Library Positions and Professional Development Notes

Change of focus from library history to library positions and professional associations.
Discussion on types of positions available in libraries, nomenclature, and required skills.
Importance of professional associations and job listings.

Distinction between Librarian and Library Assistant:
- Essential to understand the difference between roles and their responsibilities.
- Librarians often hold the MLS (Master of Library Science) degree.
- Not all managers in libraries are MLS librarians.
Various Library Positions:
- Multi-faceted roles supporting traditional library functions:
  - Helping patrons find information.
  - Assisting in the use of technology and library resources.
  - Providing referral services.
  - Ensuring material organization (shelving, barcoding, data input).
- Common Titles for Staff Positions:
  - Library Assistant
  - Library Technician
  - Information Assistant
  - Library Clerk
  - Library Page (often a student employee in K-12 or college libraries)
- Functions by Role:
  - Library staff may be tasked with:
    - Circulation services
    - Reference services
    - Cataloging
    - Technical services
    - Shelving and material organization
Professional Librarian vs. Library Staff:
- Librarians require specialized training (MLS), while all roles contribute professionalism in library services.
- College Degrees and Certifications in Library Work:
  - Many library staff hold degrees or have undergone ongoing training.

Lack of standardized educational requirements for library staff outside of the MLS degree.
Variations in job titles and requirements across libraries.
Link resources for job search:
- ONET (Occupational Network) and OneStop:
  - Both can be used to explore library positions and skills assessments.
  - Skills assessments can yield insights into personal abilities relating to library jobs but should be taken lightly.
Professional Library Associations:
- American Library Association (ALA): Nationally recognized, provides various resources and connections, including policies and trends.
- Society of American Archivists: For those interested in archives and history.
- Specialized associations like the American Association of Law Librarians require both JD and MLS degrees for librarianship in legal settings.

Regional and State Associations:
- Job listings and scholarships available through local associations, such as the Washington Library Association.
- Importance of networking and professional development opportunities provided through conferences often organized by library associations.
Job Listing Websites:
- Recommendations to bookmark and check state or regional library association job listings or K-12 school district listings regularly.
- For federal positions, check USAJobs.gov.
- WorkSource for state employment resources.

Pursuing an accredited MLS degree is critical for professional librarian roles. Verify accreditation status of programs.
Spokane Falls Community College:
- Offers Library Support Staff Certification Program for undergraduates.
School Library Media Specialist Qualifications:
- Requires an undergraduate degree in education and relevant certification.
Distinction made between
- School Library Media Specialists vs. Clerical Staff/Library Technicians in K-12.
Transfer Questions:
- Assistance available for transferring to a four-year institution for MLS no specific undergraduate degree required.

Analysis of historical context: Dangerous profession perceptions of Victorian librarians.
Assignments include:
- An advising survey to guide course selection.
- Exploration of library job roles, alignment of personal skills and interests with library work.
Encouragement to reflect on individual motivations for a library career or understanding how libraries can support various career paths.

Reminder to approach the week's readings and resources for better comprehension of library roles and professional associations.
Engagement in discussions and assignments to better assess individual aspirations in the library profession.