Library jobs

[woola]

I've just graduated with a 2:1 in English and for some reason I want to be a librarian (I can't for the life of me figure out why!). I've looked into librarianshp and 'information management' MAs and other postgrad courses, which sound good, but for many I need experience. I've had a couple of interviews for library assistant jobs and although I think I'm doing ok, I'm yet to get the job. I've used a library at uni for 3 years so I have a pretty good idea of what users require etc, but has anybody got ANY advice of any key words, phrases etc I can drop in? Like the names of any software, procedures, anything at all. And if anyone can come up with the perfect answer to 'What attracted you to libraianism?' I'll be eternally grateful!

[dot.hawkes]

I think you should express concern for the conservation of printed sources whilst recognising the value of the WWW and online research, stress that the library has an important role to play in the community and in education, especially to the primary school age group.

[Buenchico]

(3-part post):

If the jobs you're applying for are within public libraries, it might be worth visiting both large and small branches to see if they use the same classification system.

Most reference libraries and many larger lending libraries use the Dewey Decimal System. Many smaller branch libraries now use a system where, for example, all book on hobbies are classified as 'HOB' with an abbreviation for the particular type of hobby added as a suffix. (So a book on photography would be classified as HOB:PHO).

If you notice that different libraries, within the same service, use different systems (as they do here in Suffolk), it would be worth dropping this into conversation and asking about the philosophy behind using two different systems.

Also, while nobody would expect you to be fully conversant with 'facet analysis', it would be worth knowing at least the names of some of the other classification systems. (e.g. you could say something along the lines of "Of course, my university library uses BC2. Although I found it fairly easy to get to grips with, I recognise that it wouldn't be much use for a casual library user").

[Buenchico]

[Most academic institutions use BC2 (Bliss Classification 2) but some stick with DDC (Dewey Decimal Classification) and a few might use LCC (Library of Congress Classification - which is almost universally used by American academic institutions)].

I'll also give my support to everything that Dot says, above. It might be worth adding that an intelligent librarian listens carefully to user's requests to find out what each user really wants:
Two different users might make requests which sound very similar. Person A's request might just mean "I need this information and I'd like you to find it for me as quickly as possible". Person B, though, might mean "Please would you show me how to find this information for myself, so that I can then continue my researches on my own". A good librarian should never be afraid to ask questions to find out what the user really requires.

[Buenchico]

How would I answer that last question of yours? Probably along these lines:
"I've always loved books, and I've discovered that I've got a flair for researching information, but I want a job where I'll be working with people. Working as a librarian seems like the ideal job for me. It offers me the chance to gain professional qualifications while being able to help other people at the same time".

Just one final thought: Many public libraries have schemes to get young readers involved with their local libraries. Find out about these and enthuse wildly about them! (e.g. "I was in the library last Saturday, while the story-reading session was taking place. It was wonderful to see the expressions on the children's faces. I really wanted to join in!").

I hope that something here is of use to but, since a good librarian knows how to filter information, I'm sure you'll be able to work out which bits (if any!) are relevant to your request :-)

Chris

[woola]

That's been really helpful, especially the info about the classification systems, I've been asked something about those before and went a bit blank! Nice answer to my dreaded interview question - I can never really express why very eloquently! Thanks both of you.

Hints and tips from others still welcome...!

[SaxyJag]

Don't give up hope. For a start, more and more library services are dropping the requirement for specific qualification in the field.

Do remember that your uni library is not one little bit like the average community library. It may be worth going along to your nearest community library and having a chat with the staff, maybe even offering a little voluntary help. It could put you in line for the next vacancy, and you'll certainly learn a lot about the job. Most librarians are willing to share what they know.

It will help you at interview if you can show (aside from your interest in books), experience and interest in customer service, marketing, IT (both for stock monitoring and to help IT users in the library)and - most important - people. Experience in the retail (especially book retail) and/or education or community work sector can be useful and relevant.

You need to be aware of the services community libraries provide - talking books, CDs, DVDs, foreign language material, reading groups, playschemes, parent/child groups, homework support, author events, book awards, home library services etc etc.

The two main IT systems used are Galaxy and Talis.

Also, familiarise yourself generally with the publishing industry - ISBNs, publication trends (paperback, film tie-ins etc) and the main publishers in the market.

Hopefully, from all this, you can ascertain what it is that most attracts you to the work.