What They Don't Teach You in Library School

by Elisabeth Doucett

MLS programs do a good job of teaching the basic skills of being a librarian--how to catalog books, how to clarify a reference request, how to run a story hour. But as any working librarian will tell you, that's not the half of it. A long-time library administrator, Doucett gives new librarians a full dose of practical advice and wisdom that remains between the lines of most library curricula, while also teaching seasoned professionals a thing or two. With advice gleaned from years of hard-won experience, this book:

*Covers a variety of library topics that are truly relevant to the day-to-day job, such as management, administration, and marketing
*Shows how librarians can use practical business and organizational skills to do a better job and further their careers
*Presents information in a grab-and-go format that's ready to apply in the real world

For MLS graduates just entering the job market, as well as individuals interested in switching gears through promotion or advancement, Doucett offers the inside scoop on what a librarian really wants to know.

Genres: Nonfiction, Library Science, Librarianship, Books About Books, Adult, Academic, Academia

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Beth]

Am I the only one who is shocked this book is only 160 pages??! ;-)

[Ferio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carísima y breve obra práctica sobre la gestión de bibliotecas en los aspectos organizativos que no se enseñan (¡o enseñaban!) en los estudios superiores de Documentación. Atención al público problemático, diseño de espacios, microeconomía, marketing... Disciplinas que anteriormente no estaban en los currículos oficiales, más bellos que los actuales al centrarse en aspectos románticos o técnicos de la propia disciplina.

Por suerte o desgracia, los programas actuales de los grados de Información y Documentación cubren todas estas cuestiones en detrimento de las otras: no hay Museología, y apenas hay lenguajes documentales o catalogación; lo que sí hay es enfoque a la empresa y al dinero, que estará muy bien en entornos que favorezcan el emprendimiento, pero en España apenas hay trabajo para esta disciplina en bibliotecas y archivos públicos, donde la gestión económica y de mercado la llevan personas más formadas en ello. ¿Esto está bien? ¿Está mal? No podría juzgarlo, pero yo hubiera preferido unos estudios más románticos.

Sea como sea, este libro es útil, si no como complemento, sí como fuente para conocer los blogs y portales punteros en estas áreas para actualizarse e inspirarse, e incluso referenciar algún artículo para los trabajos universitarios. De todas formas, siendo una publicación de la American Library Association, esperaba algo más sesudo; se ve que eso es patrimonio exclusivo de los viejos profesores universitarios.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of valuable information, that in fact, the information in this book is not taught during library school. At least not during my time there. Great to read about the practical things one would need to know while working in a library. However, the author uses a lot of gendered pronouns that make for awkward reading at times. All in all, a helpful book for early career librarians!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a recent library school graduate, I was drawn to this book by the title. My school provided its students with a nice balance between theory and practice, and I felt well-prepared as I began my first professional position. However, there is always more to learn, so I decided to read this book and see if I could gain any pearls of wisdom.

The book is organized into 3 parts: Helpful to Know Before You Get Your First Job as a Librarian, Helpful to Know When You are New on the Job, and Helpful to Know as you Gain Some Experience. Part 2 was the most relevant to my situation, but I found helpful information throughout the entire book. Each part contains several chapters on specific subject. The chapters are short, but they are full of practical advice and lists of other resources available for further study. I recommend it to current library students, especially those approaching graduation.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book does have a small section about things to do before being hired, I think it will work best for someone who has just been hired to a position. Some of the topics covered are nice to review (strategic planning & marketing for example), but in my classes we discussed those topics a lot already. I really recommend borrowing this book from a friend or library. Used copies are often around forty dollars or more, and the content is not thorough enough to warrant spending forty or fifty dollars.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see how this would be a good book for a recent MLIS graduate in their 20's, going for their first job but, with the exception of the chapter on budgeting, quite a lot of this won't seem new to a person who has spent much time working the circulation counter in a larger public library. In that way, it reminds me of getting a degree in education. You can read all the theory you want, but the only way to really become a good teacher is to learn on the job--and from experienced teachers. So it seems with librarianship.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Non-Fiction- Library Science) Doucett is not a woman who wastes words. As a librarian who has four years of experience under my belt, Doucett covers subjects that were skipped in my Library Science coursework, but prevalent in my Library work. She covers facilities management and planning, finances and budgeting, thinking like a retailer, promotional marketing, managing problem patrons, etc… This is an essential guide for library students and new professionals.

[Maeve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doucett covers topics that aren't typically discussed in MLIS programs including things that are helpful to know: before you get your first library job, when you first start a library job, and once you have gained experience working in libraries.

A wide range of topics were introduced in a clear and concise manner. Highly recommended for any new MLIS graduate!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started 10-12-10. Read a couple of chapters. Didn't touch it again until 10-16-10. Then I'll admit I skimmed. Some of the stuff doesn't relate to me yet(since I'm still looking for my first post-MLS job) but I will definitely keep this book on hand at work.

[Ame · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful primer for library school students, recent graduates, and new library employees regarding basics you don't normally cover in library school. This is especially useful for library staff who want a future career in the managing/administrative/PR sides of things.

I especially enjoyed learning about how to better serve an adopted community, which is meant for library staff who commute (like moi). The tips on learning about your adopted community are excellent.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

so practical - wish I had read it earlier.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little concerned when I first started reading this, because first section (on what's helpful to know before your first job as a librarian) is very basic -- so basic I'm afraid it may feel condescending to some people in library school. Don't give up! The next two sections provide nice overviews of a whole bunch of useful topics, along with resources where you can learn more. All in all, this was a quick read that I'm considering buying in hard copy, to make it easy for folks in my library to access individual sections that are relevant to what they're doing.

[Pamela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Handy little book for people fresh out of school. It's so basic, you don't need to necessarily be considering a career in Library Science to use it, tho' that is the key focus. You are walked through basic things like life skills (creating your budget & expenses.. Can you afford a career as a librarian?) and things to consider while interviewing.. I'm not sure how useful the book is for actual post-grad students looking for a place. But for someone who knows nothing about it, it's a good place to start.

[Karen]

They have this in the professional collection at the public library. I ordered it (020.43 Doucett) but after having it out well over a month, didn't read it through. Everytime I began to take it back I would skim some pages and determine that I must read this book, and then I would renew it. The fact of the matter is, I have other priorities right now and do not have the time to devote to reading this as I would like. So I'm putting it on my "to read" list. ;)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for me, as a new librarian (less than 2 years). There is a lot of information broken down in to digestible sections. I really enjoyed her step-by-step tools and tricks for navigating the strange world of being a librarian. I ILL-ed this book but just requested that we purchase it.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful guide for the new librarian. Some sections were more helpful than others--I don't have to know about the maintenance of library facilities for my job, and I actually did learn about managing conflict in library school--but there are some useful, easy-to-remember points for starting a new job and more.

[Amanda [Novel Addiction] · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be incredibly useful for people who went to library school without ever working in a library. Some great tips, many of which were mentioned in my intro classes for my MLS, and I hope have been for others. I will say this would probably be a good gift for a recent grad, as a refresher and prep for the library world.

[Farrell]

Great for someone starting out in the profession. Very conversational in tone and Elisabeth Douchett is true to her goal, "...provide some very basic, down-to-earth help and training..." (viii). This book is broken into 3 parts: Helpful to know before you get your first job, Helpful to know when you are new on the job, and Helpful to know as you gain some experience. Quick read.

[Valleri · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my way to library school, I stumbled upon this little gem. Not only does it provide in-depth insider information but this book also gives real-world advice that can be used in any career field. While I currently work in a library and have a very far way to work myself into a librarian position, this book definitely gives me a good idea of how to hit the ground running once I graduate.

[Victoria Rodrigues · Rating 1 out of 5]

You mean they don't teach you how to buy affordable groceries, balance a checkbook, or find the best suited job for yourself? At least tell me they filled you in on dental hygiene and women's troubles.

[Liz De Coster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Concise and full of useful information. I recommend it for anybody looking for their first library job, since it addresses such a wide range of topics. I only wish there was a chapter on funding sources - grant writing, etc.

[Rachel Zibaila · Rating 3 out of 5]

It had some useful overall tips.
I basically skimmed because most of it just spells out things that you should be learning on the job.
But some times, you don't get that experience because your library doesn't treat you like a librarian.
Or you don't actually have a job in a library yet.

[Chelsea Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book, and would be best read during the last year of library school, or directly after if you are looking for direction. I didn't find it the most useful, but it does cover many topics that are useful and not necessarily taught.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the themes in this book can be applied for any job field, it was still a nice quick read.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

good, fairly wide range of information. i think the book is really more of a jumping off point for continuing/starting your education in your career. very glad i read it tho.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

to review for Information Today, February 2011 issue. Want to give some chapters to colleagues to read! Is that mean? Would they take it wrong?

[Michelle Self-ballard · Rating 3 out of 5]

short but had some good topics and some good resources for further information.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm glad I read this one. I found myself skimming some of the sections, but this book is probably worth a review after I'm through with school.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting stuff, but she apparently has WAY more time and/or fellow staff members and/or fewer patrons than I do.