October Ivins has worked in various library and information science roles since 1985, including positions at UNC Chapel Hill Library, LSU Baton Rouge Library, and UT Austin. She has been involved with professional organizations like ALA, NASIG, and SSP since 1981. As an independent consultant since 2001, Ivins mentors others on career development topics such as getting the most out of conferences, choosing positions, supervisor and coworker issues, and professional associations. Her document provides advice on training opportunities, managing staff, getting referrals, and preparing for phone interviews.

1. October Ivins, MLS
october.ivins@mindspring.com
Panel 1
October 4, 2016

2.  UNC Chapel Hill Library 1974/85
 UNC Chapel Hill SILS 1985/87
 LSU Baton Rouge Library, 1987/95
 UT Austin, SILS doctoral student 1995/98
 Publist.com, Director of Strategic Relationships
1998/2000
 Booktech.com, Chief Knowledge Officer 2000/01
 Independent Consultant July 2001-
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3. Dozens if not hundreds of roles
 ALA ALCTS 1981-
 NASIG 1986 –
 SSP 1988 -
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4. ◦ My Mentors
• Room to grow
• University support for managers
• Content Expert vs. Managerial Expert
• First professional conferences ALA, NCLA, Charleston,
NASIG, SSP (1981 - 88)
• Senior administrator, cross division
• Library director
• Conference speaker- dissertation topic
• Fellow students
• Supervisors
• Colleagues – first consulting
• Clients
• Mentees/ Proteges
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5. Supervising Staff and Graduate Assistants
• Where do you see yourself in five years?
• What are the favorite parts of your current position?
80/20 rule
• Shadow for a day, explain typical day, week, month
• Look at job descriptions
• What feedback have you received? How have you
responded- acted on it?
• Identify resources for feedback and support
• What additional training/ experience do you need?
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6. • Training opportunities- formal, informal
• Cross functional teams
• Volunteer for additional projects
• Professional organizations
• Technical/specific, Lynda.com, etc.
• Public speaking
• Project management
• Team roles, managing teams
• Managing up
• Online courses
• Advanced degree
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7. • Local networking – BWIN based on WWIN
• Regional groups
• SSP contacts, committees
• Porous boundaries- libraries, publishing,
vendors
• Referrals to search firms
• Finding mentors- it’s flattering to be asked,
may get referred on
• How to get the most out of a conference
• Ask for introductions
• Prepare presentation proposals
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8. ◦ Classes to take
◦ Reviewing position announcements
◦ Choosing positions
◦ First and subsequent jobs
◦ Changing fields
◦ Supervisor, co-worker issues
◦ Relocating
◦ Reviewing job offers – even turning down
◦ Phone interview questions and practice
◦ Tenure considerations
◦ Coaching for publication
◦ Professional associations and meetings
◦ Nominate for awards
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10. October Ivins, MLS
october.ivins@mindspring.com