Q: I am blessed to have a great job in a suburban school as a SLMS.  At my current placement, I have re-structured the entire program, am in charge of the budget, as well as serve 600+ students and 100+ faculty/ staff.  After six years, I am strongly considering moving to Manhattan and applying for a manager position in a city library.  What qualifications am I lacking as a school librarian as opposed to a manager position? What factors should I consider with this move?

SM: What incredible experience you have! It seems like you might be qualified for many different types of library management positions. I assume that by “city library” you mean public library, although you may want to also consider special or academic because your management skills are transferable and often highly sought-after. When applying for manager positions, you will need to emphasize your role as a manager in your current position (even if it isn’t in your title). After reviewing some of the job qualifications for library manager positions at NYPL (New York Public Library), the only qualification you seem to be missing (without reviewing your resume) is public library experience. Likewise, if you wanted to get an academic position, you may need to have academic librarian experience under your belt. Also, there are many independent/private schools in Manhattan that employ librarians. If living and working in Manhattan is your goal, then I recommend that you cast a wide net and see what’s out there, and what your skills and expertise qualify you for. If you have your heart set on working in public libraries, you should definitely apply for positions, and/or submit your resume for general consideration. You may also want to try to speak with public library managers (perhaps at your local public library) and get some feedback on what you can or should be doing to pump up your resume.

I wrote an article entitled “A Librarian’s Guide to Relocating to NYC” for METRO, which is an organization that you will find enormously useful as you look for jobs and get to know the city. Factors to think about when moving to, and looking for work in, Manhattan — other than the enormous variety of workplaces, are: cost of living, geography, transportation, networking, and using social media to help you connect with others. Best of luck!

Q: I searched your site but didn’t find an answer already on this subject. If I’m wrong, could you point me in the right direction?  My question:  I recently graduated with my BS in History. I have four years’ experience working first as a library page, then as a collections processor in Archives, and now I’m working as a Digital Projects and Oral History assistant in the Digitization Department of Special Collections. My next step is to get my MLIS. However, I am unsure of what to specialize in. I have most of my experience with Digitization and Archives but think I would be happier in a different area. I’d like to work with people more and love the hustle and bustle of reference and circulation. However, I am also in love with children’s literature and would love an opportunity to work with kids, set up reading programs in the library, etc. I feel that I can be happy in many capacities in the library. So I guess my question is what specialization do you feel is the most marketable? With library jobs being competitive, I’d like to choose a specialization in library school that will be widely marketable when I begin looking for permanent positions, but that will also be something I will enjoy doing for the long haul.

TA: I totally understand your question about finding ways to be most marketable upon graduation, but you also want to find a specialization that works for you.  You can be marketable and terribly unhappy, and that’s not where you want to end up.  Employers look for experience and potential, and library school is a great time to explore different areas of specialization and to try things on to see if they fit.  From taking a variety of classes, to different internships and volunteer opportunities, you can spend some time exploring librarianship.  According to ALA, the amount of academic credit hours required for an ALA-accredited MLS can vary from 36 semester hours to 72 quarter hours—this is both a lot of time, and time that flies by too quickly.  You should talk with an academic advisor at the school to chart your course, including which classes to take, how and when to register for field experiences, and identifying volunteer or paid work experiences.  Above all else, leave library school with the degree AND work experience.

Now is also a great time to join a few professional discussions lists.  You see if the discussion topics strike an interest.  You can also monitor the vacancy announcements that come across the lists.  Even though you aren’t on the market right now, you can see what’s in demand in terms of types of jobs, regions of employment, and desired skills and experience.  This information will be really useful when you are in library school and are deciding which classes to take or how to gain certain experiences.

Also, remember the power of the informational interview.  Elisa Topper, in her October 2003 “Working Knowledge” column in American Libraries, talks about all the potential benefits of the informational interview.  Her list includes: building a network of contacts; gaining information about internships, practicum experiences and other positions in the “hidden job market”; exposure to terminology and issues relevant to a specific field; and a glimpse into different organizational cultures.  Informational interviews are a great way to explore different areas of librarianship through the real-life experience of someone who’s doing it.  Be sure to read the rest of the Topper article, and refer to our other columns on Informational Interviews to learn more about conducting these types of interviews.

Q: I am a librarian currently looking for full-time public library work. Although I love working with kids and single-handedly run my library’s children’s department, my current position is only part-time. A full-time position in adult reference has just opened up in my area, and I am interested in applying. I have experience with working at the adult reference desk and took classes in graduate school in working with an adult patron base, but most of my 4 1/2 years of library experience come from working in children’s departments. Do you have any suggestions for what to highlight and emphasize in my resume and cover letter to show that I can work just as effectively in adult reference as I can in children’s reference? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

TA: This can be a tricky transition, moving from the children’s department to adult reference (although I have seen some adults in my lifetime behave much worse than children!).  You’re wise to acknowledge there’s a difference and to think about ways to make the transition, like your previous work experience and coursework—be sure to highlight these in your application materials.   Additionally, think about the transferable skills you’ve gained over the last several years working in the children’s department.  Have you managed a budget?  Supervised employees, students or volunteers?  Created a desk schedule and delegated work? Examined new products and trained others on how to use them?  Have you worked with parents on how to meet the literacy needs of their children?  Make your resume and cover letter an invitation to talk more about your interest in the position and your ability to do the work.  Also know that as an internal candidate, you’ve got a professional network inside the organization.  Be sure to make a positive impression in all of your interactions and have people prepared to speak positively on your behalf.

Q: Dear Friends at Library Career People:

I have a professional dilemma, and I would be so grateful for any insight or encouragement you might be able to offer me. In June 2011, I completed library school thinking that I wanted to be a public librarian. Actually, I was pretty certain of this, even though I had minimal experience working in public libraries. My background is actually in special (government/law and art) libraries.

Shortly after earning my degree, I was offered a part-time librarian substitute position at a local large urban public library system. I have worked as a public reference librarian for one year now, and I have decided that it’s not for me. In addition to this, I have applied for countless internal job postings within the public library organization and I’ve had no luck. I think someone is trying to tell me something that I’ve ignored for a long time.

I feel like a fool, and like I have to start over. However, I am eager to get my career back on the right path and continue to pursue something more personally fulfilling. For the last four years, I have been employed part-time at a government law library and I absolutely love it. Even though there may not be a full-time or professional position for me there, I want to continue to pursue a career in government librarianship, perhaps in a science or engineering library. Do you have any thoughts on how I might get started?

SM: I find that whether you like a job or not depends largely on the situation: the patrons, the setting, the demands/responsibilities/expectations, and the people you work with and work for… and less so on the job itself. I’ve worked in several types of libraries, in a variety of roles, and I’ve enjoyed aspects of each one of them. I’ve also disliked aspects of all of them. No place is perfect. And, I’ve figured out, along the way, what I am good at, what people expect of me, and what I really enjoy doing (and don’t enjoy doing). This information drives me onward to pursue my goals and tweak my job responsibilities and ultimately be a happier librarian.

If I had a dream job, it would be built from bits and pieces of all the jobs I’ve held: this supervisor, that location, those colleagues, these benefits, a mixture of duties, a scattering of clientele, the freedom to pursue my interests, and the structure to be held accountable for my actions and my progress and my commitment.

You shouldn’t feel like a fool. Not in the least. You are doing everything that you should be doing. You are exploring different roles and different libraries; you are discovering what you want to do and what you don’t want to do. You are learning about the profession and about yourself. Getting on-the-job experience in one role and in one type of library is the best way (or, perhaps, the only way) to figure out what path you want to pursue next. Yes, opportunities will pop up, jobs will present themselves (or not) and personal lives will intervene — and because of all these things, you may find yourself following an unplanned trajectory, and that’s OK. It is rare for someone to start out in their dream job, or dream location. You just need to keep moving toward your ultimate goal, and seek out anything and everything that can help you attain it. And remember that any experience you get is valuable.

So, don’t think of it as starting over, and don’t think of starting over as a bad thing. Sometimes starting over, or starting again, is the best cure for a deflated career. In the mean time, as you begin to steer  yourself onto a new career path, you should enjoy the part time position that you love and learn all that you can about the job and the institution and the needs of the patrons, and the skills and resources and tools that are used to meet those needs.

Fulfillment comes in many packages, and even if your current job does not provide the level you crave, you can do other things (while you wait) to boost it up as well as help you move toward the job that you really want. Here are a few tips:

• Make connections and utilize your current connections: talk to colleagues and librarians in related libraries to find out how to move forward, where to look for jobs, and what to get involved in (e.g., committees, social networks).

• Join associations that are specific to the type of library you want to work in: seek out local and state and national organizations and see which might work best for you. Take advantage of the resources and networking opportunities they offer.

• Visit libraries: identify libraries that interest you, see if you can speak with (or communicate with) a librarian who works there. Have a list of questions and ask if there are any internship or volunteer opportunities (if your schedule permits).

• Be relentless in your job search: and don’t only look for jobs, look for skills and requirements for the jobs that you want. Find out what employers are asking for and make a list of things you do not have. Also, broaden your search to include job sites other than library-specific ones. Some corporations and government jobs will post on their own sites (e.g., state government or agency site).

• Rework your materials: does your resume reflect the job you want? You may need to revise it, or change it into a different type (e.g., from chronological to functional). You may need to highlight transferable experience and skills from other jobs.

• Consider professional development opportunities: seek out programs, classes, workshops, webinars, conferences, that might enhance your resume and your skill set.

• Talk to your alma mater: you are a recent graduate, so use your school’s career center and its resources to help you pursue your dream job.

Potentially Useful Links:

http://www.sla.org/

https://www.usajobs.gov/

http://federalgovernmentjobs.us/

http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/Libraries.shtml

“How do I get there from here?: Changing jobs, changing roles, changing institutions”
by Susanne Markgren and Tiffany Allen

Q: I am changing careers after completing an LIS program. I have been working at a technical help desk in various roles using many of the skills taught to information professionals. For example, I have taught effective search techniques, researched technical issues using various technical resources, and practiced customer service through various communication paths. Is there an effective way to present these types of transferable skills when applying for a library position?

SM: This is a good question and an issue that many people have, especially those who are changing careers and those who are just entering the profession and have little or no library experience. One option is to use a functional resume, rather than a chronological resume. Functional resumes focus on skills and experience rather than work history over time. You might choose to organize your resume into categories such as: customer service, research, instruction, and technology. Within the categories you can list out the different skills and go into more detail about the jobs themselves. The skills you mention transfer nicely to the library world, and the job of working at a technical help desk is comparable to working at a reference desk, so this seems like a natural fit for you.

When you are writing cover letters, emphasize whatever skills are emphasized in the job description. For example, if the job is for a reference librarian, write about how you have assisted users both in person at the desk and online — and be specific about the tools/technologies/databases/media/etc. that you used. Employers like to know that you have experience (or expertise) with the same or similar tools that they have at their library. And they like to know that you are knowledgeable about current or emerging technologies and trends.

Resources that might be helpful:

Should You Use a Chronological or Functional Resume? By Roberta Chinsky Matuson

Crafting a Winning Resume by Tiffany Eatman Allen

JobStar Resume Guide (+ sample resumes)

Q:  I’m a recent LIS graduate and have been a reference librarian for two years, but I have long been interested in collection development. Prior to that, I worked as an assistant in a special library doing copy cataloging and collection maintenance, and in a university law library, also doing collection maintenance. Unfortunately, due to limited availability of a collection development class in my program, I never took it and only learned in my last quarter before graduation when I asked to have my practicum in collection development that the class was a prerequisite. Thus I was pushed into reference, and while I’m content in my role, I still often wonder about a career in collection development. I have no clue how I might one day make the transition, especially since it’s such a specialized area of work. Can you suggest any ideas for how a relatively new reference librarian might acquire the experience necessary to cross over into collection development post MLIS?

TA:  Several ideas come to mind when I think about your question of how to get into collection development after a couple of years as a reference librarian.  Here are a few:

• Seek specialized training through a professional association; attend workshops and professional meetings in the area of collection development.
• Take a continuing education course in collection development through an ALA-accredited library school.  Or, consider the possibility of a Certificate of Advanced Study (a post-MLS program) and specialize in collection development.
• Reference librarians know a lot about the collection, so look for ways to build opportunities into your current position.  In many libraries, the lines between reference and collection development are being blurred by the liaison or subject specialist role, where librarians are arranged by subject and not function.  If your current employer doesn’t offer enough opportunity to explore collection development, and you’re willing to dive into the job market, maybe a subject specialist or liaison type position is your bridge to a position that has exclusive responsibility for collection development.
• Look for a professional mentor who is already a collection development librarian.  And how do you find that kind of mentor?  Well, since you asked…
• Conduct a few information interviews—Ask others who have the job you want how they got there, what they love about their job, and what they would change.  Be sure to watch your vocabulary when describing your current situation.  What you’ve described above can be heard as a bit negative (I was “pushed” into reference) and perceived as less-than-careful planning in library school (I “only learned in my last quarter before graduation…”).  Focus on the future and your career aspirations.
• Pursue an additional degree that would support your move into a collection development position.  Many librarians engaged in collection development have an additional degree beyond the MLS that allows them to specialize deeply in a specific subject or discipline.
• If your current employer offers a sabbatical or research leave, develop a research project around the intersection of reference and collection development.  At the end you’ll know more about your areas of interest and have a deliverable that you can share with others.

Q: I have a professional dilemma, and I would be so grateful for any insight or encouragement you might be able to offer me.

In June 2011, I completed library school thinking that I wanted to be a public librarian. Actually, I was pretty certain of this, even though I had minimal experience working in public libraries. My background is actually in special (government/law and art) libraries.

Shortly after earning my degree, I was offered a part-time librarian substitute position at a local large urban public library system. I have worked as a public reference librarian for one year now, and I have decided that it’s not for me. In addition to this, I have applied for countless internal job postings within the public library organization and I’ve had no luck. I think someone is trying to tell me something that I’ve ignored for a long time.

I feel like a fool, and like I have to start over. However, I am eager to get my career back on the right path and continue to pursue something more personally fulfilling. For the last four years, I have been employed part-time at a government law library and I absolutely love it. Even though there may not be a full-time or professional position for me there, I want to continue to pursue a career in government librarianship, perhaps in a science or engineering library. Do you have any thoughts on how I might get started?

TA:  Dear “Professional Dilemma”:

Please know that you are not alone when it comes to reassessing a career path.  Some enter library school on one path, and exit on another.  Other times, it takes some experience in the profession to realize your true calling lies elsewhere.  But don’t worry, or criticize yourself.  Just prepare yourself and take the necessary steps to get where you want to go.

First, you’re not starting over.  You might be taking a step back, but you’re not at the very beginning.  Over the course of the last several years, you’ve gained professional experience that will translate from one library to another.  You’ve also learned where your strengths and interests lie, so don’t take that for granted.  Check out the other articles about transferable skills and how to market those on your application materials.

Second, we say all the time that librarianship is a very small profession.  That truth is amplified for special librarianship.  This is a tight group of professional colleagues who know, work with, and recommend others in their professional circles.  Make this work for you in three ways: one, stay close to your colleagues in the government law library where you’ve been working (think: future references and recommendations); two, start creating and working a professional network of other special librarians doing what you want to do (see other articles on informational interviews); and three, find a mentor who can walk with you through all of this and introduce you to others in the profession.

Finally, sit down and do some written exercises to help you identify what you want in the future for your career.  Assess what you have and what you need to achieve these goals, and create an action plan.  Just as you would plan any other event, thoughtful consideration, measurable goals, and an action plan will help you get there.

Q: I am considering a career change, after 18 years, from health care to the library profession. My interest in library work stems from my student work as a page in library and a passion for film, art and books. I will be attending an open house for an MLIS program and I am looking forward to finding helpful and relevant info as to whether this will be a good career direction. My feelings about this potential career choice are positive, however after reading comments posted about job and employment time cuts I am concerned about the overall stability of the profession. Any advice you can offer will be very much appreciated. Thank you.

SM: As long as you are motivated and enjoy what you are doing, I wouldn’t worry too much about the stability of the profession. The profession itself isn’t going anywhere, and as long as there are libraries, there will be librarians. Just remember that there are jobs out there in many different types of libraries and companies and institutions, and the skills that librarians possess are valued by other professions. Librarians go by many different names and yes, we often need to be strategic and creative as we search for jobs. If this is want you want to do, then go for it.

You are already checking out programs and attending open houses, which is a great way to meet people and ask questions about the program, specializations, and specific classes. Here are a few more tips:

• Don’t spend a ton of money on your degree. Librarians do not (typically) make a large salary and you don’t need to put yourself into massive debt for an MLS. As you research library schools, find out about financial aid options and grants and scholarships that you might be able to take advantage of and compare the pros and cons of several different programs.
• While in library school, or even before you start library school, get a job in a library. The MLS is a necessity to be a librarian, but it doesn’t guarantee you a job. Employers want experience, even from those just out of library school. Your past experience as a student worker counts, but more current experience will count even more, and will help you secure a job when you get out of school.
• Brush up on your technology and social media skills. Many employers expect their new(er) librarians to be on top of emerging technologies and trends.
• Try to determine your (librarian) niche. This might be difficult to do until you start library school, or start working in libraries, but you can start thinking about the different roles you might want to pursue (reference, instruction, cataloging, etc.), the types of libraries you might like to work in (special, academic, public, school) and the types of resources you might like to work with (archives, film/media, children’s books, consumer health, electronic resources, etc.).
• Seek out a mentor, whether in a formal program (offered by a school or a library organization) or informally with someone you admire and respect. It is always beneficial to have someone who can provide career advice and serve as a resource for you.
• Find support, encouragement, and comraderie in online forums. There are several blogs and sites and LinkedIn groups for new librarians, or those thinking of becoming librarians. Join up and join in the discussions.

Q: I have spent 14 years at home with my kids who are now going off to college. I would like to find a full-time librarian job, but the MLS I earned in the 1980′s seems really out-of-date in today’s job market. Also, having been a special librarian, I am now drawn to law libraries. How can I get my foot in the door of a law library with no formal coursework or experience in such a library? I have considered getting a Paralegal degree to compliment my MLS, do you think this would be an advantage? Thanks!

TA: First things first, you need to do something to get your MLS up to date.  I would suggest you look into library science programs (online or in person) that offer the Certificate of Advanced Study.  Something like that will give you the opportunity to explore current topics and technologies in the profession today. You may also have an internship or field experience requirement as part of the certificate program, which will allow you to step into a place of employment and gain some valuable experience while building professional contacts and a network of colleagues.  If you would like to specialize in law libraries, you could consider a field experience or internship at a law library to give it a try.  If it remains of interest, you may want to consider pursuing the paralegal degree.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who is trying to make a career change into the library profession? I have my MSIS and much experience in human resources, but I want to make a change into something I am more passionate about…namely, working in a library. I am already volunteering at two special libraries. What else can I do to make myself more marketable? Is an internship my only choice?  Thank you.

TA: The MLS and related experience working in libraries will make you a marketable candidate. Your experience in human resources could also be a real asset if marketed correctly in your application materials.  You want to be careful and balanced with how you present your HR experience.  On one hand, it gives you an advantage when it comes to the supervisory and management aspects of a professional position; on the other hand, you need to be careful that you’re not “pricing yourself out of the market.”  So be sure to talk about your experience and the strengths you would bring to the position, but also make sure you’re framing your application as a career transition.  Try to build on your volunteer experience to see if you can work yourself into a paid position–and experience that will build an attractive resume.