Job Analysis

For this post I looked at job postings relating to the LIS field. I found a few jobs that interested me and thought about what I would need to do in order to get there.

The first job posting I found that interested me was a Digital Library Programmer for the Michigan State University Libraries. I have always been interested in technology and this job focuses on creating and implementing technologies and systems to enhance the MSU library’s mission. The Digital Library Programmer would work as a part of a team along with other library staff members to develop and enhance current applications used in the libraries. There are many requirements needed in order to be qualified for this job:

• ·      MLIS degree
• ·      Understanding of emerging technologies
• ·      Experience using Java, Python or PHP
• ·      Database construction
• ·      Superior HTML skills
• ·      Exemplary communication skills (oral and written)
• ·      Flexibility
• ·      Ability to work in collaboration with diverse populations
• ·      Self-motivation in continued learned and professional development

I believe I possess many of these requirements, however there are some areas in which I need to work on in order to obtain a job such as this. After completion of my MLIS degree at Wayne State I will meet this first requirement for the job. Because I have always had an interest in technology I am constantly researching new and up in coming technologies. This also coincides with the last requirement because I am always finding ways to become more knowledgeable in the field of research and technology. I believe I am very self-motivated and am constantly looking for ways to learn new things. I also believe I have good communication skills and am able to effectively work with others. Some areas that I would need to work more on in order to work in this job would be with Java, Python, and PHP. I have had some experience using Java, but I do not think this is sufficient for what this job entails. Also, I am familiar with very basic HTML skills but again not enough. I would need to take classes or attend trainings on these things in order to feel confident in my skills.

The second job posting I found that was of interest was the Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technologies at the University of Detroit Mercy. This position oversees two of the school’s libraries. In addition, the Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technologies guides the Instructional Design Studio in coordinating and developing policies that coincide with the school’s online classes, helps faculty and student proficiency with educational technologies, and selects and promotes beneficial instructional technologies to the University’s IT department. This librarian is also in charge of designing a plan that encompasses excellence in academics, technology integration, teaching, digitization, and research. Qualifications for this job include:

• ·      MLIS degree
• ·      Seven+ years of experience in an academic library administrator position
• ·      Knowledge of emerging educational technology trends
• ·      Second master’s degree/doctorate
• ·      E-learning experience
• ·      Effective communication and management skills
• ·      Experience with personnel, budget, management of facilities, and academic bargaining environments
• ·      Cultivation of external funds
• ·      Understanding of online education requirements
• ·      Self-motivation for continuous learning

This job would take some time for me to be qualified. Currently, I do not have the experience required so I would need to work in an academic library. As of now I do not have the administration experience needed so this is something I would need to work towards. I would need to work up to such a high administrative position by managing smaller groups at first and then working my way up. Also, I’ve only worked with managing a budget for a short period of time and the budget was relatively small. I think this experience would come while I am working as an academic librarian. Currently I believe I possess a handful of the requirements for this job. I have a master’s degree in education technology and I think this would be very beneficial since a portion of this job requires implementing new and effective instructional technologies. As I previously mentioned, I am good at communicating with others and making my expectations, needs, etc. known and well as continuously learning and attending professional development sessions to stay up-to-date with current and new trends in relation to instructional technology.

The last job posting I found that I would be interested in was a Dean III, Learning Resources & Educational Technology at Santa Rosa Junior College. This is also an administrative position in charge of Library Services, Media Services, and Online Education. The job entails coordinating and administrating educational programs relating to liberal arts and sciences and vocational programs. The main responsibilities of this job require the dean to provide direction of technology integration and planning. Requirements for this job include:

• ·      MLIS degree
• ·      One year of leadership experience
• ·      Knowledge of collection development, public services, technical services, media materials and services, and information technologies
• ·      Knowledge of library and technology trends
• ·      Knowledge of best practices for online education
• ·      Understanding of state and federal laws and regulations
• ·      Management skills
• ·      Organizational skills
• ·      Communication skills
• ·      Ability to work effectively with diverse populations 

I believe I would bring many positive qualities to this job. Upon completion of my MLIS degree I will have the necessary knowledge for this job, highlighted in bullet points three through six. I feel that I already have very good organization and communication skills, as well as an understanding of working with diverse populations. As with the second job I talked about, I would need to gain experience in an academic library. This position does not require as much experience but I feel that working for a few years as an academic librarian would be beneficial in providing me the experience I need.

This post was definitely interesting because I’ve always wanted to be a classroom teacher. After switching jobs this year to a school media specialist I’ve realized that the library is a passion of mine. While the jobs I found and described are not teaching roles, they do play an important part of what is being taught and implemented at the college level. This isn’t something I thought I would be interested in before, but after learning more about libraries and the roles of librarians it is something I am considering for my future.

References

Dean III, Learning Resources & Educational Technology - ALA JobList (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/Dean-III-Learning-Resources--Educational-Technology/28854.cfm

Dean of University Libraries and Instructional Technology - ALA JobList (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/Dean-of-University-Libraries-and-Instructional-Technology/29096.cfm

Digital Library Programmer, Librarian I - ALA JobList (n.d.). Retrieved April 21, 2015, from http://joblist.ala.org/modules/jobseeker/Digital-Library-Programmer-Librarian-I/29329.cfm