instructors, individual attention

Working with fellow students in a culture that is friendly, supportive, and fosters collaboration across the various specialty areas of study.

Student Organizations and projects in Community Engagement that enhance classroom learning and build friendships that last beyond graduation

Access to all the resources a Tier One Research University has to offer, including an outstanding research community that crosses disciplines and moves the field forward, and 40 libraries that serve the campus’ teaching, research and community service missions.

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