I Google, You Google, What Do We Google?

I felt "well, yeah!" about some of these items but Lifehacker's Top 10 Obscure Google Search Tricks is worth a look.

I took a browse around Lifehacker and found some interesting ideas, so beware of that timewaster.

MLIS--A (Not Quite) Terminal Degree

So we're always babbling about how libraries are for lifelong learning and that we librarians get into the biz because our enthusiasm, curiosity and giant brains simply cannot be contained. Question: have you thought about what education you may need after you get the MLIS?

I mention this because I have the SLA Click University brochure on my desk at the moment. SLA offers certificates in fields of Knowledge Management, Copyright Management, and Competitive Intelligence. 6 online classes, roughly $3k per certificate, and you have up to 2 years to complete your coursework.

Just in terms of personal curiosity, I'd go for copyright management for personal interest and because as the Cassie Edwards scandal shows, technology is making questions of copyright, plagiarism, fair use and attribution a boom area.

January Check In #2

Any movement on the career front?

My article has been submitted. I am still procrastinating on calling people I have sent my resume to. There are 2 new librarian jobs in Phoenix to apply for. I have to add that article I authored to the resume. There are also other jobs in the Cleveland area I am thinking of applying for--a backup plan, I guess.

In Need of A Resume Tuneup?

I thought this blog post on updated resume styling from the NYTimes Shifting Careers blog was an item of interest.

One thing I find difficult in terms of translating librarian duties into corporate speak. One of the points made above is that you should make your resume achievement oriented. Am I the only one who finds that difficult? A lot of librarianship is, you show up and you help people. Sometimes you make stuff, like a bulletin board or a handout, or teach a class. It's hard to measure your skills in this profession, without moving up career-wise or doing other things.

I got a recommendation for a librarian-specific resume book from NewLib in November. I am on the waiting list for Resume Writing and Interviewing Techniques That Work: A How-To-Do-It Manual For Librarians by Robert R. Newlen through Clevnet. It retails for $55 at Amazon, which is way too steep an investment without actually paging through it.

What do you think? How does your resume work? Have you reworked it to include any new duties or events?

January Check In #1

So how are you doing?

I've got my article done. I also applied for four library jobs in Phoenix--I think I should follow up with at least some of the organizations, but I need to talk myself out of thinking it's pushy and into thinking it is assertive and interested. The next step is to keep looking for opportunities to apply for.

January 2008

So, what will you work on this month?

I'm in a bit of flux--as I am moving to Phoenix next month, I have applied for jobs. I need to follow up with the various organizations to see if I have a rat's chance in hell of someone taking me seriously at a distance. Even with a firm plan for moving, not needing relocation, and a great resume, I have heard from my sister the hiring specialist that "eh, people are so flakey we never talk to them unless they are actually in the area."

I also promised to write an article for Info Career Trends on how to work multiple jobs without losing your mind that's due at the end of the month. I know what I want to say, I just have to sit my ass down in a chair and write it down.

Those are my goals. What are you up to?

Welcome!

Inspired by The Rage Diaries 3R Challenge in 2007, I put together a group of librarian friends to work on our careers in 2008. Every month we'll set a personal project or goal to work on that's somehow related to our jobs, skills, or career development.