Shortly before applying to QUT for the LIS program, I completed a careers assessment at Centrelink. My top matches were social worker, librarian, teacher, and writer. I am confident that I have the capabilities and personality that will suit the library profession.
My previous careers in marketing, customer service, and retail are an excellent fit. The analytical and creative skills I developed while marketing IT software and services have given me experience in desktop publishing, professional writing, event planning, budgeting, publicity, merchandise, and web content management. I am also practised at liaising with vendors and clients.
The skills I learned in retail - customer service, reading people, arranging displays, ordering stock, and even assessing donations to the second-hand shop - will help me to succeed in my new career.
My interests lie in collection development, hands-on training, working with clients, and marketing and promotions. Although I have experience in these areas, I would like to re-contextualise them to fit the library environment. I need to develop program development and delivery skills and further my information literacy and information management skills.
Brief Statement of Career Goals
I would like to become a liaison librarian and provide support for students and staff. Alternatively, I would like to work in a public library and teach through play with books, collaborative projects, and technology. Long term, I would like to choose an area of expertise and enter special libraries.
2013:
Pursue employment in Sydney at a public library, the State Library, or an academic library.
Attend the 6th New Librarians Symposium and Information Online
2014:
Work toward a library liaison or public librarian role. Alternatively, consider a graduate studies program.
Current Awareness Strategy
- Attend local ALIA and QUTISG events
- Follow professionals and organisations on Twitter
- Read ALIA InCite
- Subscribe to ALIA e-lists
- Attend regional and national conferences
Personal Professional Development Program
I engaged my professional development program concurrently with my study at QUT.
2011
Engagement in the LIS community and fieldwork
In my first year of the LIS program, I attended as many library events as I could fit into my schedule. I joined Twitter and developed a personal learning network. I entered and won a video competition for free entry to the New Librarians Symposium in Perth. This led to other opportunities: writing an article for InCite, and visiting the State Library of WA. My interest in SLWA prompted me to apply to do my fieldwork there, which has been a highlight of my studies. I wrapped up 2011 with a visit to Canberra and a private tour of the National Library of Australia.
2012
Work experience, conferences, and event organisation
The other half of my fieldwork took place in January 2012, with two branches of Logan City Council Libraries. I was hired as a part-time Library Advisor for Education at the Kelvin Grove campus, where I worked from February to June. This led me to extend my studies to the end of the year. I was part of the organising committee for Library Camp QLD. I attended two other conferences, VALA and Biennial. In November I will present at the ALIA QLD Mini Conference and complete my studies at QUT.
2013
Entering the workforce
Upon graduation, I will join the QUT Alumni Association and become a full member of ALIA. I will subscribe to journals, including ALJ and the Library Review. To keep up to date, I will read the ALIA PD postings and e-lists. I will update my LinkedIn account and be more active in my job search. I have multiple interests in the library sector, and I will be applying to public, academic, and state libraries. Once I obtain a position, I will seek a mentor (either in my organisation or within my personal learning network). In February, I will attend Information Online and NLS6 in Brisbane. My involvement on Twitter will continue.
2014
Continued career development and community engagementEntering the workforce
Upon graduation, I will join the QUT Alumni Association and become a full member of ALIA. I will subscribe to journals, including ALJ and the Library Review. To keep up to date, I will read the ALIA PD postings and e-lists. I will update my LinkedIn account and be more active in my job search. I have multiple interests in the library sector, and I will be applying to public, academic, and state libraries. Once I obtain a position, I will seek a mentor (either in my organisation or within my personal learning network). In February, I will attend Information Online and NLS6 in Brisbane. My involvement on Twitter will continue.
2014
I will work toward becoming a liaison librarian or a public librarian. To stay current, I will read the ALIA PD postings and e-lists. My professional development will include local workshops and online seminars. I will join the ALIA Professional Development Scheme.
I plan to attend the CLA (Canadian Libraries Association) conference in Victoria, BC.
QUT Career Development Program
