What's the Alternative? Career Options for Librarians and Info Pros

Abstract

What's the Alternative? Career Options for Librarians and Info Pros offers a concise overview of nontraditional career paths, particularly for new graduates of library and information schools and mid-level professionals. It consists of eleven chapters that focus on a variety of career alternatives, varying from positions in organizations similar to libraries, to careers in information technology, to basic entrepreneurship. Chapter 1 is the most general and discusses reasons for librarians leaving traditional librarianship and reviews steps to take before contemplating a career change. Other chapters outline possible career alternatives in a specific area, such as publishing research, with an emphasis on both transferable skill sets and additional skills necessary to succeed in that area. Most chapters include resource lists to help readers learn more about particular professions, such as indexing or marketing, and include personal stories from individuals working in those professions. Tips on job hunting and sample ads are included in manychapters. An accompanying website links to all online resources mentioned and a complete list of websites and references cited throughout the book (Appendix C and D). Much of the material in What's the Alternative? has been compiled from an alternative careers survey conducted by Rachel Singer Gordon in the spring of 2007 on her blog, the Liminal Librarian . Personal stories included in this book come primarily from the respondents. Most vignettes outline personal career histories, daily job activities, and tips on succeeding outside of traditional libraries. As a result, this book feels very fresh and current, especially in its discussion of emerging jobs, the changing information environment, and work–life balance. The opening discussions on transitioning or bridging to new career opportunities are especially timely. Covered topics include assessing personal strengths and weaknesses, identifying individual passions, assessing comfort levels with risk taking and change, and outlining values and needs in a new career. Ensuing chapters build on the concept of bridging careers by identifying specific additional skills, attitudes, resources, and training necessary for success in those new careers. Chapter 4 also advises that creating multiple income streams or blended work arrangements, for instance, by doing both consulting and indexing or working part-time for one's current library while striking out into corporate intelligence, may be a prudent approach for many career changers. However, this book is not overly detailed. It will serve most career changers as a starting point in the process of self and job discovery. Research will be required, as will completion of the personal assessment process and initiation of the networking recommended for learning about job openings. Those contemplating self-employment and/or entrepreneurship will also need more detailed information about business plans, marketing, setting of fees, and myriad other practical details. While What's the Alternative is not billed as a “how to” book, more complete information on some topics would be useful. Gordon repeatedly talks about the need to abandon library jargon in favor of a prospective field's terminology. A few concrete sample cover letters and resumes that do just that might have proved helpful. These could have taken the place of the repetitive advice on networking and opening one's mind to new definitions of information work that appear in multiple chapters and Appendix A. On the plus side, most chapters can be read independently. Also many internal cross-references point to related information in other chapters. While extremely engaging, the vignettes or personal stories also present a problem. Their placement can disrupt reading the regular text, and, while this book rightly emphasizes career planning and goal setting, most respondents seem to have fallen into their jobs by chance. Many vignettes are also critical of library and information school (LIS) education in terms of technology and career preparation. As a result, some vignettes seem negative and counterproductive in regard to some of the advice offered in the main text on professional development. Chapter 11 addresses some of these issues by discussing the future of LIS education and selection of a good program. Overall, What's the Alternative? is a good, easy-to-read introduction to alternative career paths for librarians. The key message for librarians is to keep learning, set career goals, appreciate the true value of their skill sets, and be prepared for change. This is an excellent message. The author provides valuable insights about the career concerns and expectations of current librarians. The reasons librarians give for seeking career change can spur reflection on the practices of and future plans for readers' libraries. As the book recommends, this reviewer is considering writing a personal mission statement that outlines my career aspirations, goals, and values.