Career Transitions for Librarians

Anderson, D. E., & Pun, R. (Eds.). (2016). Career Transitions for Librarians: Proven Strategies for Moving to Another Type of Library. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield.

Career Transitions for Librarians explores the multifaceted roles of the librarian profession from personal narratives of professional librarians who have successfully worked and transitioned from one type of library to another.

• What kinds of skill sets and experiences were they able to transfer or draw on from their previous work experiences?
• How can you make these successful transitions as well?

From interview tips to developing relevant and transferable skill sets, this unique guide offers testimonials with a targeted advice and job strategies for readers interested in making these successful transitions during a time when there is a huge difficulty in securing a library job.

(book description)

A Librarian’s Guide to an Uncertain Job Market

Woodward, Jeannette. A Librarian’s Guide to an Uncertain Job Market. Chicago: ALA, 2011. 020.2373 Woodw ISBN 978-0-8389-1105-1

During these tough economic times, more people are relying on libraries than ever before, even as library funding is being slashed or eliminated altogether. The hard truth is that many seasoned librarians are losing their jobs, and many recent LIS graduates are having a hard time finding one. Being unemployed is potentially devastating; without a clear, well-thought out game plan and considerable attention to their own personal well-being, those affected may find it difficult to recover. In this ALA Editions Special Report, Woodward, a veteran librarian with decades of experience, helps at-risk librarians:

· Prepare for budget crunches by showing them how to develop versatile skills and plan ahead for potential changes in employment
· Educate themselves about which library positions are being phased out and which will hold steady or expand
· Adjust their career goals, repurpose their existing skills for non-traditional librarianship, and even search for work in non-library settings
This Special Report provides the compassionate guidance and pragmatic support that librarians will need to survive possible career crises and reenter the job market with renewed confidence.