Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science [Paperback]

Priscilla K. Shontz (Author), Steven J. Oberg (Author), Robert N. Klob (Author), Robert R. Newlen (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0810840847 | ISBN-13: 978-0810840843 | Publication Date: February 2002

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

...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 )

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 )

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 )

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".

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810840847
• ISBN-13: 978-0810840843
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #245,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Priscilla Shontz edits the library career site LIScareer.com and has written or edited three library science career books. She has more than sixteen years of experience in university, community college, medical, school, and public libraries. Priscilla is a past president of the ALA New Members Round Table. She earned a BS in journalism from The University of Texas at Arlington and an MS in library science from The University of North Texas. Visit http://www.liscareer.com for more information.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for librarians and information professionals!, January 29, 2002

By 

Rich A. "Rich" (Durham, NC, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science (Paperback)

Priscilla Shontz, a past president of the American Library Association's New Members Round Table, shares information and gives useful advice on topics like choosing a field, cover letters and resumes, interviewing, networking, mentoring, and publishing.

Supplementing her own perspective are comments from over seventy information professionals. Many of them are experienced librarians, while others are newcomers to the field who share their wisdom about their own personal experiences getting started in the profession. These are perhaps the most enlightening of all: they talk about successes they've had, things they wish they'd done differently, and pitfalls that others can avoid. Their stories are funny, touching, wise, and always enlightening.

Written in a clear, concise, and engaging style, this book fills a big gap in the literature. And it's not just appropriate to those in the early stages of their career -- it would be equally useful to old pros who are looking to re-energize their careers (or those who are mentoring newcomers).

A pleasure! This book should be required reading for all library school students and faculty members -- it's certainly more useful and entertaining (as well as more of a bargain!) than most of the textbooks out there.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Informational but repetitive, June 24, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science (Paperback)

Although very informational with a mass of websites, organizations, first-hand interviews and books to use as references I found some of the vital points repetitive. It's a great book that could have used a couple more re-writes. Having said that, if I had to do it again I would still buy the book.

0 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great book, February 23, 2008

By 

Crystalinda "crystal_downer" (OH United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science (Paperback)

I'v actually bought this book twice because I was dumb enough to loan it out once. Never again.