2 answers
Melissa
Student
Newman, California
1
Question
Updated
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How can I immerse myself in the library profession?
I am a high school senior that is about to enter college. I plan on entering the librarian field, but I am unsure if I should already be seeking out experience opportunities, and what opportunities are out there.
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2 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1209
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Melissa,
I don't think that you need experiences before you even get to college, but you can certainly visit libraries and talk to people there. Ask about internships and how they work, i.e. if/how/when they are normally advertised and at which stage of your education you would be eligible.
Do you have a school library? If you have a school librarian, pay them a visit and ask questions. They might be happy to show you the "behind the scenes" and let you help out.
Next, visit the public library and talk to the librarians there. Maybe there are volunteer opportunities if you don't qualify for a proper internship yet
If you are able to visit a university campus, find the library and talk to subject matter librarians there.
I hope this helps!
KP
https://www.stanislauslibrary.org/about_employment.shtm
I don't think that you need experiences before you even get to college, but you can certainly visit libraries and talk to people there. Ask about internships and how they work, i.e. if/how/when they are normally advertised and at which stage of your education you would be eligible.
Do you have a school library? If you have a school librarian, pay them a visit and ask questions. They might be happy to show you the "behind the scenes" and let you help out.
Next, visit the public library and talk to the librarians there. Maybe there are volunteer opportunities if you don't qualify for a proper internship yet
If you are able to visit a university campus, find the library and talk to subject matter librarians there.
I hope this helps!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
Sherri Anderson
Data Librarian
1
Answer
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Sherri’s Answer
There are so many different kinds of librarianship, beyond school & public librarians! A great place to start asking questions is in the libraries you already use. Most librarians are super happy to talk to you about how to prepare for a career in librarianship. The American Library Association has some great resources to check out: https://www.ala.org/educationcareers/libcareers/become
I would also suggest looking up your state library association to make connections there: https://www.cla-net.org/
Otherwise, when you’re in college, I applying for any open student work positions in your college library to get some experience with the inner operations of a library. You can major in whatever interests you for undergrad, by the way. Majoring in English literature, for example, doesn’t necessarily prepare you for a career in librarianship more than Biology. Your knowledge base from your undergraduate degree will inform what kind of librarianship you’ll have extra knowledge in, but the degree that really matters is your master.
Traditional librarianship is a totally worthwhile and rewarding career, but make sure you’re also considering non-traditional library roles as well. I started out in public libraries and am currently working in private industry supporting knowledge graphs, data governance & AI. Businesses really need the organizing skills of librarians, especially with the acceleration of AI!
Good luck to you!
I would also suggest looking up your state library association to make connections there: https://www.cla-net.org/
Otherwise, when you’re in college, I applying for any open student work positions in your college library to get some experience with the inner operations of a library. You can major in whatever interests you for undergrad, by the way. Majoring in English literature, for example, doesn’t necessarily prepare you for a career in librarianship more than Biology. Your knowledge base from your undergraduate degree will inform what kind of librarianship you’ll have extra knowledge in, but the degree that really matters is your master.
Traditional librarianship is a totally worthwhile and rewarding career, but make sure you’re also considering non-traditional library roles as well. I started out in public libraries and am currently working in private industry supporting knowledge graphs, data governance & AI. Businesses really need the organizing skills of librarians, especially with the acceleration of AI!
Good luck to you!