Customer Reviews

The Librarian's Career Guidebook

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I'm a new MLIS student, and I must say that I was really impressed with this book as it addresses so many questions that I had regarding all phases of a librarian's career, including choosing classes and work place dynamics. I still refer to it often as I plan both my class schedule and my career.

Are you thinking about becoming a librarian? This book is a must read for all librarians. Although it is a bit outdated being a few years old, this book does a great job at explaining to the reader all about the different careers available to librarians. The details about what you should do in library school in order to prepare for the job market are very helpful. The author gives recommendations about what courses to take, internships to go after and more. She also mentions some aspects of other library related careers that you may not have considered. As a college librarian, I bought this copy before I went to library school and I still pick it up every know and then as a refresher and to see what she has to say about certain aspects of life as a librarian.

This thick book of articles, many of which are also found at LIScareer.com, cover a wide-range of moments in librarianship from going to library school, to getting the first library job, to the different careers one can craft in the LIS field. The Librarian's Career Guidebook is an invaluable jumping off point for those not certain whether they're ready to commit to the field and library students considering their future. The benefits of The Librarian's Career Guidebook wane for veteran librarians. Likewise, students who have read other books about library work, and folks who have had experience in the working world may not derive as much use from the articles. Still, there is enough variety among the perspectives offered that everyone interested in librarianship should find at least a few of the entries worthwhile. The Librarian's Career Guidebook has the abundance of information to be a worthy reference for some, and at least a valuable browse for most.

This is from 2004, and it seems to have the feel of a book that's so much older. Still, I liked what I read when I got it from the library, so I think I'll go ahead and buy it. It'll help me decide if I need to go ahead and find a library science program and change careers midlife! And by the way, I make it a point to NEVER trust five-star reviews, especially if they are the only one given so far.