Becoming an Independent Information Professional

Book excerpt: Many LIS professionals and students are interested in independent work opportunities, either as a full-time career or on a temporary or part-time basis. This book shares the experiences of successful information professionals who work as contractors or consultants. Have you ever dreamed of "life outside the library?" If you've ever wondered how you, as an information professional, can carve out a career or even find lucrative temporary work serving as a contractor, consultant, or freelancer, this book is for you. Editor Melissa M. Powell and other successful independent library professionals will help you decide if contracting is right for you, describe what to expect as an independent information professional, and identify the key steps to take. This book is for any librarian in any type of library or any LIS student who wishes to do independent work, whether as a full-time consultant, trainer, or contractor or on a temporary or part-time basis. Readers will learn how to perform a self-assessment to decide if consulting work is a good fit for them and understand the market for values-based consulting. The book addresses important topics and common questions for those new to being a contractor, such as establishing a legal structure for your business, financing your start-up and maintaining the books, marketing, working with clients outside of the library profession, and project management. A list of resources and sample forms are also provided.