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Introduction
The purpose of this page is to give some resources for those who are interested in pursuing a career path in public librarianship!
Here you will find a mix of freely available and subscription resources as well as professional websites to help you learn more about different possibilities and areas of focus in librarianship.
- Public Libraries- ALA"Forget what you think you know about public librarians.
These days a librarian does a lot more than check out materials and shelve books. Technology expert, information detective, manager, literacy expert, trainer, community programming coordinator, reader’s advisor, children’s storyteller, material reviewer, and buyer are just a few of the hats a public librarian wears."
Journals
There are many journals that publish great scholarship focused on public librarianship. Below, you'll find a few recommendations to get you started exploring the literature! Journals with the gold "U" icon next to them are URI subscription resources while journals with the green "A" icon are open access publications (meaning, they're not behind paywalls and are publications you'll still be able to read freely after graduation).
Subscription Journals
- Public Library Quarterly byPublic Library Quarterly (PLQ) is addressed to leaders-directors, managers, staff, trustees, and friends-who believe that change is imperative if public libraries are to fulfill their service missions in the twenty-first century.
- Public Libraries byPublic Libraries is the official journal of the Public Library Association (PLA) and the only ALA journal devoted exclusively to public libraries.
- Young Adult Library Services byYoung Adult Library Services is YALSA's award-winning e-journal, and the preeminent journal on library services for and with teens. YALS features articles that showcase best and emerging practices, provides news from related fields, spotlight significant YALSA events and opportunities, and offer in-depth reviews of professional literature. *YALS is free for YALSA members.*
- Children and Libraries byChildren and Libraries (CAL) is the official journal of the Association for Library Service to Children. It serves as a vehicle for continuing education for librarians working with children, and showcases current scholarly research and practice in library service to children and significant activities and initiatives of the Association.
Open Access Journals
- The Journal of Research on Libraries and Young AdultsThe Journal of Research on Libraries and Young Adults is an open-access, peer-reviewed online research journal published by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Its purpose is to enhance the development of theory, research, and practices to support young adult library services.
- In the Library with the Lead PipeIn the Library with the Lead Pipe is an open access, open peer-reviewed journal founded and run by a team of librarians working in various types of libraries. In addition to publishing articles and editorials by Editorial Board members, Lead Pipe publishes articles by authors representing diverse perspectives including educators, administrators, library support staff, technologists, and community members.
Online Resources
All of these resources below are freely accessible!
- Public Libraries OnlinePublic Libraries Online serves as the official digital companion to “Public Libraries,” the bi-monthly print publication of the Public Library Association. Our primary mission is to provide a dynamic online platform that addresses the evolving needs and interests of public libraries and librarians.
- Turning the PageThis site offers an advocacy training curriculum and resources that can help the public library community – librarians, library directors, library staff, and partners- effectively advocate for funding, policies, and other support that will allow libraries to continue to meet the needs of their communities.
- Project OutcomeProject Outcome is a FREE online toolkit designed to help public libraries understand and share the impact of essential library programs and services by providing simple surveys and an easy-to-use process for measuring and analyzing outcomes.
- PLA Professional ToolsTopics include administration, management, technical services, community engagement, digital literacy, technology, advocacy, and more. The toolkit aims to support library professionals with access to current information resources and best practice guidelines.
- STEM Activity ClearinghouseIn the STEM Activity Clearinghouse, librarians and library staff can find high quality, vetted STEM activities that are appropriate for library use. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
- WebJunctionWebJunction equips library staff with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to power strong libraries that are the heart of vibrant communities. A program of OCLC Research, WebJunction is free and open for all libraries to use, regardless of size, type, or location.
Professional Associations
- Public Library AssociationThe Public Library Association (PLA) is the largest association dedicated to supporting the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals.
- Association for Library Service to ChildrenThe Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) is the world's largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children.
- Association for Rural & Small LibrariesThe mission of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries (ARSL) is to build strong communities through advocacy, professional development, and elevating the impact of rural and small libraries.
- Young Adult Library Services AssociationThe Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) empowers all those involved in the profession to provide equitable, diverse and inclusive teen service through networking, advocacy, and professional development.