Careers
Stages in Career Development
1. Pre-MLIS
Before entering an MLIS program, prospective students will want to get a general sense of professional opportunities and occupational outlooks. Good web portals include:
- The American Library Association's pages on education and careers
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Other steps to take as you explore possibilities: talk with librarians; join a library association and network; scan job ads.
2. The MLIS
Students choose courses that will strengthen skills and knowledge in their preferred specializations. Other steps to take: become active in at least one library association; seek office in our student chapter of ALA or SLA; work or volunteer in a library; take full advantage of LSC 595 (LIS Professional Field Experience) or LSC 596 (School Library Media Practicum and Seminar) for professional mentoring, growth, and exploration.
3. The job search
Students and alumni alike can use lists of currently available positions.
The New England Library Association also provides tips for successful resumes, cover letters, and interviews: http://www.nelib.org/jobsearchaids
URI Career Services: http://career.uri.edu/
Internet
Blogs, listservs, wikis, and other social media will link you to the here and now in the professional community. To stay current in a rapidly evolving field, every information professional needs to become a lifelong learner. Find your favorites, and get into the habit.
Continuing Professional Development
GSLIS professional development events are planned for students, graduates, and the general public, and are announced on the GSLIS blog and listservs. The Annual Gathering each spring, a series of mentoring events, and a variety of workshops have been co-sponsored by RILA, RIEMA, and SLA/RI. Other opportunities for professional development include:
- LYRASIS: GSLIS is an unlimited member of LYRASIS, which offers a wide array of useful classes and events. GSLIS is an unlimited member of NELINET/Lyrasis, which offers a wide array of workshops and other services. If you are a GSLIS faculty member or student and wish to participate in a LYRASIS event at the reduced rate, please contact Maria Brady (maria.brady@lyrasis.org/ 800-999-8558 x 2904) and mention your affiliation to obtain a username/password for registering.
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Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC): http://www.nedcc.org/home.php
- Rhode Island Office for Library and Information Service (OLIS): http://www.olis.state.ri.us/ A frequent GSLIS collaborator, OLIS maintains WebJunction Rhode Island, an online professional commons.
