City of Sydney Customs House library
opened its beautiful reading room for Library and Information students for a
panel discussion and networking event on Tuesday the 19th of May.
Panellists included Hiba Kanj (ALIA
Students and New Graduate Committee Convenor), Alex Cato (Australian Law
Librarians Association NSW Division President), Kate Byrne (International
Librarian’s Network) and Jeffery Cruz (Manager, City of Sydney Library).
Also in attendance were several CSU School
of Information Studies and TAFE Library and Information Services Staff.
Each panellist offered the attendees their
unique perspectives on all manner of library and education related questions,
from career and professional development, to their dream libraries.
Key points covered for getting a first
library job were:
- Address selection criteria directly! If unsure, use the STAR method. Most organisations will also have an information pack for addressing criteria.
- Work experience outside the LIS field is valid- many skills are transferable (teamwork, customer service etc)
- Showing/ admitting to nerves during an interview is OK, however crying may not secure you the job.
On Professional Development, the panel all
stressed the importance of continuous learning and engagement. Joining ALIA groups and going to events or trying out session of the International Librarians’ Network can lead to highly rewarding discoveries about the industry
and expand your professional network.
A very special thank you
to Kathy Tritsaris and staff for hosting this event, and to Mary Carroll, Jeff
Cruz, Kathy Tritsaris and Diana Richards for making it happen.
CW