I think coursework on the job market and matching real-world job duties to course assignments might have been valuable.
Getting as much experience as possible outside of the classroom was really important for me, both for learning and helping secure a job later. I did volunteer cataloging at my public library, a four internships (federal records management; federal public health library; academic digital library, and NGO library). I also took small contract projects in knowledge management and research. All of this was so that I could get exposed to as many environments and types of work as possible. It wasn't that easy, but I recommend doing any small thing that gives you extra experience and exposure.
For continuing education, keep participating in professional communities, attend as many webinars and conferences as make sense for your budget (even better if your organization will pay!). If you can't attend conferences, access presentations online and reach out to presenters if you want to learn more about their area of expertise...some people are very willing to help their professional community if asked.
If there is a skill you want to learn in your job, don't be shy to think of a project and propose it. The worst that can happen is a no, but it still shows initiative. And, if you can continue to do any volunteer or contract work on the side, it always helps. I have sometimes just cold-emailed a library or organization that I'm interested in to see if they need a volunteer. Sometimes places don't have time to reach out, but so many need the help.
Go libraries!
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Karen Carter
Digital Librarian
DoD OIG
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Original Message:
Sent: May 02, 2021 05:45 PM
From: Laura Birkenhauer
Subject: Online Discussion Forum May 2021 Topic: What I Didn't Learn In Library School
Hello all,
My name is Laura Birkenhauer and I'm the Chair of the NMRT Online Discussion Forum Committee. Our committee's May 2021 topic is What I Didn't Learn in Library School.
I hope you'll take the time to participate - right here in Connect! - by responding to this post and sharing your experiences in answer to some of the discussion questions below:
- What course(s) do you wish you'd had the opportunity to take as part of your library school coursework, and why? (this could be a course that was offered that didn't work with your schedule, a course offered as part of another school's program, a course you've dreamed up all on your own, etc.)
- Outside of formal education, how else did you acquire the skills and knowledge to succeed in librarianship? (personal development, mentoring, service to the profession, volunteering, on-the-job experiences, etc.)
- What advice do you have for new or recent library school graduates in terms of continuing education?
I look forward to hearing from the NMRT community on this month's discussion topic!
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Laura Birkenhauer
Student Success Librarian for Campus Engagement
Miami University Libraries
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