What Do Employers Want?: A Guide for Library Science Students

While library schools provide graduates with a solid understanding of library science concepts, many diploma holders have no clear plan for finding a desirable job with their knowledge The information in What Do Employers Want? A Guide for Library Science Students will be extremely valuable for students currently in Masters of Library Science program as well as recent recipients of MLS degrees, regardless of what kind of work environment they wish to work in. The book guides readers through the process of planning a job search step-by-step. Divided into two major sectionsthe student experience and the job searchthe authors provide critical advice derived from their combined 30 years of real-world, in-the-field experience. Specific topics include choosing classes, gaining practical experience while in school, establishing a professional image, gaining skills that make applicants more marketable, writing effective resumes and cover letters, interviewing, and negotiating a job offer.

Priscilla K. Shontz is editor of the library career site LIScareer.com, where she also provides career consulting services to new and prospective librarians. She has more than 18 years of diverse library experience at The University of Texas at Arlington, Northeast Texas Community College, Trinity University, Driscoll Children's Hospital, Texas AM University-Corpus Christi, University of Houston System at Cinco Ranch, Aldine Public Library, and Spell Well Montessori School. She is a past president of the ALA New Members Round Table. Shontz earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from The University of Texas at Arlington and a master's degree in library science from the University of North Texas. She is coeditor of A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science; editor of The Librarian's Career Guidebook, and author of Jump Start Your Career in Library and Information Science. Richard A. Murray is the metadata librarian in the digital collections program at the Duke University Libraries in Durham, NC, assistant editor of LIScareer.com, and coeditor of A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science. He has more than 15 years of experience as a metadata librarian and as a cataloger specializing in Spanish- and Portuguese-language materials at Duke University, Vanderbilt University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Murray earned a bachelor's degree in international studies and a master's degree in library science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.