This document outlines sources that a student could use to gain information about pursuing a career as a librarian, including experts in the field, professional organizations, blogs, websites, and magazine articles. The experts mentioned are renowned librarians who could provide guidance. The professional organization is specific to Pennsylvania. The blogs and websites discuss current issues and technologies relevant to librarians. The magazine article provides advice on getting a job as a librarian in today's market.

1. Student Name
Class/Period
Date
Personal Learning Network for Career of Librarian
The following represents sources that I could use to gain information concerning my chosen career field librarianship.
Experts
Dr.Joyce Valenza
Dr. Valenza is the librarian at Springfield HS in Pennsylvania. She is a renowned speaker and author of a widely
read blog called the NeverEndingSearch. I included her in my PLN because she is a trend setter for school
libraries. I first learned of her when I heard her speak at a conference and saw an article by her in School
Library Journal.
James Hadley Billington
Mr. Billington is the chief librarian at the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress is the official library of the
United States and thus has the leadership for all libraries. Mr. Billington has been the chief librarian since 1987
and is only the 13th Chief Librarian in our country’s history. He created the American memory project which
posted millions of items of American history online through the library.
Buffy Hamilton
Ms. Hamilton has become famous recently for her blog the Unquiet Librarian. What I like about her is that she
works with students every day in a school library so her advice and her comments are very practical. She posts
at least every week. She has also been featured in several librarian magazines.
Professional Organization
PA School Librarian’s Association (www.psla.org)
This group focuses on supporting school librarians in Pennsylvania. They hold an annual conference and award
several scholarships. I like that fact that it is a statewide organization, not national. That gives the group a local
feel.
Blog
Librarian.net. (http://www.librarian.net/)
This blog is rated a 10 by both Google and Technorati. Author Jessamyn West discusses current issues and
current books. The blog has a Twitter feed . This blog is very tech intensive and differs from what I usually read
because it doesn’t focus on schools.
Web 2.0 Site
Delicious (www.delicious.com)
I use Delicious to keep my bookmarks organized and accessible all the time. I can also use it to find other
people’s bookmarks. That way I know what the best websites are for librarians. People who have great
bookmarks on delicious include Jim Gates who is a technology coach for the state of PA. The latest thing they
have is a stack for the web.
Magazine Article
Batman, Cindy, and Janet Denny. "Librarians in the Brave New World of Today's Job Market." Texas Library Journal 87.2
(2011): 52-4. OmniFile Full Text Mega. Web. 6 Dec. 2011.
This article tells how to get a job in today’s market. The emphasis is on knowing your skills and having a good
resume with a cover letter.