Planning a Jumpstart Program
Introduction
The Library Technology Career Jumpstart Program is a new initiative from NC State University Libraries that began in 2020. The program is a free, immersive, week-long experience that helps to position first-year library school students for a career in library technology upon graduation.
Jumpstart participants can expect to…
- complete technical workshops
- add to their technical portfolios
- glimpse “a day in the life” of tech librarians
- learn how to apply and interview for technical positions in libraries
- develop an ongoing relationship with a mentor
Response to the program has been positive overall. Here’s some of what our participants have had to say:
“The workshops provided enough direction for me to identify possible interests in lib tech and explore things further on my own. I also really value the mentorship and getting to know the librarians at State. I plan on staying connected with them as I build toward a career in lib tech. There is a huge need for exactly what Jumpstart is offering so I would definitely recommend this program to other LIS students and am really excited to see the program hopefully continue in future years and expand.”
“The Jumpstart Program exceeded my expectations. I expected to learn something about GitHub, Python, HTML, etc. But I also gained a lot of confidence through this program from the hands-on learning and working through problems with troubleshooters. Hearing from professionals in the field and how they got to where they are today gave me insight into how I can gain experience and learn the skills I need to start a career in this line of librarianship.”
Read more about the program in this profile piece: Library Technology Career Jumpstart Program prepares students to meet the unknown needs of tech-infused futures->
And you can also view our program alumni here.
Last updated on September 26, 2022.
From NC State University Libraries. https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/jumpstart
