[Publib] Career Help

[Marita C. Masuch]

To the Collective Wisdom:

I am seeking advice, suggestions, and anything else that you may want to
provide in regards to the following questions. 

 

First, a little background info: I graduated in 2005 with my MLIS and worked
for about a year part-time in a library and part-time with my current
employer (a library consortium).  Unfortunately, even though my title was
"reference librarian" at the library the position was more like a glorified
clerk (no offense to any clerks, they work hard!) and I did not gain much
experience with reference or any other aspect of librarianship.  The
position was never meant to turn to full-time work (which I knew) but I
still thought it would be a good learning opportunity (since my leaving they
have eliminated the position all together).  However, perhaps because they
knew I was looking for full-time work and saw me as temporary, despite my
efforts I was not given true librarian responsibilities.  At my current
employer I provide mostly help desk support for the ILS system for our
member libraries.  The position turned full-time approximately a 1.5 years
ago and initially seemed like I would be given more responsibilities and
could create a position for myself which is why I decided to take the
position.  Unfortunately, I have little to no contact with daily library
duties and due to other company constraints I have not evolved much beyond
help desk duties.  One thing I have been able to do is train library staff
on our ILS system and other areas of computers (I do both refresher training
and new staff training).  I have also been able to start holding circulation
and ILL meetings with our member libraries on a bi-annual basis.  

 

Now the questions: I want to move back into a library setting but I am not
sure if I am still marketable?  Have I moved too far out of the realm of
librarianship to be considered a good candidate for a position?  Are there
career counselors that can help with determining a better way to market
myself?  

 

I have gone on a few interviews and I am trying to find out a better way to
market myself during the interview process.  I am lacking experience in many
areas, I realize that, but I think that is unfortunately translating into a
lack of self-confidence as well at this point.  I know I can learn what I
need, and fairly quickly, but I am not sure how to get a potential employer
to give me that chance.  I hope this all makes sense!  TIA for any and all
help!

 

~~M

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

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