NASIG Newsletter

22nd CONFERENCE
STRATEGY SESSION 

Hitting the Trifecta: Alternative Career Paths for Those with an M.L.S.
Anne McKee, Beverley Geer, Michael Markwith, Steve Oberg, Bob Schatz, and Christine Stamison
Reported by Lisa C. Gomes

This panel presentation featured six people, representing five alternate careers ranging from consortia to vendors.  Anne McKee first spoke about her role within the Greater Western Library Alliance, noting that she bridges the gap between the research libraries that are part of the consortium and vendors.  Ms. McKee emphasized that her M.L.S. provides her the advantage of being familiar with library jargon.  There are differences between the consortium and a traditional library that require more work on her part.  For instance, she telecommutes and it is more difficult to stay abreast of the current trends within the industry.
 
Bob Schatz talked next about his experience as a book jobber with Coutts Information Services.  Mr. Schatz noted that it is easy to get a job as a bookseller with an M.L.S.  His experience is quite transferable because the work that he does spans several areas within a traditional library: part cataloging, part administration, and part systems.  However, his measure of success is based on profit.

The first subscription vendor that spoke was Christine Stamison from Swets.  Ms. Stamison explained that her  customers view her as a trusted advisor because of her experience as a librarian.  However, there are some distinct differences working as a vendor.  Many business factors affect her work environment, such as mergers and the need to meet quotas.  She expressed that there is never a dull moment and if you have the gift of gab you would probably be successful. 

The next presenter was Steve Oberg, who spoke of his experience at Endeavor, where he created the specs for products, including the searching and taxonomy used by the systems.  Mr. Oberg acknowledged that while he is not responsible for managing a print collection, his M.L.S. allowed him to appreciate how information is organized.  He advised it is never a good idea to return to an old job, but instead to use that job to build and clearly articulate a record of accomplishment that you can include at the top of your resume. 

Beverley Geer from Sage Publications gave her perspective as a publisher.  She began by encouraging the audience to find something they do well, do it, and then grow to love it!  If you are considering a career switch, Ms. Geer suggested that you stay involved with your professional organizations, volunteer for committee work, and seek out a mentor.  She also suggested that you approach your job from the standpoint that you are educating your customers, not selling to them. 

The final panelist was Michael Markwith from WT Cox Subscriptions.  Mr. Markwith said that it is all about the people — the goal is to educate.  It is important to be passionate about your position and transform that passion into commitment for libraries. 

Questions and comments highlighted some final thoughts about working outside a traditional library environment.  It is a business mindset with a different vocabulary.  Often deadlines are more firm with the goal of coming in under budget.  You must be self-motivated and able to take rejection.  Even with these pressures, librarians employed by vendors are still extremely loyal to libraries and strive to keep up their professional involvement and personal relationships with librarians.