So you want to become a librarian? 

Becoming a librarian has never been so exciting, rewarding, or accessible. It is a great way to make a positive difference in your life, the life of your community, and far beyond. The right-hand navigation buttons will get you on your way to becoming a librarian, or, if you already are one, to enhancing and advancing your career, as well as the profession.  

Alliance Library System (ALS) has sponsored several initiatives promoting librarians and education.  In FY03, ALS launched the Great Librarian Adventure.  Funded through a LSTA grant, the Great Librarian Adventure was created to increase the public awareness of diverse and dynamic nature of today's librarians and their profession.  In 2004, ALS began a cooperative three-year project with Dominican University Graduate School of Library and Information Science (GSLIS) to offer a master’s degree in library and information science accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The IMLS grant was entitled "Recruiting and Educating Librarians to Serve Rural Illinois" and educated librarians to serve in public, school, academic and special libraries in rural Illinois.  Libraries Matter is an on-going fund raising effort to bring awareness of the contribution of libraries.  Even though the target area has been the ALS, libraries and library supporters from New York to Oregon have participated in our efforts.    

If you are wondering what a librarian in the 21st century does, here are a few links that will help you with your decision to embark on one of the greatest career journeys, ever! Sometimes we are asked what in particular you have to study in high school or college to become a librarian. The answer is whatever you want! It’s helpful to have good computer skills, but anthropology majors, nurses, potters, and teachers all make their way into the library profession. Even rock stars! The rich diversity of backgrounds makes this a truly fun and exciting profession! What a wonderful way to make a difference in the world!

Top Ten Reasons to Become a Librarian

http://www.ala.org/ala/alonline/resources/selectedarticles/top10reasons.cfm

 How To Become a Librarian, by Rachel Singer Gordon — Library Journal June 1, 2005

http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA605244.html

 FAQs on library education accreditation from the American Library Association

http://ala.org/ala/educationcareers/education/accreditedprograms/index.cfm 

Central Jersey Regional Library Cooperative 

Comparison Guide to Distance Ed MLS Programs 

WebJunction Illinois link to the ALA accredited library schools in Illinois

http://il.webjunction.org/10

For new librarians or those changing jobs, ALA has a toolkit for getting a job in a tough economy

ALA’s Getting a Job in a Tough Economy toolkit

In the Library with a Lead Pipe blog lists "what not to do when applying for library jobs"

http://inthelibrarywiththeleadpipe.org/2009/what-not-to-do-when-applying-for-library-jobs/

So you want to become a library technical assistant? 

Perhaps you are interested in libraries but aren't sure if you are able to commit to There are many educational opportunties to become library technical assistants.  The Amercian Library Association (ALA) is a great place to start for locating information on this rewarding career!

ALA's Library Support Staff Resource Center

http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/hrdr/librarysupportstaff/library_support_staff_resource_center.cfm

WebJunction Illinois link to Library Technical Assistant certification programs available in Illinois

http://il.webjunction.org/10#lta 

 Continuing Education Opportunities for Librarians

Just like any profession, librarians are constantly working to keep up with the changes in the field.  Here are some links to continuing education opportunities for librarians.

Certified Public Library Administrator Program

http://www.ala-apa.org/certification/cplahistory.html 

Library Learning (L2) calendar

http://www.librarylearning.info/?LibSys=ALS

WebJunctionIL (incorporates some of CE sessions previously onLibraryU

http://il.webjunction.org/catalog