Re: TARGET: Library Media Specialists--Where Do They Come From

[Kathleen Finnerty <Kathsaturn@AOL.COM>]

As per Maureen's question,

I am a recent MLS-school media concentration graduate.  This is a second
career for me, as I received my BA in English in 1990, worked in marketing
for a technical publishing company for 2 years, then worked in Human
Resources for a Big Six (not Eisenberg!) Accounting/Consulting firm before
deciding to return to school to become a school librarian.  Why did I make an
extreme change from the business sector to the world of education?  I was
tired of pushing paper from one side of my desk to to the other all day long
and leaving without a real feeling of accomplishment.  I debated between
going back to school for an MLS or a master's in elementary education until a
friend pointed out I could be an elementary school librarian and have the
best of both worlds.

I attended library school part time for a year, then left my job to pursue my
studies full-time, for an additional  one and a half years.  It has been my
experience, in most of my interviews (these have been in NY, CT, and MA) that
every school wants a certified school library media specialist with an MLS
from an ALA accredited school.  Perhaps a district may be more lenient for a
teacher who has been in the district for a period of time and doesn't have an
MLS degree, but I know that the 3 states I've looked into are quite
particular about the proper certification.  I may be speaking too quickly,
but a district hiring an LMS without an MLS may not be as concerned/ devoted
to their school library program than one which requires the degree.
Tech-nology is a huge issue and I believe I have an advantage in that I am
new and it was pounded into my head for 2 1/2 years of library school.  Also,
having grown up in the "computer age", while I'm not a whiz, I am comfortable
around computers, whereas many individuals who've been in the teaching
profession for many years may be computer-phobic (I am NOT trying to insult
anyone here!!  I've heard this from individuals themselves admitting their
computer-illiteracy.) .

I'm not employed yet, but interviewing like crazy and am happy to say that
there seem to be an abundance of jobs available (the fact that I haven't been
hired IS beginning to concern me....), but I had 3 interviews this past week
(actually 3 in one day!) and 3 next week.  I had a wonderful experience
student teaching in a K-5 school this past semester and am truly thrilled
that I have chosen this profession!!
**Also, for any other newbies, mention LM_NET when you go on interviews!!!
 Many districts do not have library/media coordinators, and if you are
speaking directly to a principal, they are _extremely_ impressed by the fact
that you're communicating with others in the field.  I always emphasize the
information I've gotten from this list, from lesson plans to general info.
 Many principals are not aware of this wonderful list and are pleased to know
you are keeping "connected" to what's going on; it also doesn't hurt to let
them know that you can find info for the principals on the list as well!!

Kathleen Finnerty
MLS-School Media
University at Albany grad. - May '97
unemployed but optimistic.....
Kathsaturn@aol.com