Re: Library Interview Portfolios

[Hildegard Pleva <HPleva@AOL.COM>]

My experience with interview portfolios has been excellent. I used a
portfolio for interviews in 1990, 1991 and 1995. In every case I was offered
a job. I did not accept the position offered in 1995 but the administrator
who interviewed me and was responsible  for libraries in the district (but
not a librarian) asked if she could keep the portfolio for a while. She said
it taught her a great deal about the nature of the work. In 1991 when I
accepted my current position it was one of many offers.

In all cases interviewers where impressed with the idea of a portfolio at
all. Then they were impressed with what it contained. It is my experience
that administrators do not know the first thing about libraries and hardly
know what to ask. The portfolio gave them something to go on.

What can a portfolio include:

If you are not an experienced librarian do include:

     your resume

     photos, brochures, flyers, etc. for special programs, exhibits,
contests, etc. that you
     have created as a classroom teacher, student teacher, camp counselor,
youth           pro-gram director or volunteer. Be imaginative - anything you
have created for           children.

     copy of a report or presentation given in the course of library studies.

     Newspaper clippings for coverage of anything you have accomplished -
      community service of any kind, academic accomplishments, Eagle Scout,
etc.
     You get the idea.

If you are an experienced librarian:
     same as the above wherever they may apply

     copies of your library bulletin, annual report to your administrator, a
brochure                created to highlight the services of your library (I
made one that I put out for open          house, etc.)

     photgraphs of your library and any special exhibits, book displays or
bulletin              boards  you have created

    newspaper clippings of publicity you have sent out and coverage of your
programs

I used a narrow looseleaf binder for which I made an attractive but not
splashy cover. Each page  was enclosed in a plastic sleeve. Purchase these at
any office supply store. I made small tabs which divided the book - resume,
reports, programs, activities, community service. Copy some of the materials
onto colored paper to add a bit of interest.

Good luck to everyone who is job hunting out there. Post to me directly for
more information.

Hildegard N. Pleva, LMS
Linden Avenue Middle School, Red Hook, New York
hpleva@aol.com

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