How to Stay Afloat in the Academic Library Job Pool Review

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How to Stay Afloat in the Academic Library Job Pool ReviewI really wanted to dislike this book because of its size (it's thin!) and price, but I found it fairly useful.
Each chapter discusses various aspects of the academic library job search process, from reading a job ad to negotiating a job offer. The chapters are approximately ten to fifteen pages long, and at least one or two of those pages is a list of references or additional resources. Each chapter is written by a librarian at the University of New Mexico. This can be good and bad. On the positive side, each of the authors obviously is qualified to write about the job search process because they have served on one or more search committees. On the negative side, because all of the authors are from the same institution, the book relies heavily on the University of New Mexico library system for examples. I would have liked a little more diversity here.
The book provides a lot of advice on what to do (or not do) as a new librarian progresses through the job search process. Some of the advice is obvious ("Proofread your cover letter.") Other tips are much more useful, such as creating a chart for each job description. More seasoned librarians or graduates who have been on a lot of interviews may find these tips very obvious.
The highlights of the book are the chapters on compiling an application packet and giving a phone interview. Other chapters were lacking. Considering that the cover letter may be the most important document in the application packet, I felt this section was lacking. Examples of cover letters and CVs also would have been a welcome addition. I also was disappointed that the book did not address e-mailing vs. snail mail for application packets. Do you repeat your cover letter in the e-mail or just say "Attached are my application materials for position X"? If one chooses to snail mail an application, what type of paper should you use? Old fashioned resume paper or high quality copier paper? These and other questions remain unanswered.
For $50, I expected this to be the only book that I would need for the job search process. Far from it. Job seekers also should check out "Resume Writing And Interviewing Techniques That Work!: A How-to-do-it Manual for Librarians" by Robert Newlin.
For job seekers with some extra cash, "How to Stay Afloat on the Academic Library Job Pool" might be a decent investment. If your wallet is on the emptier side, Newlin's book is the better investment, while this one is worth checking out at your local library.
How to Stay Afloat in the Academic Library Job Pool OverviewThere's never been a more challenging time to find a position as an academic librarian, especially for thosewho have recently completed their library education. But whether job-hunters are jumping into the job poolfor the very first time, or back in the water after a dry spell, Neely and her crack team of expert contributorshave the information needed to stay afloat. Their collective wisdom will act as a lifesaver, providing
Practical and specific advice on how the job-search process works, including the how-tos of readingbetween the lines of a job listing and assembling a compelling application packet
Keys to understanding the mysterious ways of search committees, and what criteria may be used todetermine successful candidates
The nuts and bolts of undergoing a successful job interview, plus tips for negotiating when an offer is made
Job-hunters at every level of experience will find this volume the definitive resource for moving successfullyinto an academic career.

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