91´«Ã½

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 91´«Ã½'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:

• 91´«Ã½ Student Chapters
• New Members Round Table

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Types of communities served

• American Association of School Librarians

• Association for Library Service to Children

• Association of College and Research Libraries

• Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table

• Public Library Association

• Urban Libraries Council

• Young Adult Library Services Association

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  (focus on technology and public library services)

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Cultural, ethnic, and special interests organizations

• American Indian Library Association

• Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association

• Black Caucus of 91´«Ã½

• Chinese American Librarians Association

• Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered Round Table

• REFORMA

  (services to Spanish-speaking and Latinos)

• Social Responsibilities Round Table

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Types of jobs

• American Society for Information Science and Technology

• Association for Library Collections & Technical Services

• Library Administration and Management Association

• Library Support Staff Interests Round Table

• Library and Information Technology Association

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Types of collections or services

• 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

• 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

• Theatre Library Association

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Groups by geographic area

• 91´«Ã½

• Canadian Library Association

• Sociedad de Bibliotecarios de Puerto Rico

• State and Regional Chapters of 91´«Ã½
  (general list)
  
  
  
  Chapters with specific career information:
  
  
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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.

• Association for Library and Information Science Education

• Beta Phi Mu

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Discussion lists and blogs

• 91´«Ã½ Discussion Groups