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ALIA New Graduates GroupMoving across different library sectors - July 2006An event featuring four panellists who had moved across different library sectors was held at the RMIT Library in Melbourne on Thursday the of July 20. More than 30 people attended, indicating the high demand for such a topic among new graduates. There were a number of interested people who were unable to attend the event so a first-time attempt at podcasting was made to assist in disseminating the information, as well demonstrating the 'forward-thinking' quality of new graduate library professionals. When listening to the individual podcasts, please keep in mind that some panellists opted to present their history and advice as a narration, while others preferred to express this information to the relevant questions at the end of the session. The first panellist for the evening was Aaron Tunn who currently works at the Peter Maccallum Cancer Centre Library. Over the years, he has worked in more than 25 jobs in libraries, and was able to demonstrate how he changed into the different sectors as a contract worker for an information services job agency. His varied experience enabled him to realise what he eventually wanted in his ideal library job. [ 1.9MB mp3 ] Cheryl Walker followed to discuss how she ended up in a school library after first starting out in a similar way to Aaron. She worked in any job available to gain library experience, which resulted in further work and advancement through networking. Cheryl also reveals how she has used opportunities such as Aurora, Certificate 4 in Training and Assessment, and Frontline Management from her various workplaces to apply for jobs in a different type of library. Leadership made her very transferable. [ 2.9MB mp3 ] Doreen Sullivan is another advocate for working in contracts although she started in a public library and stayed for 14 years. She learnt that if you continue in one place long enough, you would gain enough skills to use in most library sectors. Now working as a cataloguer for a library supplier, she has clearly proven that you can make a move across sectors, even outside of the traditional library area. [ 7.6MB mp3 ] The final speaker was Lisa Donnelly who is a New Graduate Librarian after spending the first part of her adult life bringing up her children. With a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma of Education tucked away, she initially embarked on work in the book trade. From there, one thing lead to another and Lisa completed a Graduate Diploma in Library Studies and started her varied library roles in a part time position at La Trobe University Library. Probably the biggest indication of her willingness to find her dream job of reference librarian was by making a dramatic move away from her family to Albury-Wodonga to get the best experience. The path of parliamentary, law and health libraries has finally led Lisa to a full time reference librarian position at La Trobe University again. She demonstrated how being able to manage short contracts and learn quickly can benefit when moving into a different library environment. Lisa also highlighted how specific skills and roles outside of your professional career, such as president of the school council, can be used in job applications. [ 12.1 MB mp3 ] The questions sector of the evening provided specific advice to the many audience members who were obviously in the position of trying to change into a different library sector. Aaron and Doreen gave tips on how to survive on contract work as well as making the most of each experience. Questions about general library work were also discussed, including opinions on the best qualifications and whether an honours degree really stands out on a resume in this highly educated age. Unfortunately, not all of the question time was recorded due to technical difficulties, however it is hoped that all the attendees were able to walk away with a lot more information about changing library sectors than they arrived with. Overall, the panellists seemed to most emphasise the importance of being able to transfer skills and abilities, rather than focusing on the particular sector or systems that they have experience in. [ 3.7MB mp3 ] Sue Hutley, Executive Director for ALIA, followed the panellists with a look at ALIAnet, the webpages relevant to New Grads and an update on the organisation's latest projects. Margie Anderson, the ALIA Local Liaison Officer for Victoria, also dropped by to support the group and to provide Professional Development certificates for the attendees. The ALIA New Grads Group of Victoria would like to thank our wonderfully informative speakers, Aaron Tunn, Cheryl Walker, Doreen Sullivan and Lisa Donnelly; Moyra McAllister for providing all the advice and assistance we need; Craig Anderson and the RMIT Library for again providing the great venue and refreshments; Sue Hutley and Margie Anderson for supporting the group; those who expressed interest in joining the committee; and all the attendees who came along to make the night a success! We look forward to seeing you at the next event, which hopes to be bigger and brighter than ever. Any suggestions, comment, questions, or offers of interest can be directed to Michelle Thomason or Laura Foley at the contact details below:
Laura Foley (please remove '.nospam' from address)
Michelle Thomason AALIA (please remove '.nospam' from address)  back
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