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Embracing Librarianship: A New Librarian Reflects on Organizational Characteristics that Motivate the Transition from Library Associate to Professional Librarian
by Cassandra L. Jackson

We have all heard the news regarding employment trends as they relate to professional librarians. The librarian profession is facing a shortage. According to the latest edition of the Occupational Outlook Handbook, library managers will be in great demand over the next several years due to retirement and a reduction in MLS graduates. Library systems will be faced with recruiting new talent capable of leading their organizations into the future. Where will library administrators find new talent?

How can managers motivate library associates, their existing talent pool, to make the transition from library associate to professional librarian? For some library associates, librarianship is not their chosen career path. Many librarians stumble into the profession while pursuing other career goals. The book In Our Own Voices: The Changing Faces of Librarianship contains several narratives attesting to this fact.

When I initially accepted a position as a library associate at a public library branch in Texas, I was looking for a job, not a career. I never considered librarianship as my ultimate career choice. In fact, I was shocked to find out the MLS was required in order to become a librarian. The longer I worked as a library associate, the more intrigued I became with my job. I began making the connection between the career I intended to pursue and my position as a library associate. As a sociology major in college, I aspired to work for a nonprofit organization. I desired to work at an agency that addressed literacy or provided programming for at-risk teens. As a library associate working in community branches, I was able to assist patrons and collaborate with organizations on both these issues as well as many others.

The most valuable aspect of my experiences working as a paraprofessional was being employed by a library system that possessed exceptional organizational characteristics. In all honesty, I did not realize the uniqueness of this public library system until I finished my graduate degree program. Library school equipped me with the academic credentials necessary to thrive as a librarian; however, my employer provided resources, services, and opportunities which continue to empower and motivate me to become a leader within the profession.

As a new librarian, I embrace the opportunity to move up the ranks and offer significant contributions to librarianship, a profession I have grown to love. I believe the following four organizational characteristics of my former public library system were particularly instrumental in motivating my transition from library associate to professional librarian.

Mentoring. One of the most priceless experiences I received as a library associate was working and interacting with professional librarians, branch managers, and administrators who were highly accomplished and talented. They always provided valuable insight and advice regarding the profession. In addition, the library system employed individuals from diverse states and countries, which provided a tremendous opportunity to exchange cultural experiences and share different perspectives on librarianship.
Significant Development Opportunities through Library Related Projects. I was NEVER limited only to reference desk and circulation duties as a library associate. I was placed on the summer reading committee. I participated in collection development activities by suggesting and securing materials for the African-American special collection, one of my favorite areas. In addition, I represented the library on at least two collaborative projects with community agencies. Through these tasks, I was able to develop skills and experiences uniquely significant to the librarian profession.
Full Access to Branch Managers and Considerable Opportunities to Interact with Administrators. During orientation, one of the library administrators told all newcomers to contact him with any concerns while employed with the library system. Despite all of the responsibilities connected to his position, he was ALWAYS available to employees. All administrators and branch managers were fully accessible. This positive and extremely productive interaction with my managers and administrators highly influenced how I would like to approach the role of manager in the future.
Constant Encouragement and Support to Pursue the MLS and Relevant Training Opportunities. In addition to library system educational benefits, branch managers and administrators frequently informed library associates about outside scholarships and grants. Many of the textbooks for MLS courses were available in the collection. Library associates were encouraged to enroll in computer courses (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) offered by the library. These courses allowed associates to become more effective on the job and better prepared for library school. Some library schools require students to have numerous computer competencies before enrolling in classes. Special training opportunities such as young adult programming and introductory Spanish classes were also offered to employees. Because many employees were enrolled in MLS courses at the same time, support was always available. The library system consistently raised the bar and encouraged staff to reach new heights.

Clearly, personal criteria and expectations determine how much one is motivated to pursue career development opportunities. While libraries may offer an enormous amount of support, encouragement, and professional resources to employees, the significance of these motivating organizational characteristics tends to vary from individual to individual. The organizational characteristics I value may be insignificant to someone else. I benefited from working in a library system committed to developing and nurturing librarians internally. I was inspired to write this article because I truly believe effective leadership, combined with support and solid motivational tools, will encourage others to make the transition to the amazing world of professional librarianship!

About the Author:

Cassandra Jackson received her MLS from Texas Woman’s University in 2003. She is a Learning Resource Center Specialist at Strayer University-Thousand Oaks in Memphis, Tennessee. Previously, she worked for the Dallas Public Library system as a library associate.

Article published October 2004

Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in LIScareer articles are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the LIScareer editors.

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