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Public Libraries

"A public librarian does more than check out books. Technology expert, information detective, manager, literacy expert, trainer, community programming coordinator, reader advisor, children’s storyteller, material reviewer and buyer—a public librarian’s job offers a diverse and exciting range of responsibilities, projects, and opportunities." from Public Librarians - It's More Than you Think

There are over 1,000 public libraries in New York State. Types of jobs include: reference, cataloging, technology, children's and youth services, readers' advisory, community outreach and much more.

• Find out what public librarians do : Public Librarians - It's More Than you Think
• What do librarians love about their jobs? Public librarians talk about why they became librarians
• Yeah, We Were Teens Once Librarians recall their teen years and why the became librarians

Video

A Career at Queens Library : This great video done by the public library system in Queens NY gives you a taste of what it's like to work for a large urban public library.

More information about Public Libraries

• Public Library Association (national organization)
• New York Library Association Public Libraries Section
• Children and Youth Services Librarian
• Library Journal Salary Survey of 2005 graduates
• PLA (Public Library Association) Blog

Blogs

Many librarians are blogging about public library work and issues. A few examples are listed here.

• Pop Goes the Library Using pop culture to make libraries better.
• Alternative Teen Services Sharing ideas, resources, and advocacy about serving teens.

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