ALIA 2001 TAFE libraries conference

Motivation: Making it happen

Where to from here: Career directions for Librarians

Prathiba Naran

Biographical details

Prathiba Naran - Librarian, North Point Institute of TAFE, Brisbane, Queensland
Previous professional experience includes reference librarian, cataloguer and subject librarian. Prathiba has worked in a range of academic libraries from polytechnic to university in various countries including South Africa and New Zealand. Her special interests are intercultural relations and communication.

Abstract

The opportunities for librarians to venture out into different careers is exciting and challenging. With the introduction of technology in libraries, many IT professionals have jumped in on the bandwagon and taken the limelight away from the librarian. The role of the librarian has been evolutionary and dynamic. Today many librarians are working hand in hand with IT professionals.

This paper will explore the diverse careers for which librarians can apply. Some options include jobs with software vendors, outsourcing opportunities by booksellers/publishers, database/information specialists etc. The skills of librarians, which make them suitable for a variety of positions, will also be highlighted.

Introduction

Let's reach out! The sky is the limit. With concepts such as lifelong learning, knowledge nation and smart state in the limelight, librarians now have more than ever a myriad of opportunities to branch out into different career directions or value-add to their present career. Where to from here? emphasizes that the destiny of librarians lies with librarians themselves. (Chase, 1998) states that the "romantic view of libraries as physical structures housing the wisdom of the ages is being swept away by the cold reality of the Internet, Intranets, and multimedia technologies. It is the knowledge workers - not the offices where they work, nor the supporting IT technologies - who are the wealth creators in the Knowledge Age."

Have you envisaged yourself as a knowledge engineer? An advertisement on the Web lists a library and information science degree as a pre-requisite for this job.
I will explore the environment of change in libraries and how technological innovation and the accompanying changes in work practices have impacted on the career paths of librarians.
The traditional role of librarians as collectors, organisers, custodians and disseminators of information is today less appropriate than before. Library staff are now regarded as resource people, acting as advisors, consultants and facilitators.

Environment of change

Changing work practice

(Dougherty, 1993) comments that the advent of technology in the form of email, Internet, electronic bulletin boards, teleconferencing etc. has altered communication channels among librarians, between library managers and staff and between the library and other parties. This has a major impact on the library organisation and the way it is perceived.

Customer service

Customer service has taken on a new face with the introduction of technology in libraries. Changes in the services offered will depend, in part, on the characteristics of the user population, their expectations and their use of technology. Value based customer services, require staff to know the context and substance of customer needs, how to evaluate information sources and deliver content in an appropriate form. (Drake, 1993)

Structure

Traditionally libraries have been hierarchical organisations with three main divisions, technical services, public services and administration. Today, the barriers are less visible and cross training across the library divisions is essential.
Previously, if employed in a particular section eg. cataloguing it was possible that you were there for the rest of your career. Now, the job of a cataloguer is more varied and could incorporate metadata management. In special or smaller libraries there is autonomous multi-skilling and the streams are seamlessly blended. It is also important to take the skills of the library staff out of the four walls of the library and use it to add value to organisational goals.

Implications for Up-skilling and training of library personnel

Librarians are all too familiar with the fact that "information is being generated faster than libraries are able to organise or store it" (Becker cited in Hallman, 1990)
The introduction of CD-ROMS, Internet, online databases etc. have many implications for librarians. The roles of librarians have been altered and their professional image improved. Librarians need expert knowledge of all the databases, printed or otherwise, knowing their strengths and weaknesses. A knowledge of how to create web pages and teach in an electronic environment became desired and expected skills of librarians practically overnight.

Training the user/client

The service model is important but also crucial is an expertise in information technologies and in training users so that they can take responsibility for answering their own information needs. We must help users to help themselves.
With the introduction of technology, concepts like keywords, Boolean logic and controlled vocabulary are unknown terms to many users and as (Becker, 1994) reports, "clients never figure out why some searches are successful and why some are not." Librarians are viewed as the knowledge source or at least the link to the right knowledge.

I am sure that we will all agree with (Dougherty, 1990) when he states that technology for librarians has been " both the root of our troubles and font of our opportunities"

Knowledge Nation

Let's examine where we fit in on a national level in terms of job opportunities. The proposal of a knowledge nation put forward by Kim Beazley is discussed. The illustration of the knowledge nation (Fig. 1) sure looks like spaghetti and meatballs but it proposes several important points which impacts on librarians.

(Fig. 1)

Some important features of the diagram are mentioned

• The diagram represents complexity but points out how complexity can be integrated. Our nation, as society and economy, is marked by extremely complex interactions involving the generation and transfer of knowledge.
• Knowledge nation is the CENTRAL concept - the area in which diverse knowledge-based activities meet, involving individuals, industry or professional groups and the Government.
• Knowledge nation comprises many elements eg. Education, IT, protection of environment and heritage but the main element is Connecting the Nation.

A thought-provoking statement in this document states " data alone does not produce knowledge, let alone wisdom. It is how we make connections"
(How the knowledge nation diagram evolved. Online)

State vision

On a state level, The Queensland Communication and Information Strategic Plan 1999-2004 is a manifest of actions to facilitate the participation of all Queenslanders in the information age by having the following goals:

• A shared commitment to an information-driven future
• A strong, vibrant communication and information industry
• World-class communication and information structure
• Better government service through electronic delivery

(Department of Innovation and Information Economy, 2001 - Online)

Local level

The e-city focus adopted by the Brisbane City Council serves as a link between the city and its citizens.

The Council provides the largest public library service in Australia. This serves as a gateway to recreation, culture, information and knowledge. The e-community concept launched by the Council provides individuals with opportunities to share knowledge experiences immaterial of where they are.

As (Weaver, 2001) mentions "we are moving from an ownership society of information to a shared network of information, and information is commodity. Often, the conversion of information to knowledge is the link between success and failure."

This is where the librarian steps in and ensures success by utilizing the appropriate skills.

Impact on Librarians

This national, state and local vision creates tremendous opportunities for librarians to utilise their communication and information skills and move into directions not previously explored. In the information-gathering business, the human touch and expertise are irreplaceable. Librarians understand that information comes in various formats and suggest alternate resources if the need arises. Librarians are able to save their clients money by doing pre-searches, using the most cost-effective databases and using the right key words to focus but not over-constrain a search.

Information and Knowledge workers have been the largest Australian employment sector since 1966. They now number about 40% of workers, far more than manufacturing, construction, agriculture and mining combined. They include people who create, manipulate, store, process and transfer information, working with symbols or symbolic objects - teachers, librarians, lawyers, publishing, media, workers in IT etc. (Waiting for the knowledge nation, 2001 - Online)

Career paths of librarians

The introduction of technology altered the skills required by librarians to provide a competent service. Historically, librarianship has been viewed as a feminine occupation with certain behavioural expectations and adaptations. The culture of the library has been seen, not as professional but as bureaucratic, requiring service rather than application of specialised professional knowledge.

As information is increasingly seen as a useful and valuable commodity, well-trained and highly educated information professionals are in demand everywhere. Thus an extraordinary opportunity now exists for librarians to expand beyond the roles cast by tradition.

Trends in the United States

In the U.S., there is a growing trend for employing people with library backgrounds in non-traditional fields. Whether because of career aspirations or limited job opportunities, downsizing or outsourcing, lack of challenge, limited upward mobility or monetary considerations, librarians are taking their skills for the collection, organisation and analysis of information into the private sector where it is recognised as a valuable contribution to the workings of the organisation. Some job designations include knowledge engineer, knowledge navigators, collection development specialist, taxonomist etc.

Trends in Australia

In order to ascertain this, a questionnaire was sent to ex-librarians. A response rate of 70% was returned.

Research on Career Directions of Librarians

Purpose of Research:

1. To think beyond the square in terms of job opportunities
2. To inspire librarians who feel that they are at a dead-end when there are limited vacancies in the traditional job market
3. To highlight the changes that have been transforming the careers of librarians
4. To pinpoint opportunities that exist for librarians who are prepared to meet the challenge
5. To market the skills of librarians as diverse and multi-functional
6. To instil a sense of pride in librarians who get caught in the red tape and let it slip away

Questionnaire and Findings:

1. What prompted you to change from the library arena to your present position?
   • Many librarians are not taking advantage of all the opportunities in new arenas such as knowledge management and eCommerce
   • A lifestyle decision - working from home in sales/marketing/training
   • Return to a commercial working environment
   • Made redundant from special library. A few temporary vacancies available but not many permanent positions
   • Not actively seeking a career change but opportunity knocked on my door
   • A desire to move into the HR environment
2. Were you unsatisfied in your career as a librarian?
   • Majority of the participants found their jobs as librarians fulfilling, stimulating and challenging.
   • Some of them were ready to apply their knowledge in different ways after working in libraries for a long period of time.
   • One respondent said that he was unsatisfied as librarians were not recognised for their skills by many other sections in the organisation or by new employers
   • A librarians' job is physically and mentally demanding. The job description of a librarian is huge: teacher, trainer, counsellor, consultant, researcher, IT trouble-shooter etc. One can get tired of justifying how hard and how much we work.
   We are always faced with budget cuts. Over a period of time you actually start to believe that you are overpaid, not doing enough work and we try and take on more and more and this leads to job burnout.
3. Was the transition smooth or did you face many hurdles? (Please explain)
   Smooth in certain respects with hurdles in some.
   Smooth:
   • skills were transferable to the new position
   • Self-motivation is an essential prerequisite when working from home.
   • Some previous experience in the field
   Drawbacks:
   • Little or no computer technology support
   • Had to be self-sufficient and learn quickly
   • Determine own work program and schedules
   • Lack of cooperation from other team members
   • New culture, clientele, personalities, priorities, software and databases.
   • Biggest challenge - taking on the business/sales focus
   • Thrown into deep end - no induction/no idea what the job really entailed.
   • Learn job requirements on the job
   • The biggest difficulty is working on long-term projects where results are only noticeable after a period of time. In library work results more instantaneous.
4. What skills did you transfer to your new job? (Highlight the job skill that was the most flexible)
   • Communication - written and oral (most flexible)
   • Project management
   • IT skills
   • Multi-tasking
   • Research, Planning, Creativity, Budgeting and market knowledge
   • Self-motivation and ability to work independently
   • Networking
   • Time management
   • Marketing, Promotional, presentation and PR skills
   • Organisational skills
   • Teaching and training
   • Establishing client rapport and relationship skills
   • Information literacy
   • On-going knowledge of the industry, practices and procedures
5. What is your present job title and job description? (Explain briefly)
   • Electronic Product Manager
     Keeping up to date and being familiar with electronic products and information in the market
     Demonstrating electronic products and features to potential clients
     Reference desk consultancy - offering informative and technical support and training for electronic products
     Develop promotional and marketing projects to achieve new sales
   • Consultant and Lecturer
     Consulting to an Internet appliance company on Australian market analysis
     Lectureship in Information Systems
   • Sales Representative of a Database Company
     Job involves customer relationship building - visiting existing and potential customers. Inform them about services and resolve problems.
     Keeping the customer informed and happy.
   • Recruitment Consultant
     To manage and meet client expectations in their recruitment of staff and to gain new business for the company.
   • Product Manager
     Liaison with customers and publishers, negotiating on behalf of customers, marketing and promotions, planning campaigns, nurturing customers and some sales
6. On reflection, do you think that you made the right career change? (Please explain)
   1. Most respondents were positive that they had moved on to a career path which provided them with a wider understanding of the information industry, products and services
   2. Viewed their change as a stepping stone to new challenges
   3. Applied library skills and learnt new ones
   4. Greater exposure to progress
7. Did you undertake any particular training or qualifications to change direction? (Please elaborate)
   1. Most of the participants did not undertake any special training but applied their existing library skills in their new careers.
   2. Gained qualifications in recruitment and undertook continual professional development
   3. Attended library related seminars/conferences to maintain professional library up-skilling and exposure to current trends and development
   4. May have been worthwhile to undertake training in commercial marketing, promotion and sales
   5. Completed Graduate Diploma in Recruitment on the job

Summary

A few librarians in Australia are embracing change and moving into varied careers.
An overall observation revealed that librarians have the potential to move leaps and bounds in their careers if they multi-skill and develop a skills based resume. The skills mentioned by the participants are generic but it is the application of these skills, which distinguishes a librarian from another professional.
The core knowledge possessed by librarians make them ideal candidates for exciting new roles. Some of the vacancies advertised in the Courier Mail and Australian newspapers recently, which fall into the non-traditional category, include Research Analyst, Educational Resource Consultant, Web Content Manager and Database Co-ordinator etc.

Conclusion

Everyone claims that they are in the INFORMATION or KNOWLEDGE business, the Telephone Company, Internet providers etc. but we REALLY are - that's what we have been trained for - to find, organise and manipulate information. We have research and computer skills. As an industry we have a service ethic as well. Our job involves many aspects, which are intangible. We need self-confidence in our abilities to discover pathways outside of traditional fields. To date, the full potential of many a librarian has not been exploited. Librarians need to be more out-going, assertive and dynamic to secure positions in the business world. They must move away from modesty and focus on self-promotion.

(Shumaker, 2001) in response to a student query who is looking for a library career of a less traditional nature said "It is a paradox of our times that at a time when the importance of information is greater than ever before, the traditional role of the librarian, a professional who has managed information for generations, is undergoing tremendous change. The future is filled with incredibly diverse options. You might work in market research or you might manage the Intranet, you might be the content manager at a "dotcom" start up or a knowledge management consultant. Librarians today thrive in a complex and changing environment."

Immaterial of whether librarians move on to a new career path or remain as underpaid, overworked librarians it remains unchallenged that they are individuals with:
PASSION - (dedicated to their jobs)
POWER - (Information and knowledge skills)
PEOPLE - (people skills and customer service)

References

Chase, R.L. 1998 "Knowledge navigators: changing practice of librarians" Information Outlook (Online) v. 2 no. 9.
URL: http://www.findarticles.com
(Accessed 17 July 2001)

Dougherty, R.M. & Dougherty, A.P. 1993 "The academic library: a time of crisis, change and opportunity" The Journal of Academic Librarianship, v. 18, no. 6, p.342-346

Department of Innovation and Information Economy 2001 "Communication and Information Strategic Plan" (Online)
URL: http://www.iie.qld.gov.au/stratplan/intro.html
(Accessed 20 August 2001)

Drake, M.A. 1993 "Technological innovation and organizational change" Journal of library administration, v. 19, issue3-4, p. 39-53

Eastley, T.W., Bonin, D. & Watson, L. 1997 Emerging careers for librarians: Part 1 (Online)
URL: http://www.sla.org/chapter/cwcn/wwest/issue13/car1-13.htm
( Accessed 20 June 2001)

Eastley, T.W., Bonin, D. & Watson, L. 1997 Emerging careers for librarians: Part 2 steps to changing careers (Online)
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(Accessed 20 June 2001)

Garoogian, R. & A. 1985, Careers in other fields for librarians: successful strategies for finding the job, American Library Association, Chicago

Hallman, C.N. 1990 "Technology: trigger for change in reference librarianship" The Journal of Academic Librarianship, v.16, no. 4, p. 204-208

"How the knowledge Nation diagram evolved" (Online)
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Mort, M. 2000, Who do we think we are? (Online)
URL: http://www.infotoday.com.searcher/jan00/mort.htm
(Accessed 13 August 2001)

Sellen, B. 1997, What else you can do with a library degree: career options for the 90's and beyond, Neal-Schuman, New York

Shumaker, D. 2000 "Open letter to a student" (Online)
URL: http://www.sla.org/chapter/cdc/notes/archives/oct00.html
(Accessed 16 August 2001)

"Waiting for the knowledge nation" (Online)
URL: http://www.smh.com.au/news/webdiary/0106/19/A42283-2001May16.html
(Accessed 16 May 2001)

Weaver, S. 2001 "Non-traditional jobs for special librarians" (Online)
URL: http://www.libsci.sc.edu/bob/class/clis724/SpecialLibrariesHandbook/non-traditional.htm
(Accessed 16 May 2001)