Continuing Education for Libra: Essays on Career Improvement Through Classes, Workshops, Conferences and More
Author(s): Carol Smallwood (Editor), Kerol Harrod (Editor), Vera Gubnitskaia (Editor)
Publisher: McFarland & Co
Publication Date: 15 Dec. 2012
Language: English
Print length: 224 pages
ISBN-10: 0786468866
ISBN-13: 9780786468867
Book Description
It is an exciting time to be a librarian. Advances in technology have let libraries expand far beyond walls and lead the way in information delivery, while transforming the physical library into a place where customers can connect to information in new ways.
It is also a challenging time to be a librarian. With continual change as the new normal, staying current can seem overwhelming. Even as they face budget shortfalls and staff reductions, librarians are tasked with finding the time and resources to keep abreast of rapid changes.
This book offers a cornucopia of practical advice about how to acquire new skills (and formal and informal credentials) through all stages of a career. The 27 essays cover formal and online education, conferences, fellowships, workshops, networking, teaching, mentoring, balancing personal with professional lives, and money matters–and are filled with practical, honest and real-world advice.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“recommended”―Australian Library Journal; “essays outline various types of continuing education for librarians and related aspects”―Reference & Research Book News; “In today’s landscape of ever-changing technologies, tightened budgets, and job competition, education for library professionals should not end with a traditional library science degree. Continuing Education for Librarians does a wonderful job of navigating the many creative ways that learning can be a career-long pursuit”―Dyani Feige, Preservation Specialist, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; “This book is a timely and necessary tool for professional development in librarianship. A creative industriousness particular to energetic, forward-reaching librarians is presented in engaging ways.”―Karl Madden, Charles Evans Inniss Memorial Library, New York; “A volume chock full of ideas and experience for any librarian considering a career transition, an advanced degree, or simply refreshing skills.”―Erin Foley, Director, Rio Community Library, Rio, Wisconsin; “From surviving the Master’s degree to obtaining a PhD or gaining additional certification, this resource includes guidelines for getting it all done and staying sane. I could have used the advice on navigating online courses when I was getting my MLIS.”―Rose Fortier, Digital Projects Librarian, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; “An amazing book filled with wisdom and knowledge. A must have for anyone seeking to grow and evolve in the library profession.”―Anastasia Weige, University of Maine.
From the Back Cover
It is an exciting time to be a librarian. Advances in technology have let libraries expand far beyond walls and lead the way in information delivery, while transforming the physical library into a place where customers can connect to information in new ways.
It is also a challenging time to be a librarian. With continual change as the new normal, staying current can seem overwhelming. Even as they face budget shortfalls and staff reductions, librarians are tasked with finding the time and resources to keep abreast of rapid changes.
This book offers a cornucopia of practical advice about how to acquire new skills (and formal and informal credentials) through all stages of a career. The 27 essays cover formal and online education, conferences, fellowships, workshops, networking, teaching, mentoring, balancing personal with professional lives, and money matters–and are filled with practical, honest and real-world advice.
About the Author
A Michigan resident, Carol Smallwood has practiced in school, public and special libraries. Her primary interest is practical librarianship, and she is the author of journal articles and editor of numerous books.
Kerol Harrod, Denton, Texas, is the creator, writer and co-producer for the award-winning children’s television show Library Larry’s Big Day. He has served in several departments in the Denton Public Library.
Vera Gubnitskaia has worked as a library manager, consultant, and reference librarian in public and academic libraries in Russia and the United States. She has contributed chapters to several professional publications, edited multiple anthologies, and published book reviews. She is currently an art fellow at Crealde School in Winter Park, Florida.