While one of my great missions with INALJ is to expose library staff and librarians to jobs outside the “L” word/world by focusing on your skill sets, if you have really asked yourself do I want a job or a library job and answered “library, definitely” then what can you do to get a job in a library? When we look at skill sets we need to also look at programs, software and other technologies that will make us more attractive to hiring managers. Depending on what type of library you want to work in you may want to take classes or practice the online modules in the following:
Here are a few ideas based on my own experience- this is in no way, shape or form comprehensive..
Academic Libraries
- Adobe Captivate is an eLearning content system and often used for presentations
- Like Captivate there are other Screencasting software which Wikipedia has covered here
- SmartBoard technologies- well worth looking into as many schools still use this for presentations
- Familiarity with LiveChat technologies like AIM and Meebo are key
Public Libraries
Government Libraries
- Microsoft Office Suite is invaluable as it is standard in government communications, particularly Excel
Special Libraries
- Knowing cheap/affordable ILS systems is key- Wikipedia lists some of them here
This is just a beginning set- a brief list. I want to really develop this further into a top 10 list (or something like that) so please, drop me an email at ineedalibraryjob@gmail.com and reference “Re: But I want to be a Librarian” in the subject heading with any tips or suggestions you’d like to see me add.