Facet Publishing has published The New Professional's Toolkit, a practical guide to help new professionals in their career development as well as prepare current library & information science students for the road ahead. The resource is available through Neal-Schuman Publishers. Editor Bethan Ruddock seeks to draw together case studies from several different countries on various aspects of library and information work, bolstered by the expert advice of rising stars in the profession.
Exercises, hints and tips and suggestions for further reading offer additional support, giving new professionals the tools they need to thrive in all types of libraries and information organisations. Ruddock reportedly covers numerous important topics such as adapting to the new workplace environment and assessing and developing personal skills; and getting involved in professional networks, and self-promotion and marketing. Project planning and management; meeting library users’ needs and measuring success; and using online and social media tools are also covered. Other topics include developing technical skills; information ethics; working with stakeholders; funding and other financial considerations; writing and speaking, conferences and professional organisations; and further qualifications, mentoring and moving on.
Ruddock is content development officer, Library and Archival Services at Mimas, the University of Manchester, UK. Neal-Schuman Publishers, now an imprint of ALA Publishing, publishes professional books for librarians, archivists and knowledge managers.
