Freedom to Read Foundation Memberships

The Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) is offering free one-year memberships to students graduating from ALA-accredited MLS programs. The offer is good for three months after graduation. See www.ftrf.org/graduates for more information.

Current students can join for just $10 a year at www.ftrf.org/joinftrf.

FTRF is an affiliated organization of the American Library Association that works to promote and defend the right of individuals to freely express ideas and to access information in libraries and elsewhere.

LITA Student Writing Award

Did you write a killer paper this quarter? Don't let it just sit there on your hard drive. Submit it for the LITA/Ex Libris Student Writing Award! Your paper could win you $1,000 and a chance to be published in LITA's professional journal. See the guidelines for more information.

Image Credit: CC - Flickr - karindalziel

End-of-Quarter Happy Hour

It's the end of the Fall quarter! We invite you to join us for Happy Hour at the Landmark Restaurant (Market St, between 33rd & 34th Sts) this Thursday, December 9th, at 5pm. Free appetizers will be provided by fellow iSchool group, DUSLA!

Image Credit: flickr.com - MissTessmacher - CC license

Job - Reference/Circulation Assistant - Penn State Abington

New part-time job available!

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Reference/Circulation Assistant

The Penn State Abington Library has an opening for a part-time Library Assistant, 18 hours per week, primarily evenings and weekends. Responsibilities will include reference and circulation duties and assisting with other tasks and special projects as assigned.

Required: Bachelor's degree. Excellent interpersonal , customer service, verbal and written skills. Ability to work both independently and with others in a team environment. Good computer skills. Commitment to providing responsive and innovative services to a culturally and racially diverse campus. High degree of reliability and ability to work a flexible schedule. Prefer some library experience.

Graduate students are encouraged to apply. Review of candidates will continue until position is filled.

To apply: Send letter of application, resume, and the names of three references to Dr. Dolores Fidishun, Head Librarian, Penn State Abington Library, 1600 Woodland Rd., Abington, PA 19001.

Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

Winter Term Low Enrollment

Pounce on these classes before they are gone! The following Winter term classes are in danger of being canceled due to low enrollment. If any of these look interesting to you, sign up now in DrexelOne before it's too late!

On-campus classes

• INFO 604-500: Object-Oriented Prgmg Info Sys
• INFO 780-500: Storytelling
• INFO 780-501: International Information Issues

Online classes

• INFO 616-900: Computer Support Co-Op Work
• INFO 621-900: Social Media Resource Design for Info Prof
• INFO 667-900: Research Collections

Image Credit: flickr - matt knoth

Be very, very quiet -- I'm hunting jobs!

As the fall quarter begins to draw to a close, it's beginning to look a lot like job hunting season for soon-to-be full-fledged MS(LIS)es.

The Steinbright Career Development Center can help you develop your resume and fine tune your job applications. SCDC's Ken Bohrer shared a Power Point presentation on best practices with us during our resume review night last month, which we've made available as a Google Doc. His contact information is on the last slide.

Jen Lally, the iSchool's Career and Event Services Coordinator, is responsible for the practicum program and also can provide advice about the job search process. For more information on doing a practicum, see this handout or the iSchool website. You can contact Jen at lally AT drexel.edu. Jen also shared this incredibly helpful post from academic librarian Joe Hardenbrook about all aspects of the library job search process.

If you are a member of the New Members Round Table, make sure you take advantage of the group's resume review service. If you are already a member of ALA, joining NMRT is easy, inexpensive (just $10) and extremely practical, connecting you to other new librarians and mentors throughout ALA. The NMRT page also has a bibliography of helpful links for all who are job hunting.

One final note: We'll post the link to last week's webinar -- Job Hunting for the Recent or Future MLS Graduate -- as soon as it is available.If there are other career-related events or posts you would like to see during the winter or spring quarters, let us know in the comments or by sending us an email at drexelscala AT gmail.com.

LIScareer.com has a new article by a recent LIS graduate, Anne Jumonville, on the sometimes strange and uncertain transition from student to professional.

What are your concerns about graduating into the work force and leaving library school behind?

Image Credit: flickr.com - [ModernDope] - CC license

Two New Internships

The University of Pennsylvania has two new internships!

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Title	Penn Libraries Van Pelt Library Reference Internship
Categories	Part-Time
Location	Philadelphia, PA
Employer	University of Pennsylvania
Duties & Responsibilities	§ Work in the Research & Instructional Services Department (RIS) of Van Pelt Library, the University's social sciences and humanities library. § Assist patrons at the Reference Desk in using Penn's large collection of print and digital resources. § Process reference materials into and out of the reference collection. § Participate in a range of library instruction activities. § Special projects as appropriate.
Qualifications	§ Must be a current student in an ALA-accredited graduate program in library/information science § Strong academic background. § Able to learn quickly, take initiative, handle busy situations. § Public service orientation. Our extensive training program leads us to ask for a minimum one year internship commitment.
To Apply	Please send a cover letter and resume to: Elizabeth Martin martinev@pobox.upenn.edu Please write "RIS Internship" in the subject line.
Salary	$15.00/hour; paid vacation and sick time.
Hours	20 hours per week; daytime and weekend hours.

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Title	Library Cataloguing Intern
Categories	Part-Time
Location	Philadelphia, PA
Employer	Demography Library, Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania
Duties & Responsibilities	Retrospective barcoding of the LC classed books in the collection, special emphasis on the Foreign Government Documents; Copy Cataloging; MARC record maintenance and clean-up; Add holdings information for serials to MARC records; Create original and complex copy cataloging MARC records for books and other formats as needed; Assist with data entry for other databases maintained by the center staff as needed; Assist with special research project collections; Assist with non-cataloging projects and tasks as needed.
Qualifications	Required: Experience with library cataloguing or training in how to catalog for library databases; Basic computer skills including intermediate MS Office skills; Experience with or knowledge of the US MARC format, AACR2R2 and LC Classification and Subject Headings; Ability to work independently and as a member of a team; Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills. Preferred: Prior experience working in an academic research library; Experience in processing and evaluation of library materials in various formats for cataloguing; Ability to learn quickly, take initiative and to be flexible desired; and Cataloguing experience using the EOS International system. Current MLS students strongly encouraged to apply.
To Apply	Funding is available for this position through the end of May 2011 and the position is to be filled ASAP. Interested applicants should send an EMAIL expressing interest in the position with a resume to: Nykia M. Perez nmperez@pop.upenn.edu
Salary	$15.00/hour
Hours	20 hours per week; Temporary Part-Time Staff position

Upcoming (and free!) job search webinar

From the ALA Chapter Relations Office …


LLAMA Human Resources Section Presents a Free Webinar on Job Hunting for the Recent or Future MLS Graduate

You have or soon will earn your MLS degree---but what’s next? –- how do you put it to work? Applying and interviewing for a professional library position can be fraught with anxiety and frustrations. But you can put yourself ahead of the herd with the right information and strategies. The Library Leadership and Management Association’s Human Resources Section (LLAMA-HRS) will present “Job Hunting for the Recent or Future MLS Graduate” Thursday, November 18, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm CST. This free webinar is geared towards library students or recent MLS graduates about to enter the workforce or start a job search.

Participants will increase their confidence and raise their success rate; gain a comprehensive understanding of how libraries conduct searches and make hiring decisions; and learn what libraries are seeking.

Speaker: Brian Keith is Assistant Dean for Human and Financial Resources at the George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida. He will share his insight and advice from years of experience recruiting librarians.

Register online at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/188096954

Help Wanted!

Are you busy completing the youth services concentration? Or do you love public libraries, video games, crafts, or all of the above? Then you may be interested in helping our fellow library student Rosy Henderson with her late-night teen event!

She's looking for extra chaperones for an upcoming Teen Night at the Collingswood (NJ) Public Library. It's happening Thursday, November 4th, from 8:30 to midnight. There will be two Wii tournaments, a scavenger hunt, craft tables, and the night will wrap up with a showing of Nightmare Before Christmas, and movie trivia.

If you'd like to participate and get a glimpse of how to put on an awesome teen event, contact Rosy Henderson directly at rosanneelizabeth@gmail.com. This could be a nice addition to your resume!

SCALA Happy Hour

Image Credit: jennifer konig - flickr

We're having another Happy Hour! Come hang out with fellow students and take a much needed break from studying and writing papers.

When: Tuesday, November 9th, 5pm

Where: Landmark Restaurant & Bar (On Market St between 33rd and 34th Sts)

Enjoy free appetizers and special happy hour drink prices!

Hope to see you there!

ACRL Conference Scholarships

More Than 80 Scholarships Available for the 2011 ACRL Conference

To facilitate attendance in Philly, ACRL is offering more than 80 scholarships exceeding $40,000 in value to support participation in the conference for librarians, students, Spectrum Scholars, and support staff.

There are five scholarship categories, and all applications must be received by November 9, 2010.

Visit the scholarships section of the conference website for more details.

Get your spook on — Drexel-style

Kick off your Halloween celebration on campus with two events Friday, October 29.

Start with the Drexel University Archives' zombie party from 3-5 p.m. The archives will be bringing their collections “back from the dead” with a hands-on conservation demo and showing off rare books and artifacts. Don't miss the zombie-themed cookies and cupcakes! The archives are located on the ground floor of Hagerty Library (33rd & Market streets).

From there, head to the Graduate Student Association/Chemical and Biological 
Graduate Student Association Halloween Party from 5-9 p.m. in the Van Rensslaer Ballroom (33rd & Powelton). The theme for the costume party is Nerd Alter-Ego. 
There will be music, food, adult beverages, pumpkin bowling, pie eating contest (sign up at the door), 
bobbing for apples, horror movie trivia and more. GSA is our main funding source, so please take the opportunity to check out one of their events.

Happy Halloween!

Resume Review Night Coming Up

SCALA and the iSchool are hosting a Resume Review Night featuring one-on-one resume critiques with librarians in the field and a presentation of best resume practices by a representative from the Steinbright Career Development Center. Sign up for a meeting with a librarian and bring your latest resume draft! If you aren't available for a one-on-one session, join us for our Best Resume Practices presentation and learn something new! Food will be provided as well.

When: Wednesday, October 27th
4-5pm - One-on-one Resume Critiques (15-minute slots available)
5-6pm - Presentation by SCDC on Best Practices followed by Q&A session, FOOD TOO!!!
6-7pm - More one-on-one Resume Critiques (15-minute slots available)

Where: Randell Hall, Room 329, (On Chestnut St between 31st and 32nd Sts.)

Sign up for a resume critique here: http://bit.ly/ResumeReview

We will contact you individually with your time slot and librarian. Or you can join us from 5-6pm for some food and an informative presentation!

Hope to see you there!

Job - Learning Resource Specialist - Community College of Philadelphia

A great position for someone looking for basic library experience!

*****

Part-Time, Learning Resources Specialist B

The largest public institution of higher education in Philadelphia, Community College of Philadelphia is seeking a part-time, Learning Resources Specialist B to provide outstanding customer service to students, faculty, staff and patrons at the College library.

Hours are Monday 4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.; Wednesday 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. and Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. with a ½ hour unpaid lunch totaling 16 hours per week. This position performs clerical and technical duties including check-ins and check-outs; accepts fines and answers policy questions; enters and processes materials; shelf-reading, etc.

Minimum qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, one year experience in a library environment, and exceptional teamwork and customer service skills required.
For a complete position description, required qualifications and to apply online, please visit our career site at https://jobs.ccp.edu.

Interested persons should complete an online application and attach a cover letter of interest and resume. You may also attach the names and contact information of three professional references. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Review of applications will begin on 11/04/2010 and will continue until the position is filled.

Financial Assistance and Scholarships for LIS Students

Via the ALA Student Member Blog ...

"Looking for additional financial assistance? Look first in the 2011 Financial Assistance for Library and Information Studies Directory(FALIS). In this annual directory of awards from state library agencies, national and state library associations, local libraries, academic institutions and foundations you will find various types of financial assistance for undergraduate and/or graduate education programs in library and information studies.

For information on scholarships available through the American Library Association, visit ALAScholarships."

Entry-Level Job Ads for MLS Grads

Want to know more about the current trends in entry-level librarian jobs? Check out Reeves and Hahn's study of job ads for new MLIS graduates and get a better idea of what you can expect to see when applying for that first professional library job.

Reeves, R. K. & Hahn, T. B. (2010, April 21). Job advertisements for recent graduates: Advising, curriculum, and job-seeking implications. Journal of Education in Library & Information Science, 51(2).

Sign up for Resume Review Night

Image Credit: Flickr - SOCIALisBETTER

SCALA's Resume Review Night is only two weeks away! If you come to our Fall Meeting tomorrow (10/13/10, 5:00 PM, Rush Rm 209) you can be among the first to sign up for a slot!

On October 27th, you will have the chance to get your resume critiqued one-on-one with a seasoned librarian who has real hiring experience. They will look at your resume from the hiring librarian perspective and tell you what you can do to make your resume grab the attention of prospective employers.

Online sign ups will be happening soon, but why wait? Come to our Fall Meeting, grab a bite to eat, and sign up to get your resume reviewed before the rest of the crowd.

Sponsored by the iSchool and SCALA

Job - Part-time Librarian - Community College of Philadelphia

Position
Librarian, Part-Time

Job Description
Community College of Philadelphia seeks to hire a Part-Time Librarian (up to 24 hours per week as needed) to provide public service activities in a culturally diverse community college library.

Job Requirements
Master of Library Science (MLS) Degree that is ALA-accredited required. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal and interviewing skills, knowledge of general reference resources. Must have demonstrated experience with electronic databases, instruction, library automation and an articulated philosophy of teaching.

How To Apply
* Interested persons should complete an online application at https://jobs.ccp.edu.

* Cover letter of interest and CV/resume REQUIRED.

* Names and contact information of 3 professional referenced REQUIRED.

* Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

* Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Community College of Philadelphia is an affirmative action, equal opportunity and equal access employer. The College encourages applications from individuals from traditionally under-represented groups. AA/EOE.

SCALA Fall Meeting

Image Credit: Flickr - paul (dex)

Fall means getting out your sweaters, drinking pumpkin lattes, and coming out to SCALA's fall meeting!

We will be planning upcoming events and as well as asking for your ideas on what you'd like to see us do more of in the future.

When: Wednesday, October 13th, 5:00 PM

Where: Rush Building, Room 209

FREE FOOD!! TELL YOUR FRIENDS!!

We hope to see you then!

FALL MEETING FLYER

Banned Books Week — the online event!

Do you want to win a banned book of your very own? Share your thoughts, comments and experiences about banned and challenged books and materials below and be entered for a chance to win. SCALA will randomly select one commenter to win a copy of one of the four books given away during Thursday's on-campus event.

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After Rancocas Valley Regional High School faced a full-fledged book challenge last spring, librarian Dee Venuto presented her take at ALA's Annual Conference. Check out her talk here (starting around 34 minutes): http://blip.tv/file/3998284/



For a closer look at the Prezi shown during the talk:  http://prezi.com/pnlljhzmikkd/book-challenge/

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NEW: Check out the notes from "Social Networks, Teens, and Controversial Content: A New Take on Banned Books Week" by iSchool associate professor Denise Agosto.

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ALA Banned Books Week site: http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/bannedbooksweek/index.cfm
Mapping Book Censorship: http://bannedbooksweek.org/Mapofbookcensorship.html

SCALA events this week!

Join SCALA, Drexel's student chapter of the American Library Association, for two events this week -- the iSchool's Fall Festival and our own Banned Books Week event, cosponsored by the iSchool.

Fall Festival -- Wednesday, September 29

SCALA will be at the iSchool Fall Festival on Wednesday, Sept. 29 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Rush Alumni Garden. Come make your own cheesesteak and learn more about the iSchool's student organizations, career services and peer mentoring programs. RSVP to this event at: www.ischool.drexel.edu/fallfestival

A New Take on Banned Books Week -- Thursday, September 30
In honor of Banned Books Week, iSchool associate professor Denise Agosto will be giving a talk titled "Social Networks, Teens, and Controversial Content: A New Take on Banned Books Week" at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 30 in Hagerty Library room L33. Pizza and refreshments will be provided by the iSchool. The event will conclude with banned book giveaways!

The talk will be simulcast at http://bit.ly/SCALAevent

The archived lecture, along with additional Banned Books Week resources and another chance to win a banned book, will be on our blog (http://drexelscala.blogspot.com/) starting Friday.

For more information, email drexelscala@gmail.com

Abstract: Librarians and others interested in issues relating to censorship and the freedom to read have been celebrating Banned Books Week for nearly 30 years. In today’s highly digital information world, it’s time to expand our thinking about censored materials from just printed books to include other forms of controversial reading materials, such as websites and digital networks. This presentation will summarize the major issues relating to teens and privacy and security in online social networks and suggest ways that librarians can help adolescents to become safer digital citizens while still protecting their freedom to read and exchange information.

Volunteer Job - Student Web Editor - ACRL

Do you have web design skills and superb writing chops? The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) is looking for two student volunteers to contribute to the Residency Interest Group website. This is a great way for future academic librarians to boost your resumes.

Student Web Editors

The editors of the ACRL Residency Interest Group (RIG) website are looking for two student volunteers. Volunteers will develop stories and contribute content, in various formats, on topics of interest relevant to current library science students, new graduates, and early career librarians. Applicants should be currently enrolled in a library science graduate program with a strong interest in academic librarianship.

Additional requirements include:
* CMS: Familiarity with WordPress or a similar CMS
* Image editing: Proficiency in a photo editing software
* Audio/Video editing: Experience creating and uploading audio and/or video podcasts
* Writing: Ability to write in both a scholarly (academic) and informal (blog) style, as required

Please send letters of interest to Rabia Gibbs (rgibbs4@utk.edu) or Faith Steele (faith.steele@marquette.edu).

SCALA/DUSLA/DUSAA happy hour this Thursday!

Celebrate* the new academic year with your favorite student groups this Thursday! Drexel’s student chapters of the American Library Association (SCALA), the Special Library Association (DUSLA) and the Society of American Archivists (DUSAA) will be at Landmark Americana for a special joint Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 23. This is a great opportunity to meet other students in the MS(LIS) program and learn how to get involved in these three groups. Everyone is welcome, and appetizers will be provided.

Landmark is located at 34th and Market streets (in the Drexel recreation center).

Questions? Email SCALA at drexelscala@gmail.com.

Hope to see you there!

*If you would rather lament the beginning of classes, Landmark has a full bar. See the full menu.

Job - Library Assistant - Philadelphia Museum of Art

For those of you interested in special libraries, art, or museums, here's a fantastic job opportunity with the renowned Philadelphia Museum of Art!

Image Credit: Flickr - Joy Gant

Library Assistant (part-time, temporary position for 12 months).

The Philadelphia Museum of Art seeks a temporary Library Assistant to provide support for the Library’s serial and interlibrary loan operations, and to assist with paging and re-shelving of library materials. This position is responsible for the following duties: check-in all incoming current issues of periodicals, microfilm, microfiche, etc.; identify missing issues for claiming; gather and prepare materials for the commercial bindery; maintain and weed the newspaper collection and the current-year-only periodicals; assist library patrons in the use of periodicals; assist in locating materials for patrons; page and deliver materials; receive and prepare for shipment interlibrary loan materials; staff reference desk as assigned.

This is a temporary, part-time position (16 hours a week) for one year, beginning in Fall 2010. Hours: 12 noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Occasional Saturday hours may be assigned.

Qualified candidates should have two years of library-clerical experience or two years of college. Computer skills, including experience with word processing and database software; organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to climb ladders/stairs and to lift 40 lbs.; familiarity with library research methods; desire to provide a high level of customer service.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume via the Museum’s job opportunities page at http://www.philamuseum.org/jobs/. EOE

Job - Library Assistant - Philadelphia University

Want experience in an academic library? Here's a new opportunity for you!

Image Credit: Flickr - mollyali

Position: Stack Attendant/Library Assistant

Philadelphia University
Paul J. Gutman Library,
School House Lane & Henry Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19144

The Paul J. Gutman Library of Philadelphia University is seeking a part-time (20 hrs/week) Stack Attendant/Library Assistant to organize returned books and reshelve them in correct order. Also needed to maintain neat, proper appearance of bookshelves and work on stack shifting projects. Will spend one day per week copy cataloging.

Familiarity with libraries and classification systems preferred. Must be able to stand, bend, stretch, and lift books and have physical stamina to shelve and push heavy book carts.

EDUCATION REQUIRED: High School diploma required, Library School students are welcome to apply.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Interested applicants should submit a letter of application and resume to:
Karen Albert, MLS
Library Director
Paul J. Gutman Library, Philadelphia University
School House Lane and Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
Email address: albertk@philau.edu

"Meet and Greet" Event with ALA Accreditors

Image Credit: Flickr - Enrique Burgos

Attention LIS Students!
You are Invited to a VERY IMPORTANT iSchool Event

Did you know the iSchool at Drexel was first accredited by the
American Library Association (ALA) in 1927? ALA Accreditation has an
impact on the College's rankings and, more importantly, on the value
of your degree.

This October, an ALA Review Board will be reviewing the iSchool's
MS(LIS), and you can have an impact on the accreditation decision by
attending a special "meet and greet" event with members of the
Accreditation Review Board.

Monday, October 4, 2010
Feel free to stop by anytime between 4 and 6 PM
Rush Building, Room 014
Refreshments & Pizza will be served!

R.S.V.P. to Jennifer Lally by Friday, October 1st to JL352@drexel.edu

So you want to be a librarian?

If you're curious about how to build your career before you finish the degree or what kind of skills a 21st century librarian needs, head on over to the Librarian by Day blog.

Blogger Bobbi Newman has complied an extensive list of career advice on the Web for potential MLS students, current students, and new job seekers.

Check out the list:

So You Want to be a Librarian? A Guide For Those Considering an MLS, Current Students & Job Seekers

Please complete the ALA student chapter survey

The 2010 ALA Student Chapters Survey is now available.

By completing this 20-minute survey, you will provide ALA with invaluable information that no doubt will result in your having a greater ALA Student Chapter experience. We hope this information will help us, as well as other student chapters, build better networks and activities for our members.

Get involved in SCALA — online!

Greetings to the iSchool’s online students! Looking to get involved in SCALA from where you live? You can!

You’re already on our blog. Other ways to get involved from afar are to follow us on Twitter (@DrexelScala) and join our Google group (http://groups.google.com/group/drexel-scala) and Facebook group. As a bit of a housekeeping matter, filling out our membership form (using the link at the top of the blog), if you haven't already, also helps us keep interested students in the know.

While our most recent meeting wasn’t simulcast online, our events this fall will be. These include discussions about banned books and alternative career options, as well as a talk about best practices for résumés. We're really excited for these events, and we want everyone to be able to take part.
Being on campus, it’s hard for us to know what works best for those of you who are not. So we’re handing the conversation to you: How can we help online students be involved? Are you interested in participating in events as they happen? Online discussions afterward? Having recordings to watch in your own free time? What about downloadable podcasts?

Leave a comment here with your ideas. We look forward to hearing from you!

Awful Library Books

In need of a good laugh? Check out Awful Library Books, a blog that displays some of the most awful library books found in a Michigan public library's collection. Talk about the need to weed!

Meeting - Thursday, July 29th

Please join us for our summer meeting. In keeping with SCALA tradition, there will be FREE pizza and drinks! Please RSVP to our Facebook event so we can get an idea of how much food to bring.

When: Thursday, July 29 at 5 p.m.

Where: Hagerty Library, Room L33

Why: To meet your fellow students and get involved!

New members are welcome! Come learn about who we are and the great events SCALA has planned for this fall! We will also be ratifying our constitution. This is a great opportunity to get involved in SCALA and meet other future librarians.

If you have questions, please email SCALA at drexelscala@gmail.com

Job - Archives Assistant - Children's Literature Collection

For those of you who are interested in archives and want to get some experience, there's a great new opportunity available at the Free Library of Philadelphia!

The Archives Assistant will be working on collections by children's literature authors, creating finding aids for each collection. This is a part-time/temporary position and is a great way to get that archival experience you've been looking for.

More information about the position and how to apply can be found on the Free Library of Philadelphia's Career webpage.

Philadelphia Library's Budget is Spared

Image Credit: flickr - teachandlearn

After Mayor Nutter's threat to include libraries in his slashed budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year, the Free Library of Philadelphia can now breathe a sign of relief. Library lovers will still enjoy five days of service, instead of having to make due with a proposed cutback of only four days.

While the Library may be rejoicing, police and fire companies are not happy about the cuts to their departments. Also, the Library may still face a large cut in state aid, almost $750,000 worth.

Read more about the budget and its details in the Philadelphia Inquirer's article ("$47 million in budget cuts spare libraries", July 15th, 2010).

What are your thoughts on how Nutter has handled the budget situation? Are you willing to have a cut in police and fire programs to keep libraries more accessible?

Commentary in Philadelphia Inquirer

In today's Philadelphia Inquirer, author Marilyn Johnson writes a rousing call for communities to get behind their libraries ("Are libraries unnecessary?" July 9, 2010).

Johnson most recently wrote This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All. She also came to the Free Library of Philadelphia a few months ago to talk about her book and the many librarians she met who are doing some amazing work in the world.

How refreshing to have a non-librarian, someone who isn't part of the profession, coming out and advocating for libraries! I wish more people understood the vital role libraries play in maintaining an informed, educated, democratic society.

Changes to Constitution

The officers are making changes to SCALA's constitution.

One of the most important changes has to do with membership requirements. We will no longer require SCALA members to be a member of ALA as well, although it is encouraged. As many of you have learned from INFO520, professional associations are a great way to network and find jobs! Plus, ALA student membership is cheap - only $33! And you will get a copy of American Libraries mailed to you every month.

Check out the ALA Student Membership page for more info. But remember - you can still participate in SCALA even if you don't belong to ALA.

Thoughts on the Library Job Market

Read Rick Roche's thoughtful blog post on the library job market today. He has a lot of insightful comments from his perspective as a Department Head hiring a new Reference Librarian, including some important tips about resumes, cover letters, and asking questions about why you may not have been picked for the position.

What do you think about his observations of the current and future state of library jobs?

The conference is here — now let's eat!

For those of you attending the ALA annual conference, let's meet up Saturday night. We'll find some dinner and you will have the opportunity to meet other students and make plans for the rest of the evening.
So, the plan:

Who: Drexel SCALA, Drexel library science students and selected awesome alumni
What: Dinner and then fun, including, but not limited to, walking to the National Mall and seeing some of the monuments at night
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Meet at Four Points Sheraton, 1201 K St NW
Why: Because we need at least one opportunity this weekend to talk about Drexel — and also have some fun!

For the rest of your meals, check back here later today for some suggestions for affordable eats.

Where to eat during ALA

ALA Annual is upon us, and if you're like me, you're in DC (or will be soon) and trying to plan the next few days, including where you'll be eating. As SCALA's resident DC expert (sort of), I thought I'd offer up some restaurant ideas for the conference. What follows is by no means a complete list, but they're all places near the convention center that I've either been to or had recommended to me. Keep in mind that DC prices are far more expensive than those in Philly (or most of the rest of the country, for that matter), so you'll spend more for a comparable meal.

For quick lunch or dinner:

• Five Guys (808 H St. NW) - Five Guys does great burgers and fries. It's fast food, but it's better quality than something like McDonald's. Everything's fried in peanut oil and they serve peanuts in the restaurant though, so if you're allergic, avoid going here.
• Chop't (730 7th St. NW) - Chop't is all salads, all the time. They have a bunch of signature dishes, or you can create your own.
• California Tortilla (728 7th St. NW) - Burritos, tacos, salads, etc.
• Potbelly (726 7th St. NW) - Sandwiches and salads.

For a sit down meal:

• Capitol City Brewing Company (1100 New York Ave NW)
• Matchbox (713 H St. NW)
• Ella's Pizza (9th St. NW between F and G) - Really good pizza, plus fantastic happy hour specials from 4-7 Monday through Friday
  
• Gordon Biersch (900 F St. NW)
• Chinatown Express (746 6th St. NW) - Great Chinese food, and inexpensive by DC standards.
• Full Kee (509 H St. NW)
• Ping Pong Dim Sum (900 7th St. NW) - Really good food, and since it's dim sum, you can try lots of different options and share for a slightly less expensive meal.

Do you have a favorite place in the convention center/Chinatown/Penn Quarter area of DC? Comment and let other conference-goers know!

Sign up for our Longwood Gardens Trip

Fountains at Longwood Gardens
Image Credit: anne.oeldorfhirsch

The date has been set for our Longwood Gardens trip - Friday, July 16th.

Longwood Gardens is a premiere horticultural garden, with innovative landscaping displays and a focus on community engagement through the environment and the arts. Our trip will include a tour of their library and archives of 31,000 items, including a rare book collection.

We will be leaving at 1PM on Friday, July 16th from campus (Rush Building) and will carpool to the Gardens. If you would like to sign up for this trip, please email us at DrexelSCALA@gmail.com. Spots are limited!

Longwood Gardens Trip coming soon

SCALA will be hosting a trip to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA sometime this summer. This will include a tour of their library and archives which offers materials in horticulture, botany and the allied arts and sciences.

Are you interested in joining us?   Email to let us know!

More details to come...