Wednesday, September 17, 2025

LIT Program Closure Survey

We are looking for YOUR  stories to help us celebrate the LIT program, which is scheduled to be closed at Minneapolis Community & Technical College in Spring 2026.

We may use responses shared here in the 2025 MLA Annual Conference Breakout Session "The End of an Era", which will take place on October 10th in St. Cloud, MN 


Please consider taking a few moments to share your thoughts about the LIT program.


LIT Program Closure Survey

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Public Library Division (PLD) Day - April 25th (Registration closes April 21st)

Public Library Division Day (PLD) Day is coming up at the end of this month! This year's in-person event, located at Brookdale Library, focuses on the varied uses of Artificial Intelligence in Public Library settings, including an AI Panel with information professionals from around Minnesota, and a Keynote by members of Minitex staff (including an LIT faculty, Elissah Becknell). 

PLD Day organizers would be thrilled to welcome the energy and perspective of MCTC students at this yearly event! 

Registration information can be found here.

NOTE: Registration is capped at 70 and registration closes April 21st. (If the registration fee is a barrier to your participation, please contact Jennifer.Sippel@minneapolis.edu) 

Friday, January 31, 2025

FREE Event: From Resistance to Resilience: The Evolution of African American Reading

The Givens Foundation

For African American Literature



The upcoming literary conference, “From Resistance to Resilience: The Evolution of African American Reading,” is an extraordinary opportunity to champion literacy, cultural equity, and social justice. Scheduled for June 3, 2025, this one-day event is made possible through the generous support of the Minnesota Humanities Center.


Sunday, August 20, 2023

Twin Cities Job Posting: Library Assistant at MN Landscape Arboretum

The following job posting was sent to me by the Librarian, Kristen Mastel. She says, " a word to the wise, applicants must explicitly address every required qualification in their cover letter, otherwise they get rejected before I can even see them. I am available to answer any questions folks may have about the position." - if you'd like me to connect you with Kristen, email me: jennifer.sippel(at)minneapolis.edu 

Andersen Horticultural Library Job Opening: Library Assistant

See link: http://www1.umn.edu/ohr/employment/index.html

 

Job Posting ID: 357131

Overview
Andersen Horticultural Library (AHL), the largest horticultural research library in the Upper Midwest, is located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (MLA) in Chanhassen, MN.  It is nationally known for its Historic Seed & Nursery Catalog Collection, its collection of George Nakashima furnishings, and for its 500+ years of garden and natural history resources. AHL is part of the University of Minnesota Libraries and reports through the Research Division/Sciences, Agriculture & Engineering (SAgE) department. Andersen Horticultural Library seeks a collaborative, creative individual with a passion for plants and/or animals.

Primary Function
This is a part-time 75% appointment. The primary functions of this position are to provide reference service for Andersen Horticultural Library, coordinate the Flora & Fauna Illustrata project (FFI), manage the Juvenile collection and children’s programming, and create and mount displays and exhibits.

Work Hours/Days: Week A: Tues-Fri, 9am-4:30pm; Week B: Wed-Sat: 9am-4:30pm; alternate weeks A & B

Salary: $24.59/hour plus depending on qualifications


Job Duties/Responsibilities

1. PROVIDE REFERENCE AND INFORMATION SERVICES (45%)

Provide reference and information assistance to library users and arboretum staff at the
Andersen Horticultural Library reference desk, utilizing knowledge of Library and Minnesota Landscape Arboretum procedures, resources, and facilities. Using judgment and informed appraisal of alternatives, refer users to appropriate indexes, location of materials, substitute publications, and to other U-Libraries units; refer more specialized queries to the librarian or appropriate Arboretum/campus staff and faculty. Responsible on a regular basis for the operation of AHL: provide sole staffing of the library on occasional weekdays and at least one Saturday every pay period.

2. COORDINATE THE MLA-AHL FLORA & FAUNA ILLUSTRATA PROJECT (25%)
Keep records; update and expand the website; liaise with Field Project Leaders, Librarian, and artists; arrange meetings and create meeting agendas; actively recruit artists to contribute their work to the FFI; create and mount at least one FFI exhibition per year; expand digital exhibit; work with marketing and communications teams to promote exhibits.

3. MANAGE CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING AND JUVENILE COLLECTION (10%)
Identify possible additions and withdrawals from the Juvenile Collection; add items to database; keep shelves organized. Create engaging items and activities for children (e.g., coloring books, scavenger hunts). Coordinate StoryTime: develop themes, select books, read. Work closely with Arboretum marketing team to produce and promote items and events.

4. EXHIBITS COORDINATOR (10%)
Periodically change out Skyway Gallery exhibits and library displays. Create exhibits and displays that highlight AHL’s holdings or history: research topics and resources, write caption and info cards, work with Librarian/Curator to select rare materials, if appropriate.

5. SPECIAL PROJECTS/OTHER DUTIES (10%)
Process all items added to multiple collections. Periodically review the AHL website and present detailed corrections/ suggestions/ updates to AHL web coordinator. Work with the Arboretum Volunteer Coordinator to effectively plan projects and hire, train, and supervise volunteers for tasks related to this position. Assist with unloading and moving book donations for the annual book sale.
LA3: FFI Coordinator

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
 

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

  • College education can be substituted for library or research experience on a year for year basis up to three (3) years plus two years of relevant library experience and/or five (5) years of relevant library or research experience.
  • Experience or coursework related to horticulture, gardening, botany, or natural history.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience planning and implementing outreach projects and events.
  • Considerable ability with database searching.
  • Experience installing art shows and/or creating displays.
  • Strong aptitude with computers and software.
  • Ability to work independently and to work effectively as a team member.

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
  • Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • University HSA contributions
  • Disability and employer-paid life insurance
  • Employee wellbeing program
  • Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
  • Financial counseling services 
  • Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

 

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Monday, November 21, 2022

MN job posting: Library Specialist, E-Resources & Metadata at Macalester (St. Paul)

Library Specialist, E-Resources & Metadata

Overview

The Dewitt Wallace library at Macalester College is seeking to hire a Library Specialist, E-Resources & Metadata. This position provides expertise and support for the library’s electronic resources and digital collections. Works closely with our Serials & E-Resources Librarian in providing access to, troubleshooting problems, and providing usage data for our electronic collections. Works closely with our Metadata Librarian and the College Archivist in supporting the creation and uploading of metadata and digital objects into the library’s digital asset management and institutional repository platforms as well as supporting day-to-day cataloging work. Serves as a member of the Collection Development and Discovery team and reports to the CD&D Associate Library Director.

 

Hours/Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM 

 

The annual salary range of the position is $44,000-$49,000.

 

About the Dewitt-Wallace Library: 

The Library supports the mission of the College by providing the scholarly information services and resources essential to Macalester’s educational program. Specifically, the Library:

  • Educates and guides users in the research process.
  • Enables users to identify and obtain needed information.
  • Maintains a secure and supportive environment for the use and preservation of collections and delivery of services.
  • Manages effectively the budget, processes, personnel and technology needed to accomplish Library goals.

Responsibilities

Collection Development & Discovery:


• Provides first level support for troubleshooting access problems for electronic resources and communicates with Library and Macalester community when systems are down or not available for brief periods.
• Assists in supporting and managing tools required for electronic resources work, including e-resource proxy remote access configurations and knowledge-base updates as well as use of the Acquisitions and License Manager modules of the Library's integrated library system.
• Supports creation and uploading of metadata and digital objects into our digital content platforms.
• Assists with PDF accessibility efforts, especially for scholarship being added to our institutional repository.
• Performs basic and copy cataloging by creating and updating records in WorldCat for items in the collection.
• Provides relevant statistical data and metrics, including usage and cost analysis, to support collection analysis and development decisions.
• Assists with e-resource database clean-up projects. Includes activities such as checking accuracy and editing descriptions and links for online resources.
• Provides a high level of personal contact and communicates on a regular basis with faculty, students, staff, and external service providers including serials publishers, vendors, and content providers.
• Assists with direction of student employee workflow and training.
• Develops policies and procedures in collaboration with colleagues and staff.

 

Key responsibilities, leadership and professional development:


• Provides excellent customer service.
• Participates in cross-functional work groups according to interests, skills, and library needs.
• Helps foster teamwork throughout the organization on campus, and beyond.
• Helps maintain efficient work flow, procedures, and process improvements.
• Contributes to assessment activities throughout the organization including report writing and data compilation and analysis.
• Contributes to fulfilling the mission of the library and the college.
• Provides service to the college through participation on campus groups or projects.
• Serves on professional committees to share our expertise and experience with others, and to serve as a representative of the college.
• Attends at least one professional conference per year.
• Stays abreast of developments in the field and is engaged in personal professional development.

 

Annual goals:


• Contributes to completion of annual library goals.
• Sets and attains annual personal performance goals.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree.
  • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity. Actively engages in learning and practicing principles of social justice and inclusion to increase individual capacity to support institutional changes that create and sustain a more welcoming and inclusive environment across the Macalester Community.
  • Demonstrated organizational, assessment, project management, process improvement, and problem solving skills.
  • Attention to detail, high level of accuracy, and ability to perform work in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • 2+ years of digital project and/or metadata work in an academic, special, or research library (or closely related institution).
  • Demonstrated experience with e-resource management and troubleshooting processes.
  • Knowledge of accepted national cataloging and metadata standards and practices.
  • Experience with specialized library systems.
  • Proven experience working effectively in a team environment.
  • Ability to respond effectively to changing needs and priorities showing initiative and flexibility and an ability to thrive in an ambiguous environment.

 

Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check is a condition of employment.

 

Benefits

Macalester employees enjoy a fantastic benefits package and working environment that is second to none. Please visit the Macalester Benefits page for more information about benefits at Macalester College.

 

Application Guidelines

For best consideration, please submit your cover letter and resume as one PDF through the Macalester Employment Opportunities webpage by December 16, 2022.  Review of applications will begin immediately. All inquiries about this position should be directed to:

 

Stacy Peterson

Talent Acquisition Manager 

speter15@Macalester.edu

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Hennepin County Library POP UP Hiring Event

Hennepin County Library (HCL) is offering an exciting POP UP hiring event at Minneapolis College Library on Monday, November 21st from 4-7pm. 
Check out the event flyer and spread the word to anyone you know who might be interested!

Hiring managers at HCL are looking to fill 2 job postings within their Library system (Library Specialist and Homework Helper Lead Tutors) and will provide interview questions to candidates ahead of time. Interviews will take 20-30 minutes, and require an appointment. They will be scheduled on a first come, first serve basis. For more information about this event, including full job descriptions and to schedule an interview time, please contact Elissah.Becknell@minneapolis.edu 

We highly recommend visiting Career Services for resume help and mock interview coaching before you attend the Hennepin County Library pop-up hiring event. To schedule an appointment, visit Navigate, visit the Career Services suite in T. 2300, or call 612-659-6723. Career Services also hosts walk-in hours between 11 am and 1 pm on Tuesdays.


Tuesday, November 1, 2022

State Library Services BIPOC Advisory Committee

Minnesota State Library Services is seeking members for their BIPOC Advisory Committee. 

Here is some information about the group that includes a link to an interest form:

BIPOCAdvisory Committee Info Sheet - Google Docs

Committee membership includes a stipend, state and nationwide networking opportunities, and the opportunity to guide State Library Services activities in the state. It would also be good to add to a resume! 

Monday, October 17, 2022

Virtual project opportunity!

 

Seeking Collection Development experience? Need an online project?

 Anoka County Library could use your help! In 2022, Anoka County Library completed a Diversity Audit of its physical collection. Following the analysis, we received lists of titles that are recommended for public library collections, based on sales into public libraries and diverse categories. Our Collection Development Team would appreciate help in processing through the remaining diversity categories, particularly assistance with Adult Fiction lists in the Asian and Black diversity categories. You receive the list, decide which titles ACL should purchase, and share your recommendations with the Collection Development Librarian. The Collection Development Librarian makes the final decisions and provides feedback to help you in your learning!

 This project can primarily be worked on asynchronously, following an onboarding WebEx session with ACL’s Manager of Library Collections. We estimate each list will take approximately 20 hours of project time. We are happy to work with 1 or 2 students! The goal for submitting your recommendations to the Collection Development Librarian is November 30th.

 Contact: Sarah Hawkins, Manager of Library Collections   sarah.hawkins@co.anoka.mn.us

Remote project work opportunity with Plum Creek Library System!

 Want to gain library experience? Work remote? Earn some money?

Plum Creek Library System is looking for a student intern to help develop early literacy guides to include in our storytime kits. Each kit contains five books and manipulatives for caregivers to use with children to encourage reading. We would like to include a 1-2 page document that provides activities, songs, and fingerplays that relate to the theme. A $400 stipend will be available for up to four people taking part in this project.

Project will be ongoing until completed. 

Interested? Contact Jennifer.Sippel@minneapolis.edu for more information and to get connected with the Plum Creek Library project coordinators!

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Job Opportunity: Library Customer Service Specialist @ Hennepin County Library

Job Title: Library Customer Service Specialist

Description

Come join Hennepin County Library (HCL) in our Library Services Division. We are looking to fill multiple Library Specialist roles across the county.

Specialists are most often the first point of contact in providing a welcoming environment to all library users. They assist patrons with the use of library equipment, help patrons who are applying for and receiving library cards, and handle all borrowed and returned materials. These positions require a large amount of physical activity throughout the entire shift, top notch customer service, and great attention to detail.

Location and Hours:

These position locations and hours vary according to the current needs of the Hennepin County Library system. You can find a list of our libraries here. In addition to working daytime hours, a regular schedule of evening and weekend hours is required. These roles require working face to face with the public on-site.  Full-time part-time vacancies are available and will be filled as needed over the next 3-6 months.

In This Position, You Will:

  • Provide strong customer service in person, over the telephone, and online.
  • Assist with patrons with checking out and returning materials, accepting payments for fines/fees, issuing new library cards, and resolving patron concerns regarding service and policies.
  • Assist patrons with the use of library technology and resources, including library computers, printers, scanners, photocopiers, downloadable materials, and audiovisual equipment.
  • Shelve books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and other materials in their proper location.
  • Unpack, sort, and organize library materials from daily deliveries and returns; in some buildings, this requires the use of an automated materials handling machine to move materials with conveyors and other electronic parts.

Need to Have:

  • One of the following:
    • Eighteen months or more of customer service experience.
    • One year or more of customer service experience and completion of the Office Specialist Pathway Training program.
    • Six months or more of customer service experience and completion of the Healthcare Clerical Pathway Training program.  
    • Note: Education may be substituted for experience on a month for month (3 semester credits = 1 month) basis.
  • Ability to:
    • Bend to the floor, twist, and reach above one's head to put books on shelves.
    • Lift, pack, unpack, and move boxes of library materials, and push book carts requiring up to 20 pounds of push force to move with or without a reasonable accommodation.
    • Be available for a combination of daytime, evening, and weekend work shifts.
  • Must be sixteen years of age or older.

Nice to Have:

  • Experience in providing customer service in person, over the telephone and online with individuals from diverse backgrounds including people with limited English skills.
  • Ability to use and provide routine troubleshooting for mobile devices, computers, and computer software including Microsoft Office and internet browsers.
  • Experience providing customer service in a reception area, retail, or a similar setting that included accepting payments, answering questions, or explaining policies to members of the general public.
  • Fluency in one or more languages.

For More Information and to Apply: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/hennepin/jobs/3742344-0/library-customer-service-specialist


Thursday, September 8, 2022

Monday, August 29, 2022

MN Library Association Opportunities: Student Round Table and Annual Conference

 Student Round Table Call for Nominations


The Student Round Table is looking for new leadership team members for the 2022-23 school year! The Student Round Table is for any student interested in building connections and working with other students in a professional setting before graduating with their library and information science degree. Leadership is open to any students of any library and information science-related programs, as long as the student is a member of the Minnesota Library Association.


For any questions, please contact Megan Demeuse at mrdemeuse786@stkate.edu.


MLA 2022 Conference Update

The Minnesota Library Association (MLA)  is proud to announce the speaker lineup for the 2022 Annual Conference to be held October 27 & 28 in Duluth, MN. The conference theme is “Emerging Opportunities” and is planned to feature keynote speakers and featured speakers that will be well known to Minnesotans and library staff from around the state.


The Thursday lunch keynote is slated to be intellectual freedom champion Reanna Esmail of Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Esmail’s talk is to be titled “Intellectual Freedom, Privacy Rights, and the Critical Practice of Librarianship'' and aims to bring nuance to questions related to surveillance capitalism, big data, and censorship, while also exploring ways for library workers to promote privacy rights, digital literacy, and intellectual freedom in their critical praxis. Esmail is a noted national speaker on such topics, a frequent contributor to the Intellectual Freedom Blog, and active with the American Library Association Office of Intellectual Freedom.


Friday’s lunch keynote is to be Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page. Justice Page will engage in an open conversation with MLA President Steve Harsin about his career, challenges we face in the modern environment, his career writing children’s books, and the Page Foundation. As a Minnesota hero, Justice Page has a unique perspective on a wide range of issues of interest to libraries of all types.


Featured speakers are to include Laura Erickson, one of the best known ornithologists in America, who is to participate in a panel to address work done at the College of St. Scholastica on their Catalogue of Birds. Also, State Librarian Tamara Lee and Head of Minitex Maggie Snow will address their accomplishments of the past year, the results of a state-wide survey they conducted, as well as their vision for Minnesota libraries. Representatives from SELCO will address a major region-wide community assessment conducted in the SE region of Minnesota. And Scott Libin, with a 20 year career in journalism as a reporter, anchor and producer, including 8 years at Twin Cities Public Television is to address “What do the Ancient Greeks, Pyramids and Toyota Minivans have to do with good communication?” The session is about what you need to do to develop a speech where your message will be heard.


Numerous other sessions will be presented by library staff from around the state. The two-day conference will be hosted at the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center.  Besides the conference sessions, there will be a silent auction fundraiser for the Minnesota Library Foundation, an event at Glensheen Mansion, an annual business meeting, exhibit hall, award ceremonies and other related activities.


The 2022 event marks a return to an in-person conference after two years as a virtual conference during the pandemic. Early bird registration rates are in effect through 11:59pm on August 31, with regular rates thereafter.


Conference registration can be found at the MLA website. https://www.mnlibraryassociation.org/page/2022Conference 



Event Details:

Date: Friday, October 7

Time: 8:30am-12:00pm


Registration will happen in early September; watch for an update!

CYP Unconference: October 7

Join CYP and fellow Minnesota youth librarians for a morning of learning and growth at this year’s Unconference! The Unconference will uplift LGBTQIA stories and experiences, and we’ll learn more about how to make our colleagues and patrons feel safe and welcomed.

We will begin with a presentation by Archie Bongiovanni, a local author whose works include the graphic novel A Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns. This will be followed by panel discussions regarding LGBTQIA programming and resources, which will feature local librarians and guest outreach librarian Becky Hass from Annapolis, MD.

Thursday, July 14, 2022

MN Water Research Library Student Worker

We have just posted a position for a student worker for the MN Water Research Library (https://wrl.mnpals.net/). Here is a link to the posting: Student Worker Para Professional – Job ID 57031 If you have any questions feel free to contact me. Thanks, Steve Steve Roos, PLA retired, ASLA Environmental Planner Energy and Environment Section Agricultural Marketing and Development Division Minnesota Department of Agriculture 625 Robert Street North Saint Paul, MN 55155-2538 Ph: 651-201-6631 office www.mda.state.mn.us