SLIS Alumni News

SLIS graduate Virginia Vought (MLS'08) responded to an email interview about her job at the Indiana State Library in Indianapolis, IN. Virginia is the LSTA Grant Consultant for the state. She is responsible for the handling of federal money given to the state for library services under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).

Key job duties
My official job description states that I "coordinate and oversee statewide LSTA projects and initiatives and consult with libraries regarding LSTA programs, applications, and grant writing." Currently, this translates into day-to-day work overseeing our mini-grant programs - working with grant applicants, monitoring current grantee projects, giving a hand when problems arise, and overseeing our reporting to the Institute of Museum and Library Services. I also seek grants for the State Library and eventually I'll conduct site visits, give grant workshops, and coordinate the Indiana State Library Advisory Council.”

Favorite aspects
“I'll always love working a reference desk, but I really enjoy working in administration now. It's exciting having a part in large-scale library initiatives and doing work that I know is important for the health of our state's library services. I also really appreciate that the State Library is open to new ideas and ways of getting the job done. They've allowed me to implement a fair amount of change to improve the LSTA grant processes. They keep me busy and that keeps me happy!”

Tips for students
“Maintain contacts with the people you meet in the library world. Every opportunity I've had since graduation has been because of someone I'd met and kept in touch with along the way. Work experience is also extremely valuable. I interned with the State Library a year ago, which gave me a great advantage when a position opened there this spring. But my non-library work history was important, too. When you're getting ready to start applying and interviewing for jobs, know your work history well and be able to connect your experience in and out of library service to the position.

Get involved at SLIS! I did as many jobs/internships/activities as I could fit in during my short time at SLIS and that extra-curricular experience gave me a considerable edge for jobs I was interested in.

Be open! I was certain I wanted to work in "adult services in a medium-sized public library" but I couldn't be happier with the new direction my career is taking.

When you're in the field, get to know your state library. They may have a lot to offer you and your library.”

Posted Oct. 15, 2009