Metro-Atlanta Library Association Spring Meeting Summary

Job Hunting Workshop
April 17th, 2010
Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library

On April 17 over three dozen library job seekers, library staff, library school students, and librarians gathered for a highly informative and interactive five segment job search workshop at the new state of the art, "green" Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library, a branch of the DeKalb County Public Library. The meeting was free, open to the public, and offered two contact hours for librarians.

John Szabo, Director of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library and Dianne Smith, Human Resources Director for Emory University Libraries explained expectations of public and academic library search committees and some of the new trends of their libraries. Toco Hills-Avis G. Williams library branch manager, Lesley Barber, gave an overview of the Optimal Resume Database,  which allows storing and sharing resumes and cover letters and self-training for interviews. Christian Steinmetz, Creative Manager of Communications at Georgia State University Library, shared expert advice on preparation and presentations for interviews.

In a panel in the concluding segment, GSU Data Services Librarian Joe Hurley and Continuing Resources Librarian Kat Hart contributed first hand tips on how they found their new professional jobs at Georgia State University Library.

Networking opportunities abounded and the attendees were enthusiastic. Specific "takeaways" included tips for resume writing, interviewing skills, and search committee expectations. The Question and Answer sessions at the end of each segment provided additional value to the program.

Special thanks to all of the participants for making this such an interesting, timely and engaging event, and to Yuliya Hadzhieva, the Program Committee, and the MALA Board for all of the careful planning and arrangements.

Also thanks to Thom Shelton for the meeting summary and Yuliya and Steven Vincent for the photos of the event.

Pictorial highlights of the meeting and library tour appear below.