[Web4lib] Seeking Advice: Switching Career Paths

[Sharon Foster]

I've actually been working part-time in libraries for almost two
years, since I started grad school, but I've been doing technical
support, and only a little web design and development. I've done far
more in that area for school projects.

When I was a full-time software engineer, it was anathema to "give it
away," even for a good cause. But I can certainly see working for
libraries for a reduced rate at first, just to build up a portfolio of
something other than school projects.


On 8/30/07, Joan Starr <Joan.Starr at ucop.edu> wrote:
> One suggestion: while you are in library or information school (the MLIS
> or MIS is still a preferred credential), do at least one internship with
> the kind of organization you'd like to work for. I did this while
> stillworking full time--it can be done. You use your vacation, you work
> remotely, you prove you are an excellent bet.
>
> This starts your resume on the turn you want to make and it also
> introduces you to people you'd like to have as colleagues. Or, it shows
> you the error of your thinking... :)
>
> Joan Starr
> Manager, Project Planning and Resource Allocation
> California Digital Library
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
> [mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of David Kemper
> Sent: Thursday, August 30, 2007 7:05 AM
> To: web4lib
> Subject: [Web4lib] Seeking Advice: Switching Career Paths
>
> Colleagues,
>
> I am seeking advice on switching careers. I am currently in the archival
> field but would like to move into the field of web design and website
> management in a library and/or information center environment.
> I have been an archivist for almost 6 years. Throughout that time, while
> mixing in some archival research work and some processing, I was always
> recognized by supervisors and colleagues as the "web guy," the
> Webmaster, the guy tinkering with Dreamweaver and Photoshop, designing
> websites, taking advantage of web technology to give greater access to
> archival material.
>
> Lately, the desire to transform myself from informal web guy to formal
> web professional has become stronger, as I feel my interest drift
> further away from my current field. A case in point: I often feel more
> connected by discussions occurring here than on other listservs.
>
> My attempts to switch gears have fallen short, however.
>
> On numerous occasions I applied for Web Services / Web Development
> Librarian positions (or something to that extent) only to be told that
> 1) I do not not have enough web experience, 2) I do not have enough
> technical know-how, and the most common 3) I should remain in archives
> because I have been doing it for so long. Like a Hollywood actor, I have
> been typecast, it seems.
>
> I am wondering what I should do to switch career paths effectively. I
> have taken numerous courses on web and multimedia design; online
> information organization; graphic design and others. And I have a real
> keen interest in the web and the latest trends, and how they work to
> better communications and information delivery. I am wondering if a few
> programming courses are in order? I am not sure what should be my next
> step.
>
> Your input and advice would be much appreciated. Feel free to email me
> off the list at siansleep at gmail.com
>
> Thank you.
>
> David
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-- 
Sharon M. Foster, B.S., J.D., 0.58 * (MLS)
F/OSS Evangelist
Cheshire Public Library
104 Main Street
Cheshire, CT  06410
http://www.cheshirelibrary.org
My library school portfolio: http://home.southernct.edu/~fosters4/
My final project for ILS655, Digital Libraries:
http://www.vsa-software.com/ils655

Any opinions expressed here are entirely my own.