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Working Knowledge

A Monthly Column about Life on the Job
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 By Elisa F. Topper
American Libraries Columnist

Elisa F. Topper is a career consultant in the Chicago area. Contact her at working@ala.org.
Column for November 2003


There's Gold in That Thar MLS Degree!


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Since getting my MLS five years ago, I've worked in a fairly traditional library setting. I really enjoy doing in-depth research and would like to find a position that allows me to utilize my degree and research skills. Where do you recommend looking?

Ready to Dig Deeper

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A colleague of mine has always referred to the MLS as the "elastic" degree because you can stretch it in so many directions. I recommend you put your research skills to work right away investigating jobs in the nonprofit sector.
    According to a recent article on the Monster Career Changers website (change.monster.com), over 1 million nonprofit organizations employ more than 10 million people—approximately 7% of the total workforce. While many have small staffs, at least 5,000 employ 10 or more full-time workers. In Jobs and Careers with Non-Profit Organizations (Impact Publications, 1999), Ron and Caryl Krannich identify and describe the wide range of organizations that fall under the nonprofit category, from foundations to health organizations to utility companies.
    I suggest you check out jobs in “prospect research”—a field focused on finding information to support an organization's development function. Prospect researchers are of critical assistance in uncovering giving interests and possible affiliations and, ultimately, helping fundraisers make informed decisions when approaching potential donors.

Real-world prospecting
Two professional librarians who found rewarding careers in prospect research are Ellen Liebner, who began while a graduate student at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, and worked her way up to her current job as manager of prospect research and database administration for the university's Office of Institutional Advancement; and Sally Justis Barnum, who transitioned into a research developer for the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago after working for 18 years as a special librarian. Here's what they had to say about their work.
    Describe your job.
    EL: I help support the fundraising goals of the university by identifying, researching, and presenting relevant information on foundations, corporations, and individuals.
    SJB: I provide current and genealogical information on the interests and businesses of Jewish United Fund donors.
    Would you recommend librarians consider this type of position?
    EL: Definitely. Librarians have analytical skills that are necessary and valuable in an administrative office. However, you need to be flexible enough to work with a variety of people under deadlines.
    SJB: Only if you like working alone or in a small group. If you need socialization or like a variety of questions, then this is not for you.
    How is your job different from work in a traditional setting?
    EL: I am required to quickly read, analyze, and synthesize the information I find to present it in a readable, concise way to the development officers. I have become more of a specialist than a generalist and am knowledgeable about the databases and reference sources particular to this field.
    SJB: There is no cataloging, but lots of filing. Every query is answered by a 3-to-10-page report, so word-processing skills are essential.
    What advice would you give someone considering this line of work?
    EL: Try it and learn all you can.
    SJB: Don't take a job at an organization that you wouldn't give your own money to support.

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(c) Copyright 2003 American Library Association