Students: Start Here
The SLIS Careers section of our website is designed to help you explore career paths and find practical information about the job search process. Take time to view each section of SLIS Careers to familiarize yourself with the resources available.
While a Student at SLIS
While at SLIS , students are encouraged to enhance their résumés and skills through various student employment, internship, and volunteer opportunities. Students are also encouraged to participate in student chapters of professional associations such as the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) or the American Library Association (ALA), to name a few. It is also important for students in SLIS to take advantage of the technology labs and library resources available, as well as workshops offered through the University Information Technology Services and IU Libraries Reference Department.
Internships, Part-Time Jobs, & Financial Aid Resources:
Professional Associations:
Free Workshops:
- Free Technology Workshops (UITS)
- Free Library/Database Workshops
- SLIS Job Seeking Workshop Series audio and visual files of the Spring 2007 workshop series.
Job Preparation Process
It is important for students to undertake the job preparation process early in their academic career, from reading job ads and examining the job market, to building their résumés. By starting this process early, students can better explore and guide their interests so that they establish clear and focused coursework tracks.
Résumés:
Interview Guides:
Beneficial Resources:
Career Resources at IUB Wells Library
Browse the Career Reference Collection for resources on résumés, cover letters, interviews, career paths, and more. Here are a few resources that can be found in the collection specifically related to Library and Information Science careers:
- Carvell, Linda P. (2005). Career opportunities in library and information science. New York: Checkmark Books. Z682.25 .C367 2005
- Dority, G. K. (2006). Rethinking information work: A career guide for librarians and other information professionals. Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited. Z682.35.V62 D67 2006
- Shontz, P.K. (2004). The librarian's career guidebook. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press. Z682.35.V62 L53 2004
Job Successes:
IU Bloomington Campus Resources:
Career Development Center
This is a link to the CDC webpage for assistance with résumé writing, interview
sessions, library resources, internship links, and job fair information.
Career Reference Collection
This is a link to the IU Libraries' Career Reference Resources webpage that has
many sources for exploring career options and planning, guides for résumé and
cover letter writing, as well as guides for job searching. These reference collections
can be found both online and in the Information Commons area on the first floor
of the IU Main Library, which is open 24/7.
Education Placement Office
Offers services to SLIS students that include creating your own credential file
for job applications ($10).
IU Alumni Association Career Services Center
Provides a secure, self-registering environment for job/mentor seekers, mentors and employers.
SLIS Office:
You are always welcome to come by the office with questions. We are glad to
review résumés and cover letters for students. Please call 812.855.2018 or
email Rhonda Spencer, SLIS Placement
Director.
Job Search Process
The following links will help guide and facilitate students' job search endeavors, which should commence well in advance of graduation.
MIS |
MLS |
Although these links are separated by academic concentration, students are encouraged to investigate all of the links as the cross-cutting disciplines open up many employment opportunities.
