Comments for Career Q&A with the Library Career People

Comment on Q: Will the school, or graduate program, I choose to attend affect my job chances after I graduate? by Grant

Grant — Fri, 22 Jun 2012 02:26:29 +0000

I think the school def. plays an important role in where you can potentially land. I went a re known college and I believe that’s one of the reasons I stood out from the other candidates.

Comment on Q: Objective Statements – Necessary or Unnecessary? by mba personal statement

mba personal statement — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 07:54:20 +0000

mba personal statement…

Career Q…

Comment on Q: Should I go to library school after getting my B.A., or should I get a job in a library? by cathymls

cathymls — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 03:54:10 +0000

I love being a Librarian, however with this economy there are no jobs. I suspect it will be like this for a long time to come. Public libraries are hiring “library assistants” to do professional librarian work. They pay them $10 an hour with no benefits. I know many librarians that are not able to get a full time job for years now. Some have as many as 3 part time jobs just to get by. School libraries are worse. In most states school librarians are not mandated and jobs are being cut all over the country. Having said all this, if I were you I would seriously consider whether getting your MLS is a sound financial decision. Do some research and you will see that the job market for Librarians is abysmal. You might want to check out a Linkedin Group “librarians in the job market” very telling as to what is going on with librarians in the trenches. Good Luck!

Comment on Q: Where can I find online library and library-related jobs? by hedgielib

hedgielib — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:33:10 +0000

I’m troubled that your answer is “do a Google search and see what comes up.” How is that answering the question?

A short and by no means comprehensive list of places to look for library jobs:

LISJobs.com
(obviously)

ACRL/NY Events and Jobs
http://acrlny.blogspot.com/

Chronicle.com – Jobs in Higher Education
http://chronicle.com/section/Jobs/61/

CT Library Jobs (feed)
http://feeds.feedburner.com/ctlibraryjobs

Library Jobline
http://www.libraryjobline.org/

ALA Joblist
http://joblist.ala.org

LibGig Jobs
http://publicboard.libgig.com/

Metro Magnet Career Center Listings
http://www.metro.org

OHIONET – Job Announcements
http://www.ohionet.org/jobs_rss.php

SLA-NY Joblog
http://slanyjobs.blogspot.com/

SLA
http://sla.jobcontrolcenter.com/

Feed from IU SLIS
http://www.slis.indiana.edu/careers/feed.php

Comment on Q: Do I have any chance of getting into one of the better-ranked library schools with a GPA of 2.8? by lib_taco

lib_taco — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:19:57 +0000

Graduate programs will let you take two courses before you apply to/enroll in the program. I would highly recommend you pick a school and go ahead and take them. Get excellent grades to demonstrate your dedication and offset any concerns about your academic skills.

This also introduces you to a professor or two who could support your application. It gives you a chance to know for SURE that this is the right program for you. If you end up enrolling at a different school, you should be able to transfer them.

Comment on Q: I am interested in teaching in an online LIS program. How do I find adjunct positions? by Career Q&A with the Library Career People » Q: How likely (or unlikely) is it that I would be able to get a job teaching at the university level at this stage in my career?

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:50:32 +0000

[...] to brush up on your online learning management systems, and your social networking skills. See also this previous question on finding online teaching positions. If you feel a bit rusty, look into taking some online classes [...]

Comment on Q: I am considering a career change and have been thinking about getting my MLS. What are the job prospects like for school librarians? by dconnolly

dconnolly — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:09:54 +0000

FYI, AASL has just published a revamped Website focused on the recruitment of potential school librarians at http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aasleducation/recruitmentlib/aaslrecruitment.cfm.

Comment on Q: So my question is, at this point, what can I do with my degree other than be a librarian? What makes me think I will ever have a chance? by Ex Libris

Ex Libris — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 09:14:19 +0000

I would like to make some helpful suggestions. Our profession has corporate, legal, medical, academic and special libraries. Perhaps it would be a good idea to explore these other areas. Public libraries are going through tremendous financial woes right now and they may very well be in this state of financial starvation for quite a while.

You appear to be a trully dedicated Librarian. You have obviously fought through substancial fiscal hardships to have obtained the professional degree you now hold.
In the more than 15 years in this profession I have seen and experienced similiar situations like the one you wrote about. Thank you for the obvious courage and honesty that you displayed in sharing your story. My advise to you is have faith and try to “stay the course”. If you attempt to “jump ship” (change professions) right now, you may very well face even greater problems due to the overall loss of jobs in so many, many sectors of our present economy. I would “hunker” down as best as I could right now.

Librarians are educators at heart. We are a highly intelligent, resourceful and dedicated group of professionals. I am certain that you are all of these things and far more. You love what you do, so hang on to this fundamental passion and enjoyment. As discouraging as it can be at times, and believe me I have lived it, do not allow someone to rob you of what love to do.

As far as insurance goes, I would exercise my research skills and explore low-cost insurance. I am also a single woman without medical insurance at the moment.
Let me tell you, it is not easy, but it can be done. My thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless You!

Comment on Q: How exactly do I get my employer to give me what I want – a promotion? by Engaging in the field of Library Politics | ontheshelves

Engaging in the field of Library Politics | ontheshelves — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:50:14 +0000

[...] [...]

Comment on Q: I have been applying for academic librarian positions in southern California for just over two years… by red goddess

red goddess — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 15:59:47 +0000

TA,

Thank you very much for your thoughtful advice, especially for the guidance on crafting my cover letter.