Dear Jonathan
You have my sympathies. Part of the chronic problem for library school
graduates is that supply outstrips demand. It can be done: I know of at
least one colleague, qualified in librarianship, who has reached a
position of seniority - but he is studying for an archives
qualification. Otherwise, a research-level qualification (MPhil or PhD)
can demonstrate the various analytic and research skills sought. My
advice would be to seek work experience, then when you've got it, go for
an assistant post and explore the avenues for financial support from an
employer. Have you tried looking for some kind of part-time work
experience, that is a voluntary placement, preferably in a cross-domain
reading room service which incorporates practices in both librarianship
and archives administration? I'm thinking of a CARN environment of the
kind we have at Canterbury. It might enable you to get a foot in the
door, and give you experience - and it opens up at least the possibility
of support from an employer for augmented training later on.
Best wishes
Keith
Keith M C O'Sullivan
Librarian, Canterbury Cathedral
-----Original Message-----
From: Archivists, conservators and records managers.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jonathan Dews
Sent: 23 April 2007 16:32
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: career advice
I am thinking of obtaining training/work experience in archives/records
management and would like to know if this can be done without doing an
MSc
in Archives/Records Management. I have 10 years' experience as a Libary
Assistant in a postgraduate medical school and have an MA in Information
Services Management. I have been applying for jobs involving user
education and enquiry work in academic/medical libraries but am finding
it
difficult to even get an interview owing to the competition for jobs. In
contrast I get the impression that archives/records management is a
growth
area. I see that there are various distance learning postgraduate
courses
in this subject. However as I have already invested time and money in
getting a general library qualification I am reluctant to do another
full
Master's degree. Do you think it's possible to move into this area
without
having the specialised degree?
Any advice you can give me will be much appreciated!
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