What do you do if you're missing out on career growth opportunities in library services?

If you’re missing out on career opportunities in library services then you either need to assess your experience, interviewing skills, or the roles that have been available for you to apply. After determining which area is in need of a “reboot” make the improvements. Volunteer for job assignments in a new library area, practice your interviewing, and open yourself up to moving to a location with more opportunities. Good Luck!

Everyday self analysing will lead us towards our personal and career growth. Consistency and being clear with what are we doing will protect us from missing out actions.

If you're missing out on career growth opportunities in library services, consider these steps: Seek Professional Development: Attend workshops, webinars, or courses to enhance your skills and knowledge. Network: Connect with other professionals in the field through conferences, social media, or local library associations. Mentorship: Find a mentor who can provide guidance, share experiences, and help you navigate your career path. Update Your Resume: Highlight your skills and experiences effectively, focusing on achievements and relevant qualifications. Consider Further Education: If feasible, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications can open doors for advancement. Taking proactive steps can help you create new opportunities.

I encourage colleagues (especially in developing countries) to start their education journey not by applying for master's programs and scholarships right away but by reading books, journal articles, and even popular articles on librarianship and information science. In particular, I highly recommend the IFLA Journal and ital: Information Technology and Libraries. By getting a clear idea of the current discourse and scholarship in our field, we can plan our education more thoroughly. Oftentimes, independent reading activities might partly substitute the education itself. Graduate students spend a lot (if not most!) of their time reading books and papers, anyway.

Investir em conhecimento multidisciplinar fora da área de biblioconomia que possa ser adaptado para criar inova??o na nossa área, ser disruptivo, fora da caixa, acompanhar o mercado e as novidades na área de atua??o da biblioteca que você trabalha.

In addition to official library science education through degrees or conference, it is also a good idea to seek out additional knowledge in other fields. This can be done through classes provided via library databases- such as LinkedIn Learning and Universal Class. Especially beneficial would be subjects where you serve a large population that asks for them, but you did not focus on during university or are not your area of expertise. Online classes can even help you learn a new language in order to reach a broader audience. All this knowledge can help you both in your daily work, as well as give you an edge if you wish to be promoted.

Aspire to be a lifelong learner, participating in professional organizations, conferences, and trainings. Establishing a network of peers is invaluable. These connections not only lead to meaningful connections but also lead to meaningful opportunities.

Whenever I needed to do something within my library field or within my school, I would do my best to get involved with what's going on in the school. For example, I became a back-up proctor for exams when a teacher is absent. I learned to be a substitute and understood the process and policies of being an exam proctor. The most important key is to be open to any opportunity the school gives you no matter it's within your field or not.