This answer is provided by our guest author, Rachel Kuhn Stinehelfer.

Q: I recently started library school and I am required to pick a specific track, or focus, within the program: cataloging, reference, information technology,  school librarianship, archives, or law librarianship. For the last year, I have worked in a government law library where I shelve and update  the collection as well as provide some reference assistance to patrons.  I love my job – especially the reference part.  Originally, I entered library school  thinking I would focus on reference. Now, after having finished one term of library school, I’m wondering if concentrating on reference will pigeonhole me  into being qualified for only reference positions when I finish my degree.  Since I’m getting reference experience in my job, should I still plan on making  it my academic focus?  Reference is my favorite, but should I pick something else to be more well-rounded in the job search?  If I concentrate on reference,  will I ever have any business applying for a job in cataloging, for example? Thank you for your wisdom and insight!

RKS: From reading your letter it sounds like you really love reference and law librarianship, so I think the question comes down to – would you want to be a  cataloger?  If you love reference, you should focus on reference. I doubt you would want to apply for a cataloging job if you are really a public services  person as those are two very different positions.  That being said, I think that cataloging is fundamental to understanding library catalogs and metadata so be sure to explore many of the courses available to you. Having work experience and an academic focus in a specific area, rather than being a  jack-of-all-trades, will make you a stronger candidate.

SM: I agree with everything Rachel said. Don’t worry about being pigeonholed before you’ve even started applying for positions. Do what you love, focus on what interests you, and get as much experience as possible. Potential employers will be more impressed with your experience and skills than your concentration in library school (trust me). One of the benefits of working (in a library) during library school, is discovering what you like to do and what  kind of role you would like to pursue after you get your degree. After you’ve worked for a while, you just might feel like you want to change roles, or look for something different — many people do! — and it might not be as difficult as you imagine.  Check out this article that Tiffany and I wrote to address questions and concerns similar to yours:

“How do I get there from here? Changing jobs, changing roles, changing institutions”
by Susanne Markgren and Tiffany Allen
C&RL News, December 2004, Vol. 65, No. 11

Q: I am a new graduate of LIS and obtained my Masters from an ALA accredited library school in Canada. In addition to my MLS degree, I hold a PhD in French literature. I have been looking for a job for two months yet am not able to find one. I have a lot of education, but I don’t have much library experience. My question is: should I put my PhD degree on my resume? I have been told that most employers would consider me to be overqualified.

SM: Short answer: Yes! Your concern is perfectly valid, and many librarians have found themselves in this same predicament (if you can call it that): educationally overqualified. Honestly, it seems ridiculous that the simple fact of having an additional degree can make you less desirable, especially when so many positions require, or prefer, a second masters.

Most likely, you will encounter some discrimination during your job search — it really depends on what kind of job you are looking for. While there are some libraries that seek out librarians who hold PhDs (these are typically large research libraries with very unique collections), there are many more that might look upon the degree as a detriment. You state that you don’t have much experience working in libraries, which means that most of the positions you are qualified for are entry-level positions. Experience is really what’s desired for any librarian position. I imagine that it may be difficult for employers to hire someone who has a doctorate, for an entry-level position. So, you will need to address it, not hide it.

Include all your degrees on your resume/vita, even your PhD. If a search committee or a potential employer finds out that you have another degree and you did not list it, they might assume that you are trying to hide something. Instead, use it to your advantage, especially if you are applying for academic librarian positions. I’m sure you would like to — if not now, then eventually — use your subject expertise in French Literature to complement your role as a librarian. If the position you are applying for has nothing to do with your subject background, then downplay it, or find some aspect of it that fits into the requirements for the position. Some positions will value your subject expertise and foreign-language background more than others.

Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for: address your educational background in your cover letter, but accentuate your library degree and school work (projects, thesis, etc.). Mention how your PhD and your subject expertise can and will enhance your role as librarian X. Discuss how your use of the library as a researcher and student has helped to prepare you for a career as a librarian. Play up any and all experience you have in libraries – working, volunteering, interning, and just using. And, most importantly, emphasize your interest in the job at hand and your commitment to librarianship.

Two months might seem like a very long time, but when searching for jobs, it isn’t long at all. So don’t get discouraged just yet.