Surviving your first library job search, or, an explanation of what I had to learn the hard way, re-produced here, for you, so that you are not driven to drink as well

Searching for a library job can be a life-changing ordeal, but try not to let that bother you. The scars that it will leave on your psyche are likely to heal in time. When I was starting the job search process, I found that the professional literature had a lot to say about writing good cover letters and developing solid interview skills but not a lot of information about what searching for a job was really like on a daily basis. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have a little better sense of what to expect during your search, pick up a few tips, and generate ideas for coping strategies that might help you survive long enough to find a job

To the instruction cave, librarian!: Graphic novels and information literacy

Information literacy librarians have been known to troll the waters of popular culture for phenomena that are capable of teaching information literacy skills and simultaneously engaging student interest. For these librarians, graphic novels have reached a point where they are too big to ignore

To the Instruction Cave, Librarian! Graphic Novels and Information Literacy

Graphic novels emerged as highly visible additions to many academic library collections over the last few years. Much has been written about the pedagogical value of graphic novels in K-12 settings, but their potential applications in relation to information literacy in higher education have not been seriously addressed. Graphic novels provide an ideal backdrop for teaching students a variety of skills, especially with regard to the ACRL’s Information Literacy Competency Standard Three and visual literacy. In addition, graphic novels are excellent source material for projects that require students to conduct research, evaluate source quality, engage in reflective writing, compare versions of a single work across multiple media, and investigate the relationship between historical events or people and their depictions in artistic representations. Attendees will engage in a discussion, with the presenter and in groups, to explore the role that graphic novels can play in library instruction. After a brief introduction and an overview of the state of graphic novels in academia and academic libraries, the session will focus attention on information literacy skills and issues that are relevant to, and can be addressed by, the medium. Finally, the presenter will work with the audience to generate strategies for integrating graphic novels into their instruction efforts and collaborations with other faculty members

Under the influence: First-year seminars and the librarian teaching role

The discussion will address the benefits and challenges of teaching as a librarian outside of the library.How can a librarian\u27s experiences prepare them to teach a semester-long course? What factors influence the design and delivery of a first-year seminar?What challenges might arise when teaching outside of the library

Buy low, sell high, get in now: Low-stakes/low-investment information literacy initiatives pay off big

Become familiar with the concept of low stakes/low investment information literacy initiatives in order to communicate their potential value to faculty members, other librarians, and administrators. Recognize how collaboration between your library and other entities on campus can reinforce information literacy initiatives in order to draw upon the strengths and shared values of existing programs. Learn about successful initiatives in order to generate ideas that would be useful for your institution