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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 2/8/2008
Posts: 43
Points: 32
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I recently graduated with an MLS I obtained online. Due to health problems (luckily I was able to live on my savings), I wasn't able to do an internship until my last semester--and it wasn't my first choice (library systems/web design). Anyhow, I'd like a library-type job that involves web design, maybe something non-traditional. In other words, it doesn't have to be in an actual library. How can I get started on this path without much experience? I'm still learning web skills and don't have enough experience to be a professional designer---neither do I have much library experience. Any ideas? I have a couple but I'm hoping for some overlooked gems.  Thanks for reading this. And please...no "coulda, woulda, shouldas." I can do that very well on my own! 
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Jumpstart - Moderator
, Member
Joined: 11/18/2007
Posts: 41
Points: 126
Location: Wisconsin
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Here's my advice:
1) Volunteer at your local library; in any capacity you can, whenever you can.
2) Enchance/excel your desire to be a web designer. If you can squeeze out the few extra bucks, register a domain name and build a site. Try and do something that is library related (it can even be about you, including your resume) and take pride in it. I've found that best way to learn web design is through various web page templates. Exploring/learning with web templates is an excellent way to build web design confidence.
These are my two minor tid-bits to help polish the finished product that is you. Best of luck in your future endeavors...
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Member
Joined: 2/8/2008
Posts: 43
Points: 32
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Thanks for the input! It is much appreciated.
I am still volunteering at my internship location, though with less hours. I have a website, although it is not as polished as I like. Certainly I could put more effort into both areas.
I need to get a job rather quickly due to financial considerations and I'm concerned I'll
a) have trouble getting one--I'm always reading about how tough the library job market is on listservs, or
b) get something I hate but feel compelled to stay in because I need decent insurance.
But that's another topic!
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Joined: 1/2/2008
Posts: 151
Points: 459
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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missc wrote: I need to get a job rather quickly due to financial considerations You may need to take less than an ideal situation to gain experience, especially if you cannot wait due to money. Very few people get their dream job right out of library school (or in any profession).
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Jumpstart - Moderator
, Member
Joined: 11/18/2007
Posts: 41
Points: 126
Location: Wisconsin
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bcgray wrote:
You may need to take less than an ideal situation to gain experience, especially if you cannot wait due to money.
I made $11,000 my first year out of grad school as a part-time library director. I had no health insurance, and I lived at home. Sometimes you might truly have to start out at the very bottom.
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