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Rank: Advanced Member
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What sort of research should I do on libraries before sending a resume and/or if I am called for an interview?
Thanks!
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Rank: Advanced Member
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Location: Maryland
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Spend time on the library's website and became familiar with the information and resources available. If its strategic plan, annual reports, newsletters, etc are available, read those too. If you live in the area, visit the library (central or a branch) and become familiar with it.
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Really familiarize yourself with the library’s web site. In today’s world, the web site is an extension of the physical library -- and for most libraries, is a crucial portal for resources and services.
Depending on what job/role you are applying for, you will want to look closely at what some of those online services and resources are (e.g., online reference, electronic resources, catalog, blogs, etc.) so you can discuss them or mention them in an interview.
If you live in the same area and the library is public, you may want to visit in person. This will give you a better sense of specific roles within the library, the flow of the space, and how the service desks are managed.
Trust me, a search committee or interviewer will appreciate that you have taken the time to get to know the library’s web site and/or physical space before your interview. It shows that you are really interested in the position. And, on the other hand, why wouldn’t you want to get to know as much as you can about the library, and the position you are applying for, before you interview? Remember, you are interviewing them as well and you need to find a position that is right for you.
Susanne Markgren
Digital Services Librarian
Purchase College, SUNY
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When you say "know" do you let them actually know that you're visiting - besides mentioning it in the interview? For example, I have an interview in several weeks time but took a Sunday afternoon to just go and visit the library, but I didn't go to the librarians present and introduce myself or let them know who I was.
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Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Management - Moderator
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Location: Cleveland, Ohio
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Phibes wrote:When you say "know" do you let them actually know that you're visiting - besides mentioning it in the interview? For example, I have an interview in several weeks time but took a Sunday afternoon to just go and visit the library, but I didn't go to the librarians present and introduce myself or let them know who I was. I would just do an informal pass through, so you can start thinking of questions you should bring to your interview. I would not worry about introducing yourself. BUT, be dressed nicely as you do not know who may see you. I would also have an updated resume with you, just in case you are approached and a conversation occurs.
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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In addition to the library's website, which is critical in interview preparation, also look at the larger organization's website. If you know who is interviewing you, you may want to read up on them as well. Any preparation you do will make you more comfortable and less stressed.
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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Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
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If you have been given the names of the people involved in the interview process, google them and find out what you can about them & their professional interests/involvement & (therefore) their priorities. Afterall, they are likely to have googled you ...
--
Erin Stalberg
Head, Metadata & Cataloging
North Carolina State University Libraries
Erin Stalberg
Head of Metadata & Cataloging
North Carolina State University Libraries
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Location: Wisconsin
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To echo Erin, I highly recommend googling potential employers, too. It's a highly productive way to get to know people without actually meeting them.
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Location: Ohio
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As well as researching the library, personnel and structure, do some background research on the type of community the library services. Is the population older? Younger? On the wealthy end, or in the lower income brackets? Is there a sizable minority population? You can find this type of information through census.gov. Another potential source for this type of information would be a community government web site (many municipalities and larger townships have them). Another potential source would be a localized newspaper. What are the big issues for the community, especially those that might effect the library?
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Location: kansas
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You need to research the town, and the relationship of the library to the county. Check out newspapers and state library information about the particular library, also. THe library does not exist in a vaccuum!
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