Starting Out? Start With YouWhat Every New Librarian Needs to Know

Karen SobelReference & Instruction Librarian/Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Colorado Denver

Lisa Carlucci ThomasDigital Services LibrarianSouthern Connecticut State University

- Starting Out -The Research & Publication Process

Karen Sobel

Where Research Questions Arise

• Conversations with colleagues• Things you notice while working• Holes in the literature

Ask yourself whether your research will benefit patrons and colleagues.

From Research Question... ...To Research Project

• Plan out your project in great detail before starting!

• Think about partnerships

Choosing the Right Venue

Publications• Investigating scope• Aim high!

Presentations• Where calls for presentations come from• Local vs. national• Be aware of your tenure requirements

Planning Your Research Project

• Review past studies carefully• Pilot test your instruments before starting the

study• Again: plan your study in great detail

beforehand. But be prepared to change

Institutional Review Board (IRB)

• What IRB is, and why it’s important• How you know whether to apply• Leave time for training!• Bizarre questions and the problem of 17-year-

olds

Data, Data, Data

• The importance of gathering demographics• Software• To use or not to use a statistician• Enticing statisticians

Preparing a Manuscript for Publication

• Write with a particular publication in mind• Write clearly. Don’t use jargon.

Handling Rejection

• If an editor returns your paper with suggested changes, it’s a good sign

• If you’re completely rejected, work on your paper and submit it elsewhere

Happy Things

• You’ll be rejected much less often than in library school

• You’ll get in a groove and gain skill and confidence

- Start With You - Positioning For Success

Lisa Carlucci Thomas@lisacarlucci

Know Yourself

• Where are you now?• Where do you want to be?• What is your expertise, talent, niche?• Make it so (build your brand)

Think BIG

Know Your Institution

• Understand the decision-making process• Historical knowledge is serious business• Generational values & expectations vary• Kindness is free (be generous)

Listen … Learn … Teach

Know Your Profession

• Research associations online & with peers• Take chances until you find your ‘place’• Start small: get involved, find your voice• Introduce yourself to everyone you meet

Learn By Doing:Your Contribution Matters

Know Your Opportunities

• Professional Identity: It’s Yours• Create a portfolio of your work• Stay current using alerts & social networks• Develop & expand your lifelong peer group

Be Flexible & AuthenticWork Outside Your Comfort Zone

Chart Your Course

• Your job is not your career• Seek experience-building positions (in the

direction you want to go / grow)• Anticipate setbacks & learn• Set your own personal & professional priorities

“Manifest Your Destiny in Real Time”

Thank You!

Lisa Carlucci ThomasDigital Services LibrarianSouthern Connecticut State UniversityThomasL10@southernct.edu

Karen SobelReference & Instruction Librarian/Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Colorado Denverkaren.sobel@ucdenver.edu

ALA Annual Conference 2010