Getting Library Experience
5 Ways to Get Library Job Experience
- Getting library experience sometimes requires thinking outside of the box, especially if you already have a full-time job. Check out these 5 ways to get some hands-on experience that you might not have thought about before.
- Short and to the point, this article lists out various avenues you can look into if you're starting out with absolutely no, or a little, experience.
A Job Well Done: Bridging the Experience Gap with Internships
- Internships are a great way to grow your skills while at the same time getting to experience first-hand how a library functions. This article lists out five benefits of internships and concludes with tips on how to find one near you.
Opportunities Through the MSLS Program
Graduate Assistantships at UK Libraries
- There are opportunities for students to receive full funding from the graduate program with a graduate assistant (GA) position. These positions are 20 hours a week and for two semesters, with the possibility of renewal. Be sure to apply during the spring semester for the following school year. There are positions in multiple campus libraries in a variety of departments; these GA positions can assist you in gaining valuable working experience.
- One of the course offerings in the LIS program is the opportunity to complete a practicum (or two) for course credit. This is a great chance to get experience in the library of your choice, which will help you in your job search after graduation. Follow the link above for more information on completing a practicum.
- The UK School of Information Science offers an alternative spring break program in which students can gain career-enhancing experience working in the country’s leading national libraries and archives (like the Smithsonian Libraries and the National Library of Medicine). Applications are sent out through the listserv each Fall.
- UK posts student employment job opportunities related to Library Administration. Some are restricted to work study participants, but not all. Click 'Student Positions' to see what is currently available.
Paid (and Unpaid) Internships
There are multiple opportunities for internships (both paid and unpaid) for library students. The following list will give you a starting point for finding internships, but it is by no means exhaustive.
- If you're not already subscribed, the above link will give you details on how to subscribe to the LIS listserv under the "Current Students" heading. Jobs, internships, and other announcements are frequently sent out making it a great resource.
Internship Resources through the Career Center
- As a UK student, you have access to the resources and services offered by the Stuckert Career Center. The above link will take you to a page that lists various websites/organizations you can check with to find internships.
- This site allows you to specifically filter for internships to find what's available and what you're interested in.