Lightning Talk (5 min): The Increased Difficulties LGBTQ Librarians Face Entering the Academic Job Market
Start Date
12-8-2021 12:00 PM
End Date
12-8-2021 12:35 PM
Description
Abstract
Despite the promise of a “graying” workforce, most recent MLIS graduates or those trying to transition to the academic world with minimal professional experience are finding the academic library market to be reliably bleak. However, for LGBTQ individuals, the challenge of landing one’s first academic library job is even more strenuous and the opportunities are even fewer. This presentation will explore the increased difficulties and obstacles that LGBTQ individuals face when setting out on the path to academic librarianship. The intended takeaways of this presentation are that attendees will learn about the increased challenges LGBTQ individuals face in the job market, what is being done in the academic library world to address these issues, and what attendees can do to get involved. It is hoped that this presentation will start or continue conversations about this issue amongst all levels of academic library professionals and what more can be done.
Speaker bio
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts Media, Keri Prelitz began her library science career as an intern at the San Francisco Media Archive and San Francisco Art Institute. After receiving her MLIS from San Jose State University, she began working for a major book vendor as a Collection Development Consultant for academic libraries across North America and Australia. Currently she works as the Collection Development and Management Librarian at California State University, Fullerton. When she is not coloring with her 5-year-old twins or taking her two dogs to the park, she is experimenting with her sourdough starter.
Lightning Talk (5 min): The Increased Difficulties LGBTQ Librarians Face Entering the Academic Job Market
Abstract
Despite the promise of a “graying” workforce, most recent MLIS graduates or those trying to transition to the academic world with minimal professional experience are finding the academic library market to be reliably bleak. However, for LGBTQ individuals, the challenge of landing one’s first academic library job is even more strenuous and the opportunities are even fewer. This presentation will explore the increased difficulties and obstacles that LGBTQ individuals face when setting out on the path to academic librarianship. The intended takeaways of this presentation are that attendees will learn about the increased challenges LGBTQ individuals face in the job market, what is being done in the academic library world to address these issues, and what attendees can do to get involved. It is hoped that this presentation will start or continue conversations about this issue amongst all levels of academic library professionals and what more can be done.
Speaker bio
With a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts Media, Keri Prelitz began her library science career as an intern at the San Francisco Media Archive and San Francisco Art Institute. After receiving her MLIS from San Jose State University, she began working for a major book vendor as a Collection Development Consultant for academic libraries across North America and Australia. Currently she works as the Collection Development and Management Librarian at California State University, Fullerton. When she is not coloring with her 5-year-old twins or taking her two dogs to the park, she is experimenting with her sourdough starter.
