Information and Knowledge Professional's Career Handbook

A widely respected information professional working in the information industry since the late 1970s and as a knowledge management consultant since 1992, Ulla de Stricker is known for her pioneering activities, leadership, and support to colleagues through conference presentations, articles, books, and in the last several years through her Information and Knowledge Management Blog. Professionally, she assists clients in a wide range of strategic planning projects (see http://www.destricker.com). Jill Hurst-Wahl is president of Hurst Associates, Ltd. And Professor of Practice in Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies. Her involvement in libraries and the information industry spans several decades and includes staff and management positions and work as a consultant. She also has experience in broadcasting and information technology. Hurst-Wahl frequently advises and mentors those who are interested in a career in the information industry.

• Chapter 1: Introduction: an invitationOverview: what is in the bookChapter 2: An opaque profession: special challengesSome professions are universally understoodWhat do people know about what we do?Fashioning the value messageImplications: getting used to promotional activitiesShow us the money: what money?You mean… I have to sell myself constantly?The good news: selling value by giving valueChapter 3: Knowing who you are: your ‘work personality’ and your ‘best fit’Work preferences are personalOur fundamental approach to work vs. personal lifeQuestions to ponderImplications for types of environmentsYour natural roleDeveloping your personal skills: a growth planWhat can you do? Plenty!Chapter 4: Developing your brand: the professional imageDo you know how others see you?The core of our brand: the value we offer, the difference we makeChoosing a brand: rely on natural strengthsSupporting a brand: reputation and visibility in traditional and new mediaProfessional associations: key to brand buildingProfessional demeanor: it’s all about confidenceProfessional polish: appearance mattersTattoos, piercings, and purple hair: proceed with deliberation!Chapter 5: Looking for a job: tips and tricksGoing on a huntConventional and unconventional hunting locationsUsing bait to attract big gameBig game sighted!Surviving the interview callWho pays for the hunting road trip?Hunters look for tracks (or what do your feet say?)Big game crossingWe’ve been thereChapter 6: Creating your story: crafting a compelling resumePrint vs. onlineResume as sales instrumentThree common myths: don’t believe them!Essential sections in a resumeAccuracy, consistency, and economy of wordsVisual appearanceThe cover letterChapter 7: Knowing where you want to go: plan… but let chance have a chance!Getting ready for the tripTaking a detour… or twoWatch out for rough roads ahead – but use them to your advantageArriving at your destinationChapter 8: Navigating organizational culture: understanding politicsBecome familiar with the organizational structure and cultureGain political powerUnderstand the wordsCreate a common bondDeal with abuseDeal with conflictA few dos, don’ts, and watch-outsChapter 9: Winning support: ‘selling’ proposals with the business case approachBut don’t good ideas sell themselves?What is the business case approach?If money isn’t involved – what about grassroots support for an idea or initiative?How are credibility and social capital built?What does grassroots persuasion ‘look like’?The ‘business case in reverse’: demonstrating existing valueThe testimonial evidenceThe ROI calculationChapter 10: Making the leap to a managerial role: being the bossA management role is not a mustWhat is the definition of ‘manager’?What does a manager ‘do’?Typical management challengesHow can one learn to become a (better) manager? There has to be a way!What you need: basic skillsWhat you need: personal abilitiesA unique challenge: being promoted from a team to manage itReap the rewardsChapter 11: Resilience at work: coping when things get toughIt’s tough all over – let’s pull togetherAn attitude of gratitudeA positive atmosphere is everyone’s responsibilityDealing with difficult people‘But I hate my work’Should you quit?The bottom line: trust your gutChapter 12: About the moneyWhat are you worth?What is in a compensation package?What is in a benefits package?When benefits are more important than moneyHow to assess a job offer and negotiate your compensationThe salary roller coasterTrade or labor unionsOther professional organizationsIn the end, it’s not about the moneyMeasuring your successChapter 13: Passing it on: collegial support or mentoringPassing on knowledge and skills to othersWhat is meant by mentoring?Where do you start? Just go ahead!The unmentorablesChapter 14: Our colleagues speak: career snapshotsConstance ArdLori BellPatrick DanowskiEli EdwardsNicole EngardSergio FelterStacey GreenwellMichael C. HabibBruce HarphamRuth KnealeJane Kinney MeyersAlison MillerPauline NicholasKarolien SelhorstBente Lund WeisbjergQuestions our colleagues want to askChapter 15: Jill and Ulla speak: our professional journeysJill’s storyUlla’s storyEpilogueResourcesIndex

"The Information and Knowledge Professionals Career Handbook invites you to define and create your own success in the next phase of your career. It is a book that has struck a chord with me, and whether you are actively looking for a new job, or just starting to consider your next professional move, I thoroughly recommend that you read it."--InformationToday online, January 13, 2014 "The Information and Knowledge Professionals Career Handbook invites you to define and create your own success in the next phase of your career. It is a book that has struck a chord with me, and whether you are actively looking for a new job, or just starting to consider your next professional move, I thoroughly recommend that you read it…if you are planning to make a new beginning in 2014, this excellent book will start you off in the right direction."--InformationTodayEurope online, January 13, 2014 The information they provide is practical, actionable, and from this professional's experience, spot on. A recommended addition to the literature of LIS career development., Customer review on Amazon.com ...a must-read book for anyone in the "information professions" - whether they are students, recent grads, or later-career professionals looking to chart the course of the rest of their working lives., Customer review on Amazon.com An excellent resource and is applicable to other professions., Journal of Academic Librarianship