[Web4lib] Skillset for new librarians

[Jesse Ephraim]

The most useful skills I learned before working in a library (outside of
tech ones) were those I picked up while working in the children's
section of a Borders store in the early 90s: reader's advisory,
reference work, customer service, collection development (to a degree),
children's programming, children's and YA literature, creating displays,
etc.  I learned the skills that were more specific to libraries on the
job.  I can't really think of anything I learned in grad school that I
use on a regular basis these days.

>I would agree with this statement as well, 
>although I sometimes feel like it is professional 
>suicide to do so.  

In discussions within the library world about changes in libraries
(particularly those involving technology), there is usually a background
hum of fear about this.  I tend to see it more as an "adapt or die"
situation, where those who are nimble and willing to treat their
education as an ongoing thing are most likely to flourish.


Jesse Ephraim

Director, Roanoke Public Library
308 S. Walnut
Roanoke, Texas 76262
(817) 491-2691
jephraim at roanoketexas.com



-----Original Message-----
From: web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:web4lib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Todd Michael
Grooten
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 10:44 PM
To: Web4Lib Electronic Discussion
Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Skillset for new librarians

I would agree with this statement as well, although I sometimes feel 
like it is professional suicide to do so.  I went to one of the 
"Cadillac" library schools and didn't find it that challenging.  Most of

my skills as a cataloger have been learned on the job, rather than based

on the one cataloging class I took in library school.

Todd


> Look out. Shades of Will Manley in what you're saying.
>
> Me, I agree. But what do I know? All I have is a B.A. in English and a
couple Univ of Iowa library science courses, no MLS or MLIS.
>
> RE:
>    From: Jesse Ephraim
>    To: web4lib at webjunction.org
>    Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 4:52 PM
>    Subject: Re: [Web4lib] Skillset for new librarians
>
>
>    >the emphasis on the MLS degree is misplaced.
>    >It should not be a union card requirement for
>    >a professional job
>
>    Most MLS programs are not what I would consider to be of graduate
level
>    quality.  The MLS is one of the easiest graduate degrees out there
>    (generally).    I would prefer to see a return to having a
bachelor's
>    degree be the entry-level qualification, with the graduate
degree(s)
>    being reserved for specializations like management, IT, etc.
>



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