Sep 02 2008
Using a subject degree in a nontraditional position
I graduated from Indiana University-Bloomington with a specialization in art librarianship. Betty Jo Irvine, my advisor (who practically wrote the book on art libraries with Eileen Fry: Slide Libraries: A Guide for Academic Institutions, Museums, and Special Collections), told me: “If you are willing to move, you will find an art library job.” But, what if you don’t want to relocate — or can’t, because of personal, family, or other circumstances? How can you use those skills you honed for a subject specialist degree in a nontraditional role?
To work in a nontraditional position, you need to consider your career plan: Are you willing to work nights/weekends? Willing to travel? Enjoy risk or stability? Do you enjoy direct contact with the public? What do you want to accomplish in the next 10 years? What skills do you need to gain? Depending on your answers to these questions, you might find some open doors in places you weren’t willing to consider previously.
Currently, I work as a reference librarian for MINITEX Library Information Network, a network of academic, public, state government, and special libraries. On a typical day I spend time answering referred reference questions at the state level, developing and delivering training sessions on the statewide databases, and providing technical support for those resources. So, how do I use my art librarianship skills?
First, the few art-related (antiques, art history, music, architecture) referred reference questions are often funneled to me. Here I get to dust off my skills, crouch down with a stack of art auction catalogs, and sift through humanities periodicals and texts to find information regarding a piece of artwork or artist. Second, though the focus of the department is to teach reference and statewide database instruction sessions to other library staff across the state, I have been able to use my subject expertise here. When working with staff at an art-focused charter school or studio art undergraduate programs, I can tailor my examples to their needs. I also on occasion lead art-focused training sessions — such as Instruction Materials for Dance Studies, which numerous library science students, public librarians, and even a dance critic attended! Third, though I don’t have a collection to develop, I am an active reviewer for numerous publications, such as Library Journal and Reference Books Bulletin, and often review materials in the humanities. I stay current on literature being published and activities in the field by maintaining a membership to the Art Libraries Society of North America and subscribing to blogs and lists in the area; always keeping my ties and network open. Fourth, experience with cataloging for me has gone beyond my single course in library school; I volunteer my time to assist a local paper-art nonprofit organize and catalog its collection. I feel that I have a strong pulse on art librarianship from seeking out opportunities and staying active.
There are many types of employers in the hidden job market that subject specialists might overlook. Here are some examples of how an art subject specialist could branch out from that (oh-so-desirable and ever-decreasing-in-number) collection development position.
- Career colleges. You will use your skills in new ways, and probably be a solo librarian wearing many hats. At Brown College, I managed two campus library and learning resource centers. Though everything from business administration to massage therapy was offered, I took under my wing the interior design, game design, and visual design programs. These tied into many aspects of art collection development, from color theory to anatomy to art history.
- Commercial industry. These jobs often have deceptive names like “Digital assistant coordinator,” which can mean you are in charge of an organization’s photo collection. One librarian friend for a Fortune 500 retail company organizes images from marketing campaigns, photo shoots, and even textile samples.
- Consortium. This is where I currently work, answering art-related reference questions at the state-wide level, often with a regional focus, along with providing instruction and technical support.
- Independent consultant. Larger libraries, consortia, and galleries sometimes will hire an independent consultant for certain types of research. I have another colleague who co-wrote a grant, and is the curator and researcher for a current art exhibition.
- Media specialist. Like kids? Ever thought about being a media specialist? There are state and national art standards to incorporate into curricula, and, if you work in an art-focused magnet school, even better!
- Public libraries. Larger public libraries have an art or humanities liaison, and some even have art curators.
- Vendors. ARTstor and other art-related vendors often are looking for regional representatives for training, sales or customer service.
Further Reading:
Butcher, Megan. “Sex Toys? You Bet! Librarians in Non-Traditional Positions.” Feliciter 47, no. 6 (2001): 302. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed March 14, 2007).
Dillard, David. “Alternative Careers for Librarians: Selected Web and Print Resources.” One-Person Library 21, no. 7 (2004): 8-9. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed March 14, 2007).
Dority, G. Kim. Rethinking Information Work: A Career Guide for Librarians and Other Information Professionals. Westport, Conn.: Libraries Unlimited, 2006.
Hiebert, Krista. “Reflections on Alternative Librarianship.” Feliciter 47, no. 6 (2001): 281. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed March 14, 2007).
Oberg, Steven J., Shontz, Priscilla K., and Joseph C. Harmon. “Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science.” Serials Librarian 42, no. 3/4 (2002): 291. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed March 14, 2007).
Siess, Judith. “Alternative Careers and Alternative Futures.” One-Person Library 21, no. 7 (2004): 1-2. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed March 14, 2007).
Williams, Wilda W. “You can take your MLS out of the library.” Library Journal 119, no. 19 (1994): 43. Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, EBSCOhost (accessed March 14, 2007).
Kristen Mastel is a reference librarian at MINITEX Library Information Network. She is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Art Libraries Society of North American Twin Cities Chapter, and Member Communications for the Academic and Research Libraries Division of the Minnesota Library Association. She has worked and volunteered in small academic, public, museum, and art-related facilities.