My Personal Research

As of current, I am now trying to engage in some form of personal research to stay informed on my field. One thing I intend to do for sure next month, is to become a member of ALA. I have been wanting to for a while, but haven't set aside the necessary funds yet. I have to decide which specialization I want to go with. What I am doing today, consists of exploring Magnolia through my public library access and selecting two book journals that will be of use to me in discovering what is new in the book industry. I have selected Library Journal and Booklist. This ought to keep me current in my field so that when or if I get a library position I desire, I will know how to use these selection tools to my advantage. A typical subscription to these magazine may be from 157 to 200 some odd dollars. Money I can save by going to the "Professional Development Collection" of Ebsco host. I haven't taken the time to sit down and actually read any of this yet. Hopefully I can come up with a schedule that will help me divvy up my time daily for this activity. Another thing I am doing is requesting books at my public library through ILL so I can check them out before purchasing them. Included were lots of books on programming for public libraries and outreach. I also plan to order from Amazon some books that were actually only a couple of cents. If I order up to $25 dollars worth of books, the shipping is free! Currently, my public library personnel states that there is not much volunteer work available. The Children's Librarian told me she will let me know as it approaches, if she will need any assistance for the Summer Reading Program. It seems so difficult to get a position, even as a volunteer somewhere these days. And everyone wants you to be a student at the University in order to get on. I have now been out of school for two years. And have no job.