[CALIBK12] Library Tech Letter of Rec

[Sue Beckmeyer]

Hi Cindy,

I tried to reply to you privately, but the email bounced back. Hopefully
you'll receive my response through CALIBK-12.

I've written such letters before, although not specifically for a library
tech. I don't have a recent example to share, but here are some important
points to consider:
1) What is the purpose of the letter? Is he/she applying for a new job, or
is it for admission to a college program? The point of view of your audience
is important to consider.
2) If it is for employment, think of 2 or 3 characteristics about this
person you can honestly state in a positive way. Does the person take
initiative? Work well with others? Work well under deadlines? Handle
multiple tasks efficiently? Interact with students and staff in a friendly
and professional manner? What is their level of technological proficiency?
What computer programs, library management systems, etc. can they
demonstrate knowledge of? If it is for another library job, what library
tasks and skills have they mastered?
3) The three things to focus on are knowledge, skills and abilities. Use
those nouns in your letter, and give specific, job related examples.
4) Avoid character judgments -- if it can't be tied to a job related
knowledge, skill or ability it isn't relevant.
5) Be honest, and be positive. If you can't honestly give a positive
recommendation, leave it out.
6) If it is true, close you letter with a statement that you would hire this
person again.

Good luck!
--Sue Beckmeyer
  Library Coordinator
  Vallemar Library
  Pacifica, CA 94044

On Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 6:27 PM, Cindy Vernon <
Aliff_Cindy at alhambra.k12.ca.us> wrote:

> Hi everyone,
> My tech has asked me to write her a letter of rec and I'm totally swamped
> and I 've never written one of these before. I was  wondering if someone
> had one they had written they were willing to share with me that would
> give me something to go by. Thanks,
> Cindy
>
> Cindy Vernon
> MLS Librarian
> Mark Keppel High School Library
> 501 E. Hellman
> Alhambra, CA 91801
> 626-572-2240
>
> "What a school thinks about its library is a measure of what it feels
> about education." - Harold Howe, former Secretary of Education.
>
>
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