by Emily Guier, Head Editor, INALJ Wyoming
On Being Versatile
As information professionals, we often engage in conversations justifying our existence or questioning if we have a future in a world with Google. On both sides of the argument, we discuss our versatility. After all, information is everywhere.
Being versatile professionals, there are exciting new tools at our disposal. Freelancing is easier than ever with various websites like elance.com or guru.com. At INALJ, we use a variety of different keywords to find leads–why not extend our skills as information professionals to freelancing? For newly minted librarians fresh out of library school, this may be a valuable way to gain experience and beef up a résumé. For more seasoned professionals, freelance work allows flexibility and a means to earn some extra money. Granted, this avenue requires a broader perspective of what we’re trained for; not many people are looking for someone to catalog their personal libraries.
I was reading an article (http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2013/01/14/130114fa_fact_marx) recently about Task Rabbit (www.taskrabbit.com), a site that connects people who need a service with those who can provide it. I am continually amazed at how technology connects people in the pursuit of making life easier. Perhaps this, and other similar sites, is an opportunity for job seekers in a tough economy.
INALJ readers, have any of you freelanced as an information professional? Are there any resources you would suggest? Join the discussion on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groupItem?view=&gid=4112382&type=member&item=215946148