Academic Libraries QandA – Melanie Thorn

What does the Academic Library selection process look like? In my institution, there are usually three members on an interview panel (including the person that the role reports to, and someone from a different division). These three look at all of the applications (cv, cover letter, and sometimes key selection criteria) and shortlist favourites, then meet to decide who they’d like to see for an interview. After all of the interviews the panel come to an agreement on the preferred candidate and they’re offered the role.
What steps should students or graduates follow when formatting a resume to be noticed by Academic Libraries? Make it clear so I can scan it quickly, lots of white space. List current and previous roles and include a brief overview (preferably dot points) of what they involved. But I’m really more interested in your cover letter and/or key selection criteria (KSC). Address the KSC and make it clear how you meet them. Use the same terminology so it can’t be missed, as we’re often reading lots of applications. If you seem a good fit for the role from the cover letter/KSC then I’ll look at your cv, but if the cover letter isn’t tailored/is badly written/includes spelling mistakes etc then I’m going to assume you’re not that interested in the role, and am unlikely to look at your cv.
What technical and soft skills should students and graduates add to an Academic Library resume? Technical skills – at a large university like mine we use a huge number of new platforms/software, so I don’t expect you to know most/any of them. Instead I’m looking for a comfort with learning something new, and curiosity about new technology. Soft skills- in my division I’m looking for great customer service skills, time management, the ability to prioritise workload.
Should Professional Membership be added to a Professional Development Area? I don’t particularly look for it, but add it if you have it.
Should students and graduates create a Professional Summary to highlight their skills?Yes, that can be helpful.
What advice do you have for students who feel ignored by Academic Libraries for having volunteer library experience over paid library experience?Sorry, none! I wouldn’t do this. I’m interested in the length of time of the experience, rather than whether it was paid or not.
What advice do you have for School, Public and Specialist librarians to highlight experience for Academic Library jobs?Show me your customer service skills. Often too, I find that these librarians have worked in places with few staff and have had to do a wide range of tasks – this tells me that you’re good at managing your time, learning new skills, and probably have a diverse skill set. Emphasise that experience.
Do Academic Libraries provide Professional Development opportunities?Yes, definitely. There are paid opportunities but we’re also expected to pursue free opportunities – peer-to-peer professional development (informal and formal), attending webinars, and reading professionally.