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 Librarian Deputy Librarian Senior Sub-Librarian Sub-Librarian Assistant Librarian I Assistant Librarian II University Librarian (J) Deputy Librarian (I2) Associate Librarian (H2) Assistant Librarian I (G3) Assistant Librarian II (G1) PreviouslyPreviouslyNowNow Professional Ranks At HKU

Qualifications and Experience RequiredHKU Qualifications and Experience Required at HKU University Librarian (J) Deputy Librarian (I2) Associate Librarian (H2) Assistant Librarian I (G3) Assistant Librarian II (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 Assistant Library Assistant I Library Assistant II Library Assistant III Junior Library Assistant Senior Library Assistant (E3) Library Assistant I (D3) Library Assistant (C3) Junior Library Assistant (A2) PreviouslyPreviouslyNowNow Paraprofessional Ranks At HKU

Qualifications and Experience RequiredHKU Qualifications and Experience Required at HKU Senior Library Assistant (E3) Library Assistant I (D3) Library Assistant (C3) Junior Library Assistant (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 Services Cataloguing (Monographs /Serials/non-book/AV) Acquisitions (Monographs /Serials/non-book/AV) Gift and Exchange Electronic Resources Public Services Reader Services/Access Services Circulation Audio/Visual Services Inter-library Loans Subject Librarians Instructional Services Web Design Systems OPAC Maintenance Web and Databases Management Hardware and Desktop Support Digitisation Scanning Metadata Promotion Rare Books & Special Collections Archives Collection Development Electronic Resources database selection, negotiation etc Administration Human Resources Management Fund Raising Buildings, 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 /2006/07/17/skills-for-the-21st-century-librarian/ /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 17/skills-for-the-21st-century-librarian/ 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