Job Analysis in the MLIS Profession

While I am still struggling to define what my ultimate dream job in the MLIS field would be, I have found a couple of different jobs that have really peaked my interest. 

Reference Librarian
What are some of the skills a reference librarian needs?

• Strong customer service skills
• Strong communications skills both in writing and communicating verbally
• Effective and efficient searching skills- both on line and using other sources
• Computer skills: software knowledge and the ability to teach others how to use the software as well
• Sense of humor (really I saw a job ad that asked just exactly this from applicants!)
• A reference librarian probably reports to a library director or manager
• How might this help position help me later on in my career?  Know how to research and get information is always a necessary requirement in a library setting.  This knowledge would also be useful in the future for other positions not in the library field.  Possibly I could open up my own freelance business as well, researching information for others.

Library Director
What are some skills needed to be a library director?

• Management skills: hiring, scheduling, human resources, overseeing staff, job reviews, discipline, etc
• Basic knowledge of all jobs in the library- cataloging, programming, reference, tech help, circulation, shelving, weeding, etc.
• Administrative skills: Payroll knowledge, accounting skills, budgeting skills, advertising, marketing, public relations
• Community relations: Policies and procedures in regards to the community, work with government officials within the community towards common goals, working with the public to give the library a good image, dealing with upset patrons or community members, knowing about millage issues and how to work towards a successful millage
• Fundraising
• Managing and growing collections
• Working for and with a board of directors
• How would this position help me later on in my career?  A library director doesn't just have to have library skills but they must also have business knowledge and know how to run a business.  A library director doesn't work for just one person but instead works for an entire board of directors.  At this time, I see being a library director as an end job, one that I would be able to retire from.  Originally this is the job I had in mind when I started my MLIS journey.  I worked for several years for a not for profit organization where I thought maybe someday I would be able to be the manager.  Since that organization has changed drastically, that is no longer an option.  I was able to obtain many skills during my time there such as those in accounting, supervision, budgeting, advertising, marketing and public relations.

Systems, Reference, Instruction and Web Librarian
What are some skills that this profession would require?

• Library promotion
• The ability to teach students library skills, database, and web searching and evaluation skills
• Help patrons develop effective research strategies and provide copyright assistance
• Collection Development
• Maintain and develop a websites
• Be able to work with a group on developing collections
• Ability to work with IT department to keep library systems maintained and running
• Must be able to use good judgment in handling sensitive or difficult situations in a pleasant and professional manner
• This position reports to a director of library and learning commons
• How would this position help me in my career?  This would be a great end role position, again one I could retire from.  I believe that this job would be interesting, ever changing and allow me the opportunity to teach others about all the great things a library holds (although other jobs would do this as well).

These are a few of my favorite job postings out there at the moment!  All involve a library as I love my current job working for two.  All involve interacting with people which I enjoy as well.  They all are slightly different with two of them being in more of a managerial role.  At this point in my life, I am not seeking a long career path.  I have already followed a couple career paths and at this point, I am seeking my end path that will lead me into retirement.  Maybe once I am retired I would look into using my skills in a part time side career or maybe I will just head off into the sunset and enjoy the beach most days.