There are an infinite number of ways to meet people who work in libraries in order to better understand how they obtained their job, their experience and education, and what they would suggest to you. The simplest approach is to find the library nearest you that somewhat matches the ultimate job you seek. You may even just use that approach as a starting point.
You can also locate library groups. They can provide valuable help, even though their purpose will likely be focused on a particular project area or association function. Below are several points to help you continue on your quest to come in contact with people who share your background and interests:
- No clue where to start
- Current students and recent grads
- By types of community served
- By culture/ethnicity/etc.
- By type of job
- By type of collection or service
- By geographic area
- Library and information studies
- Other discussion lists and bloggers
Start Here
Talk to staff in the American Library Association's Office of Human Resource Development and Recruitment hrdr@ala.org or 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4280.
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Current students and/or recent MLS graduates
If you are a current MLS student or recent graduate with an MLS degree, you should consider getting involved in organizations designed for new professionals. Visit these links:
Types of communities served
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American Association of School Librarians -
Association for Library Service to Children -
Association of College and Research Libraries - Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table
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Public Library Association -
Urban Libraries Council -
Young Adult Library Services Association - WebJunction (focus on technology and public library services)
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Cultural, ethnic, and special interests organizations
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American Indian Library Association -
Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association -
Black Caucus of ALA -
Chinese American Librarians Association - Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table
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REFORMA (services to Spanish-speaking and Latinos) - Social Responsibilities Round Table
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Types of jobs
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American Society for Information Science and Technology -
Association for Library Collections & Technical Services -
Council on Library/Media Technicians -
Library Administration and Management Association - Library Support Staff Interests Round Table
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Library and Information Technology Association
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Types of collections or services
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American Association of Law Libraries -
American Theological Library Association -
Art Libraries Society of North America -
Association of Research Libraries -
Association of Specialized and Cooperative Library Agencies - Government Documents Round Table
- Map and Geography Round Table
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Medical Library Association -
Music Library Association -
National Storytelling Network -
Oral History Association -
Patent and Trademark Depository Library Association -
ProLiteracy Worldwide -
Reference and User Services Association - Special Libraries Association
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Theatre Library Association
Groups by geographic area
- American Library Association
- Asociación Mexicana de Bibliotecarios, A.C.
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Canadian Library Association - Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative
- International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
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Sociedad de Bibliotecarios de Puerto Rico -
State and Regional Chapters of ALA
(general list)
Chapters with specific career information: - California Library Association
- Michigan Library Association
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Pacific Northwest Library Association
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Educators and honor society
If you are interested in conducting research and teaching at the graduate level, consider a career as a professor in a library and information science program.
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