Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science / Edition 1

by Priscilla K. Shontz, Robert R. Newlen

Overview

Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science is designed to help new librarians begin to manage a successful and satisfying career in the library and information science profession. Although the first years are often overwhelming, they can be the key to creating a successful career as a librarian or information professional. Unless one is fortunate enough to have good mentors or strong support groups, a new librarian may drift into an unsatisfying career. This book emphasizes the value of defining one's own idea of success and of positioning one's self to be prepared to take advantage of opportunities that arise. Although the book is aimed at students and new information professionals, much of the advice may apply to a librarian at any stage of his or her career.

This book contains advice and anecdotes gathered from research and interviews with more than 70 information professionals in a variety of library-related careers. The book is written in a practical, easy-to-read style. The modular format allows a reader to read any chapter on its own or to read the chapters in any order, choosing which ones are most relevant at any point. The book covers eight broad topics: career planning, job searching, gaining experience and education, developing interpersonal skills and leadership skills, networking, mentoring, and writing for publication. Lengthy lists of related readings, as well as related web sites, are included to allow the reader to follow up on any topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810840843
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	12/22/2001
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	208
Product dimensions:	5.42(w) x 8.52(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

Priscilla K. Shontz currently works as Library Supervisor at the University of Houston at Cinco Ranch. She is a Past President of the American Library Association New Members Round Table and is editor of the Serials Review column "Bits and Bytes".

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 List of Tables Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Acknowledgments Chapter 4 Introduction Chapter 5 1 Career Planning Chapter 6 2 Job Searching Chapter 7 3 Experience and Education Chapter 8 4 Networking Chapter 9 5 Interpersonal Skills Chapter 10 6 Mentoring Chapter 11 7 Leadership Skills Chapter 12 8 Writing and Publishing Chapter 13 9 Conclusion Chapter 14 Appendix: Book Proposal Chapter 15 Companion Website Chapter 16 About the Author

Editorial Reviews

An invaluable guide to getting the most out of your chosen career...Whether you are a new librarian or interested in re-energizing your career, this book is your key to managing a successful and rewarding career...Well organized...this book covers all the important cornerstones and steppingstones to building a flourishing career...Don't delay, get your copy today!

Nmrt Voice

In just under 200 pages, Shontz manages to touch on nearly every issue of interest to new librarians, as well as those looking to revitalize their careers....Shontz is well qualified to write on this topic. The information is useful, detailed, and current, and each chapter could easily stand on its own....also an enjoyable and entertaining read.

Info Career Trends

This is a very well-done book on both starting and renewing a career in librarianship....This book is an excellent and welcome addition to this genre. It is the kind of book all librarians should have had when they entered the profession....It is specified for librarianship, but everything in it applies equally in principle to any career or profession. This work is an excellent choice for special and academic libraries. It will do well in most public libraries as well. For those who are thinking about a career in library science or are already in a career, this book gets the highest recommendation. It is easily one of the best efforts in this genre that this author has encountered.

American Reference Books Annual

Shontz offers practical advice on career planning, job searching, education, networking, interpersonal skills, mentoring, leadership skills, and professional writing and publishing.

American Libraries

...there have been few works that comprehensively address all the questions someone starting out in the career could have. Priscilla K. Shontz's new book, Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science, fills this gap in an outstanding way....provides up-to-date guidance in all the main areas job seekers need to understand....What makes Shontz's work truly unique is the fact that she has included contributions from over seventy information professionals at all stages of their careers....These librarians offer invaluable advice and personal experiences that really make the book shine....anecdotes are funny, touching, and wise, but most of all they are always informative and enlightening....should be required reading for all students in library and information science programs, their instructors, and anyone else who cares about the direction librarianship is taking and the people who will shape its future.

One-Person Library

...there have been few works that comprehensively address all the questions someone starting out in the career could have. Priscilla K. Shontz's new book, Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science, fills this gap in an outstanding way....provides up-to-date guidance in all the main areas job seekers need to understand....What makes Shontz's work truly unique is the fact that she has included contributions from over seventy information professionals at all stages of their careers....These librarians offer invaluable advice and personal experiences that really make the book shine....anecdotes are funny, touching, and wise, but most of all they are always informative and enlightening....should be required reading for all students in library and information science programs, their instructors, and anyone else who cares about the direction librarianship is taking and the people who will shape its future.--One-Person Library

An invaluable guide to getting the most out of your chosen career...Whether you are a new librarian or interested in re-energizing your career, this book is your key to managing a successful and rewarding career...Well organized...this book covers all the important cornerstones and steppingstones to building a flourishing career...Don't delay, get your copy today!--Nmrt Voice

Shontz offers practical advice on career planning, job searching, education, networking, interpersonal skills, mentoring, leadership skills, and professional writing and publishing.--American Libraries

From the Publisher

This is a very well-done book on both starting and renewing a career in librarianship....This book is an excellent and welcome addition to this genre. It is the kind of book all librarians should have had when they entered the profession....It is specified for librarianship, but everything in it applies equally in principle to any career or profession. This work is an excellent choice for special and academic libraries. It will do well in most public libraries as well. For those who are thinking about a career in library science or are already in a career, this book gets the highest recommendation. It is easily one of the best efforts in this genre that this author has encountered.

American Reference Books Annual (ARBA)

An invaluable guide to getting the most out of your chosen career...Whether you are a new librarian or interested in re-energizing your career, this book is your key to managing a successful and rewarding career...Well organized...this book covers all the important cornerstones and steppingstones to building a flourishing career...Don't delay, get your copy today!

NMRT Voice

For new librarians, Shontz's how-to guide stresses the value of defining one's own idea of success and positioning one's self to take advantage of opportunities as they arise. The guide covers career planning, job searching, experience and education, interpersonal skills, networking, leadership skills, mentoring, and writing for publication. It can be used by readers interested in public, academic, or special libraries. Shontz, a longtime librarian, is now a freelance writer and Web designer. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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