A state-of-the-art guide to the world of library and information science that gives readers valuable insights into the field and practical tools to succeed in it.As the field of information science continues to evolve, professional-level opportunities in traditional librarianship-especially in school and public libraries-have stalled and contracted, while at the same time information-related opportunities in non-library settings continue to expand. These two coinciding trends are opening up many new job opportunities for LIS professionals, but the challenge lies in helping them (and LIS students) understand how to align their skills and mindsets with these new opportunities.The new edition of G. Kim Dority's Rethinking Information Work: A Career Guide for Librarians and Other Information Professionals gives readers helpful information on self-development, including learning to thrive on change, using key career skills like professional networking and brand-building, and how to make wise professional choices.Taking readers through a planning process that starts with self-examination and ends in creating an actionable career path, the book presents an expansive approach that considers all LIS career possibilities and introduces readers to new opportunities. This guide is appropriate for those embarking on careers in library and information science as well as those looking to make a change, providing career design strategies that can be used to build a lifetime of career opportunity.

AcknowledgmentsIntroduction to the Second Edition1-Rethinking Information WorkChange HappensLifetime Employment vs. Lifetime EmployabilityCareer CompetenciesDesigning Your CareerBeginning Your Career JournalStarting Your ExplorationYour Value StatementResources2-Self-Knowledge: Your Career Starting PointWho Are You?Finding Out about YouInformation AptitudesPreference Filters: How Will You Work?Job-Specific ConsiderationsExploring Your Career PreferencesHow Preferences Shape Career PathsResources3-Traditional LIS Career PathsPublic LibrariesExploring Public Library CareersWhy You Might Love Being a Public LibrarianSchool Library Media CentersExploring School Library Media Specialist CareersWhy You Might Love Being a School LibrarianAcademic LibrariesExploring Academic Library CareersWhy You Might Love Being an Academic LibrarianTypes of Jobs within Traditional LibrariesIs a Traditional LIS Career Path for You?Resources4-Nontraditional LIS Career PathsBuilding a Nontraditional PathWorkplace EnvironmentTypes of WorkSalary and EducationExploring Nontraditional LIS CareersWhy You Might Love a Nontraditional Career PathResources5-Independent LIS Career PathsWhat Work Would You Do?How Would You Work?What Market Would You Target?What Would You Charge?How Would You Get Clients?How Would You Create and Maintain Your Support Community?And Don't Forget to Think AboutPortable LIS CareersSo You Want to Start a Research BusinessIncome and EducationExploring Independent Career PathsGetting Started as an IndependentWhy You Might Love Being an IndependentResources6-Understanding, Describing, and Documenting Your ValueUnderstanding Your SkillsDescribing Your SkillsRepurposing Your SkillsTransferable vs. Translatable SkillsAn Initial Process for Mapping Transferable SkillsCreating Your Portfolio Career-and Career PortfolioReviewing Your HistoryDesigning Your PortfolioGrowing Your PortfolioBenefits of a Portfolio ApproachThe Art and Science of Landing the JobResources7-Thriving on ChangePositioning for OpportunityThinking about ChangeCreating Your Change StrategiesThe Learning EdgeYour Education MapResources8-Building Professional EquityBuilding Your Network-Your Community of ColleaguesNurture Your Professional TiesMaintaining Your Professional NetworkMicro-Networking: Making Small TalkEstablishing Your Professional ReputationBranding for Beginners: What Assets Are You Taking Public?Building Professional Equity through AssociationsLinkedIn, Networking, Branding, and Your CareerProfessional Equity Equals OpportunityResources9-Getting from Here to ThereCareer Map ComponentsAssembling Your Career MapSample Career MapsSetting AgendasPutting Your Career Map in PlayUsing Your Career Map to Achieve Your GoalsAsking the Critical QuestionResources10-Improvising Your Resilient CareerWhat Does a Resilient Career Look Like?Actions for a Resilient CareerAttitudes for a Resilient CareerSelf-LeadershipGetting UnstuckTaking Charge When You're a StudentThe Fine Art of Career ImprovFreedom to ChooseResourcesAppendix A-Special Interest GroupsAppendix B-Career and Employment ResourcesAppendix C-LIS Blogs and Social MediaIndex