I'm possibly a few days late starting this whole thing. I did worry that it was too late, but in the end I felt I should stop deliberating and give it a go - after all, better late than never! I'm a new blogger - so if this starts off boring and rambling, bear with me and hopefully I'll improve as I go along!
So, a bit about me and why I decided to (finally) join in:
I completed a MA Librarianship course at the University of Sheffield in September 2010. I've been applying for professional librarian jobs ever since, but I've not yet been successful. In the meantime, I'm working as part-time Library Assistant in a public library; I have worked there for 3 years 8 months, and I do really love my job! I also have a part-time admin job in another department within the same Local Authority. I also fit in voluntary work around my jobs; I volunteer in various libraries, including an academic and hospital library. These roles are giving me the opportunity to communicate with and learn from experienced librarians, and are enabling me to gain the professional experience that so many posts require.
Though I am becoming more and more involved with libraries based in my local area, I do feel like I need to engage with online communities more; I tend to read and observe things, rather than actively participate. I hope that taking part in cpd23 will provide me with the opportunity to change this. Also, I feel like there is definitely room to develop my knowledge/skills in the areas of social media and technology etc. With this in mind, the things I am most looking forward to are:
Thing 4 (week 3) - Current awareness
Thing 6 (week 5) - Online Networks
And as I'm still job hunting, I think Thing 22 (week 15 - Promoting yourself in job applications...) will also be really useful.
In general, the whole cpd23 programme will prompt reflection, and this is something I am looking forward to. Reflective writing was part of the MA course that I did; I found it to be a valuable experience then, and it is something I hope to continue with throughout my career.
Found your blog by searching on the tag volunteer.
ReplyDeleteI blog under the title of Calon Lan, and am at the other end of the career spectrum, loath to volunteer to keep my public library open when staff are being laid off
Hello Suzan,
ReplyDeleteVolunteering is not ideal, I know. I would much rather have a paid job! I understand what you are saying, as I work as a library assistant in a public library myself. Undertaking unpaid work experience/voluntary work, however, is the only way I can gain the experience that I need to get a job - it feels like my only option. I have applied for so many jobs; it is an extremely frustrating catch 22 situation -no professional experience = no job, but no professional job = no experience.
I look forward to reading your blog, and I really hope things improve at your public library.
I attended the parish council meeting this week and found that there was a meeting next week to set up a friends group. Have been emailing various interested parties with useful background information (this has helped http://www.publiclibrariesnews.com/p/volunteer-run-libraries.html). Best wishes in securing paid work in a field which interests you, I hope you build up a bank of enthusiastic referees
ReplyDelete