Careers in Academic Libraries

Peter SIDORKO

Deputy University Librarian,

The University of Hong Kong

16 August 2008

Why choose academic libraries?

• Exciting work environment• Scholarly environment• Intellectually stimulating• Collegial opportunities• Creative and innovative• Learning opportunities• Teaching opportunities• Pay and benefits

Typical academic library mission

• “The University Library is committed to achieving the highest standards in the provision of information resources and services in order to advance the teaching, learning and research of the University.”

Academic libraries in Hong Kong• Universities Grants Committee (UGC) funded:

– Chinese University of Hong Kong

– City University of Hong Kong

– Hong Kong Baptist University

– Hong Kong Institute of Education

Academic libraries in Hong Kong

• Universities Grants Committee (UGC) funded:

– Hong Kong Polytechnic University

– Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

– Lingnan University

– University of Hong Kong

Academic libraries in Hong Kong

• Others include:– Hong Kong Academy Of Performing Arts

– Hong Kong Shue Yan University

– Open University of Hong Kong

University LibrarianUniversity Librarian

Deputy LibrarianDeputy Librarian

Senior Sub-LibrarianSenior Sub-Librarian

Sub-LibrarianSub-Librarian

Assistant Librarian IAssistant Librarian I

Assistant Librarian IIAssistant Librarian II

University Librarian University Librarian (J)(J)

Deputy Librarian Deputy Librarian (I2)(I2)

Associate Librarian Associate Librarian (H2)(H2)

Assistant Librarian I Assistant Librarian I (G3)(G3)

Assistant Librarian II Assistant Librarian II (G1)(G1)

PreviouslyPreviouslyPreviouslyPreviously NowNowNowNow

Professional Ranks At HKUProfessional Ranks At HKUProfessional Ranks At HKUProfessional Ranks At HKU

Qualifications and Experience RequiredQualifications and Experience Required at HKUHKUQualifications and Experience RequiredQualifications and Experience Required at HKUHKU

University Librarian University Librarian (J)(J)

Deputy Librarian Deputy Librarian (I2)(I2)

Associate Librarian Associate Librarian (H2)(H2)

Assistant Librarian I Assistant Librarian I (G3)(G3)

Assistant Librarian II Assistant Librarian II (G1)(G1) + 1 year of experience

Good first degree + recognized professional qualification in librarianship (M. L. S. or equivalent)

Good first degree + recognized professional qualification in librarianship (M. L. S. or equivalent)

+ 5 years of experience

+ 8 years of experience

+ 10 years of experience (5 at manager level)

+ 10 years of manager level experience

Senior Library AssistantSenior Library Assistant

Library Assistant ILibrary Assistant I

Library Assistant IILibrary Assistant II

Library Assistant IIILibrary Assistant III

Junior Library AssistantJunior Library Assistant

Senior Library Assistant Senior Library Assistant (E3)(E3)

Library Assistant I Library Assistant I (D3)(D3)

Library Assistant Library Assistant (C3)(C3)

Junior Library Assistant Junior Library Assistant (A2)(A2)

PreviouslyPreviouslyPreviouslyPreviously NowNowNowNow

Paraprofessional Ranks At HKUParaprofessional Ranks At HKUParaprofessional Ranks At HKUParaprofessional Ranks At HKU

Qualifications and Experience RequiredQualifications and Experience Required at HKUHKUQualifications and Experience RequiredQualifications and Experience Required at HKUHKU

Senior Library Assistant Senior Library Assistant (E3)(E3)

Library Assistant I Library Assistant I (D3)(D3)

Library Assistant Library Assistant (C3)(C3)

Junior Library Assistant Junior Library Assistant (A2)(A2) Form 3 standard

Preferably some library experience, Computer skills, English and Putonghua

Preferably some library experience, Computer skills, English and Putonghua

5 passes in HKCEE OR recognized certificate for library assistants.

Degree OR diploma in librarianship with relevant post-qualification experience

Degree OR diploma in librarianship OR highly specialized library-related skills, with substantial post-qualification experience in a supervisory position

Technical ServicesCataloguing

(Monographs /Serials/non-book/AV)

Acquisitions(Monographs /Serials/non-book/AV)Gift and ExchangeElectronic Resources

Public ServicesReader Services/Access ServicesCirculationAudio/Visual ServicesInter-library LoansSubject LibrariansInstructional ServicesWeb Design

SystemsOPAC MaintenanceWeb and Databases ManagementHardware and Desktop Support

DigitisationScanningMetadataPromotion

Rare Books & Special Collections

Archives

Collection Development

Electronic Resourcesdatabase selection, negotiation etc

AdministrationHuman Resources ManagementFund RaisingBuildings, Finance, Accounting

Preservation

Special projects, new initiatives and Project Management

Typical Positions in Academic Libraries

Other positions• Bookbinders • Building maintenance• Computer Officers• AV Technicians• Secretaries• etc.

Today’s academic librarian?

NO!!!

21st Century Academic Librarian Skills

• Ability to embrace change• Comfort in the online medium• Ability to troubleshoot new technologies• Ability to easily learn new technologies• Ability to keep up with new ideas in

technology and librarianship (enthusiasm for learning)

• From Meredith Farkas’ Blog• http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/

index.php/2006/07/17/skills-for-the-21st-century-librarian/

More 21st Century Academic Librarian Skills

• Project management skills• Ability to question and evaluate library services• Ability to evaluate the needs of all stakeholders• Vision to translate traditional library services into

the online medium• Critical of technologies and ability to compare

technologies• Ability to sell ideas/library services

• From Meredith Farkas’ Blog• http://meredith.wolfwater.com/wordpress/index.php/

2006/07/17/skills-for-the-21st-century-librarian/

Also essential

• High level communication skills• Interpersonal skills• Team player• Leadership• Enthusiasm/passion• Creative and critical thinking• Problem solving• Commitment to professional development

Some recent academic library postings

• Immersive Learning/Gaming Librarian• Teaching and Learning Librarian• Service quality librarian• Professional development coordinator• Digital strategist• Digital technologist• Emerging technologies Librarian• E-resources manager• Data/GIS Librarian• Scholarly Communications Librarian• Repository Services Coordinator• Information Literacy Librarian• Marketing/Communications/Outreach• Virtual Services Coordinator

Applying for that job: some advice• If the job advertisement has a contact name for

further information – do that. It demonstrates your eagerness.

• Two parts to the written application:– Cover letter. Keep it brief but address the selection

criteria (ie the requirements for the job). Explain why you want the job and are suitable.

– Resume/CV. List work experience and education with most recent first. Do not include written references (unless asked) but provide contact details of your referees. Never supply references that are very old.

• Interview. Be punctual. Be confident but not arrogant. Show you are keen and interested.

Thank you and Good luck