Career Blog

Transitioning from a Library Assistant to a Librarian Job

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 23:30:00 +0000

Published: September 18, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

A majority of students in the MLIS program here at the iSchool are already working in library environments. Yet without an MLIS degree, the only positions available to students are typically Library Assistant, Circulation Aide, or Library Page. As you get closer to graduation and begin thinking about the next step in your career, what does it mean to take that jump from assistant/aide/page to librarian?

A Student’s Review of This Summer’s ALA Conference

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 20:51:00 +0000

Published: August 7, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

The American Library Association hosted its annual conference this past June in San Diego, California. Billed as “the biggest library event of the year,” ALA Annual was attended by dozens of SJSU iSchool alumni, faculty, and current students. I had the opportunity to speak with one student attendee, Eddie Lagos, to learn more about the experience.

What to Do After an Informational Interview

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 18:15:00 +0000

Published: July 31, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

So, you’ve planned an informational interview and conducted it, now what?

How to Tailor a Resume Using AI

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 17:56:00 +0000

Published: July 24, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

AI Chatbots like ChatGPT are one of the most accessible avenues to Artificial Intelligence for students. Not only is it fun to play around with new technology, but it can actually be beneficial to the job search as well. In this post, we’ll be taking a look at how AI chatbots can be useful while crafting resumes.

What to Ask During an Informational Interview

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:18:00 +0000

Published: July 17, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

As we mentioned in a previous post, an Informational Interview is the perfect opportunity to get an understanding of the nuances of different library-related positions.

While it may take some time to identify the right interviewee and schedule your meeting, planning for what to do during the actual interview is essential for ensuring its success.

How to Craft Your DEI Statement

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:22:00 +0000

Published: July 10, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives have become essential elements of library organizations in the past few years, and rightfully so! With libraries serving diverse communities and striving to be accessible for all, it makes sense that DEI statements are now a part of more than 63% of library job announcements and DEI is listed as a skillset needed for qualified applicants on 32% of job posts.

How to Ask for an Informational Interview

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:48:00 +0000

Published: July 2, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

Once in grad school, you likely learned rather quickly (or will learn very soon) that there is more than one way to be a librarian. There are dozens of specialities when it comes to library science – Public, Academic, Special, Medical, Law, and Archives, just to name a few. As you navigate the maze of career choices, the journey from aspiration to actualization can be overwhelming. This is where informational interviews come into play, serving as invaluable tools for those looking to better understand the nuances and day-to-day responsibilities of librarians in practice.

Review Your MLIS Skills at Work

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:41:00 +0000

Published: June 18, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

For several years, the research-heavy MLIS Skills at Work report has been compiled by the Career Services department at the iSchool. The 2024 edition of this highly respected annual report for library job seekers nationwide is now available to help you get a jump on your career exploration!

Brush Up on Reader’s Advisory Skills

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 18:18:00 +0000

Published: May 24, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

While you do not have to be an avid reader to be a successful librarian, it certainly helps. One of the most in-demand skills for librarians according to SJSU’s MLIS Skills at Work Report is reader’s advisory.

LIS Job Search Sites & Resources

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Wed, 15 May 2024 00:40:00 +0000

Published: May 4, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

Kickstart Your Career with Membership in a Professional Organization

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Sat, 04 May 2024 15:02:00 +0000

Published: April 29, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

No Creative Skills? Canva can help with that!

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 22:42:00 +0000

Published: April 11, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

Librarians often find themselves embracing a range of duties on the job – a customer service specialist at the circulation desk, a researcher at the reference desk, a sort-of referee in the children’s section, and an all-around marketer and library advocate at all other times.

Attending My First Professional Conference

aryn.prestia@sjsu.edu — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 20:29:00 +0000

LibLearnX 2024 - Baltimore, MD

Published: April 2, 2024 by Aryn Prestia

Though I am now in my second year here at the iSchool, I still feel like a brand new student. This most likely has to do with the constant exposure to new and exciting information as well as the hunger to learn even more.

Makerspace Librarianship

hannah.nguyen — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 03:55:00 +0000

You Can Do It Your Shelf

Published: August 15th, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

Makerspaces have become a staple in many libraries around the country, and it’s easy to see why they are a match made in heaven. These collaborative spaces offer equipment, software, or supplies to help patrons create and innovate. Ideally, they are designed to reflect what their community wants, which means that no two makerspaces are alike. They can house anything from arts and crafts supplies to 3d printers, to a podcast studio. Patrons might use them to create physical objects, play music, or design a virtual reality room. Here are some tips for those interested in pursuing makerspace librarianship.

Excellent Questions to Ask at the End of Your Next Job Interview

hannah.nguyen — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:13:00 +0000

Published: July 26th, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

The last question most people are asked in a job interview is “do you have any questions for us?” Experts agree that it is important to ask questions during this time to communicate that you are actively interested in the role. The answers you receive can also help you decide whether the institution is a good fit for you. Think about the questions you want to ask ahead of time so that you don’t freeze up and miss out on this opportunity. Here are some examples of the types of questions you can ask to leave a positive first impression.

What’s the Best Part About Working in Outreach?

hannah.nguyen — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 03:29:00 +0000

Q&A with David Freas

Published: July 7, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

If you love interacting with people and have thought about innovative ways to make library services available to everyone, outreach librarianship might be for you! Outreach is an incredibly important aspect of libraries simply because communities need to know about services to use them. According to the American Library Association, outreach librarians are intended to serve everyone, however they are often focused on reaching people who underutilize the library, and communities who are underserved.

How to Get the Most Out of Joining a Professional Association

hannah.nguyen — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 04:26:00 +0000

Published: June 20, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

There are many professional organizations within the field of librarianship that offer networking opportunities, scholarships, grants, continuing education, and other resources and perks. You may already be familiar with some of these organizations because the iSchool provides a complimentary one-year membership for students enrolled in Info 200. If you’ve never joined a professional association before, you may feel overwhelmed by the new emails or feel unclear about how to contribute. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your membership.

Tips for Staying Positive During the Job Hunt

hannah.nguyen — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 02:52:00 +0000

Published: June 15, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

The process of searching and applying for, interviewing, and following up on available jobs can be exhausting. It feels like a part-time job and requires a lot of energy and attention. If you haven’t landed your dream job yet, or have experienced some rejection, it becomes very easy to feel defeated. Here are key tips to help you avoid burnout and maintain an optimistic outlook.

Should Librarians Be Worried About Artificial Intelligence?

hannah.nguyen — Mon, 29 May 2023 16:27:00 +0000

Published: May 29, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

As new technology emerges, there is often a discussion about how librarian’s roles will change in relation to it. This conversation has become especially relevant with the introduction of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools. These innovations are certainly going to affect America’s workforce, and librarians are no exception to this. But what are the opportunities and risks? Should we be worried?

Four Reasons to Join Student Leadership

hannah.nguyen — Mon, 01 May 2023 02:47:00 +0000

Published: April 30, 2023 by Hannah Nguyen

There are ten student groups offered at the iSchool that offer a wide range of benefits to enrich your educational experience. Several of these groups are associated with larger professional associations (such as ALA, ASIS&T, SLA, and SAASC), and others have been created at the iSchool as a reflection of student interests. You may be familiar with many of them from emails advertising free panels, student mixers, or webinars. If you have ever considered joining student leadership in one of these groups, many of them are actively recruiting for the upcoming academic year. Here’s why you should consider nominating yourself to be a student leader: