San Bernardino Valley College First Annual Fall Convocation Speaker, Belinda Beardt

Let me start by saying, that you made the right decision to pursue a career in the library and information field. This is just the beginning of a great career where you will have unlimited career opportunities.  Just think: you can work anywhere information flows.

You will always find jobs in public (city and county), academic (private and public colleges and universities) and school libraries (private and public schools). These institutions will never go away. In addition, there is a whole new world of opportunities in special libraries (non-public, academic or school) such as state and federal libraries, non-profit organization libraries, library products and services companies and subject specialty libraries such as medical, law, corporate/business, engineering, pharmaceutical, technology, media, entertainment, theology, music, languages, art, and much more.

In each library or information center, there are many different departments where you can work: adult/children/youth services, reference, circulation, cataloging, technical services, acquisitions, bookmobile, community relations/services, research and development, fundraising, human resources/personnel, sales, customer service, information technology and systems, administration and etc.

Library Support Staff titles will vary depending on library environment and level of experience. You can start searching for jobs using the following keywords: Library Page, Library Clerk, Library Coordinator, Library Assistant, Assistant, Staff, Supervisor/Head/Manager, Library Technical Assistant, Library Technician, Library Technician, Library Technologist, Library Specialist, Library Media Specialist, Information Specialist, Researcher and Development Assistant. For a comprehensive list of library support staff titles go to ALA Library Support Staff Titles.

A library technology degree or certificate does not automatically guarantee you a job. It qualifies you to be on the top of the list of skilled candidates able to work in a library or information center. You need to assess where you are in your career and position yourself for the future.

o       Certificate vs. AA Degree: if you are just exploring a career in the library and information field, a certificate would give you a good overview of the library and information profession. Should you decide not to pursue an MLIS degree in the future, a few credits more would allow you to get your AA degree.

o       Upon completion of your library technology program, be sure to notify your boss and human resources. Submit a copy of your library technology certificate or degree and an updated version of your resume for your employee file. This is an opportunity for you to be recognized for all your hard work in completing the program. It also shows your initiative to develop professionally. Your library certificate or degree may even justify a pay raise or a future promotion within the organization.

o       Consider getting an MLIS degree. It will open more opportunities for you at a professional level. At some point, you may be working at the same level as a librarian, but not compensated at the same pay range because you do not have an MLIS degree.

A career in the library and information field has endless possibilities. You can choose to work in traditional and non-traditional roles, clerical to management levels, any library environment anywhere in the world and at anytime as an entry level to retired library and information professional.