Leadership, Management and Organizational Development

Poster Session

From California to Kentucky: A Resident’s Guided Entry into the World of Academic Librarianship

Poster Organizer(s)

• GM

  George Martinez, MLS

  Student Services Librarian
  California State University, Long Beach

How do you survive a cross-country and cross-cultural move in pursuit of your dream career? Why should a new library school graduate apply to your residency? Library residencies are a great opportunity for recent graduates of ALA accredited programs to begin their careers in librarianship. However, a residency position often requires a prospective resident to move to an unfamiliar location for a limited term position. Although moving across the country is often necessary to a secure a position in librarianship, it can be especially intimidating for someone new to the field. The Diversity Residency Librarian from the University of Louisville reflects on the strategies Ekstrom Library employed during his residency from 2015-2017 to help him adjust to the culture of the region and to quickly become involved in meaningful projects. The poster will explore onboarding methods, mentorship, projects during the residency, and preparation for the job search at the conclusion of his residency.

 

Learning Objectives:

• Upon completion, participants will be able to define why library residencies are beneficial to the field.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to identify onboarding strategies for new residents.
• Upon completion, participants will be able to describe how to prepare a resident to successfully compete for a new position.