This presentation discusses the importance of advocating librarianship as a profession, and argues that giving careers talks is one way of promoting the sector. This presentation was written and delivered by Carly Miller and Jenny Owens at the CILIP Yorkshire & Humber/ CDG Y& H Joint Members' Event and AGM.

1. Two librarians try to widen awareness of the profession Carly Miller & Jenny Owens Have you heard about Librarianship?

2. Who are we?

3. ?

4. Escaping the Echo Chamber

5. “The lack of careers advice reinforces the invisibility of the profession” Newbutt & Sen, 2009 Newbutt, S. & Sen, B. (2009). “What impressions do young people have of librarianship as a career?” In: Varlejs, J. et al. (eds.) Strategies for Regenerating the Library and Information Profession. New York: K.G.Saur

6. We’re relatable “The older, female, white, middle class librarian is a reality and not a stereotype” – John Pateman Pateman, J. (no date). Equity and Excellence [Online]. Information for Social Change. http://libr.org/isc/occasional_papers/Equity%20and%20Excellence%20-%20John%20Pateman.html (Accessed 4 June 2011).

7. Diversity Pateman (no date): striking lack of diversity in the profession CILIP (2009) suggests that only 2% of library staff are from a BME background CILIP (2009). About Encompass [Online]. http://www.cilip.org.uk/job-careers/qualifications/encompass/pages/aboutencompass.aspx (Accessed 14 December 2010). Pateman, J. (no date). Equity and Excellence [Online]. Information for Social Change. http://libr.org/isc/occasional_papers/Equity%20and%20Excellence%20-%20John%20Pateman.html (Accessed 4 June 2011).

8. In this Financial Climate Abolishment of EMA Increased tuition fees Postgraduate qualification fee

9. Promoting the Profession Promotes the occupation Promotes the service “For many, public libraries continue to be associated with a white, middle class academic culture which alienates many disadvantaged people.” Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2000. Working class people make up over half of the British population, but only 37% use libraries. But middle class make up 37% of population, and 52% use public libraries Department for Culture, Media and Sport. (2000). Culture, Media and Sport – Sixth Report [Online]. http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmselect/cmcumeds/241/24106.htm (Accessed 14 December 2010). Pateman, J. (no date). Who Cares About the Working Class? Class: the final taboo [Online]. http://www.cilip.org.uk/get-involved/special-interest-groups/diversity/Documents/JohnPateman_WhiteWorkingClass_DGConf2010.pdf (Accessed 4 June 2011).

10. Where to begin? Had to be realistic Made use of existing contacts Flexible in our approach Awareness of different audiences

11. Preparing our Presentation Tried to make it interactive and light-hearted Challenged the stereotypical view of librarians Kept it general, but discussed our own experiences Showed the variety of roles and sectors Explained routes into profession Different presentations for different audiences

12. A Step Further... Careers presentation on Slide-Share Two minute video for Leeds University Careers Careers audio clips with Sheffield University Careers Presentation to library school colleagues

13. What did we gain? Networking Confidence Knowledge Professional Development

14. How did it go? A difficult project to convey to people Timing and scheduling A positive and enjoyable experience

15. With thanks to Barbara Sen, Pam McKinney (University of Sheffield, i-School) Lucy Marris, Katie Marison (University of Sheffield, Careers Service) James Gregory (University of Bradford) Anita Wong, Chris Stone (University of Leeds)

18. www.thisisjen.online.wordpress.com/