Q: Any hints for a husband and wife seeking to relocate together to another academic institution? Can it be done? (He’s in archives/special collections, I’m currently in resource sharing, but have cataloging experience and have worked in public libraries in various capacities. Both of us have an MLS.) If either of us were a finalist for a position somewhere, would it be proper to inquire about job possibilities for the other spouse?

SM: Dear Librarian + Spouse,

The good news is that yes, it is possible, and even somewhat common in higher education for institutions to hire spouses. This is usually called dual-career hiring. It is fortunate that both of you are seeking academic positions.

My advice is for the two of you to apply for positions, ones that you are qualified for and truly want. Don’t concern yourselves at this point about whether or not a particular institution will also hire a spouse. Before you go for an interview, do your research into dual career resources at the university or institution. Gather all the information you can on it, and contact the correct people at the institution, if needed, to ask questions. Keep in mind that this is all moot until you actually get a job offer.

At the interview stage, do not mention to the search committee that your spouse is also looking for a job at the same institution. The search committee cannot legally ask you about marital status and by bringing it to their attention you could put the committee at risk of investigation if you were not hired. If your spouse applies for a job at the same library, chances are the search committee already knows this, but still do not mention it. Once you get a job offer, then you can bring it to the attention of the library director, or human resources (or the person who formally offers you the position), and ask what kind of program they have in place for spousal hiring. Some institutions will have well-defined programs and others will not. After you have been offered the job, it is your right to negotiate terms and your right to ask for time to consider what they have to offer.

As you’ve probably already figured out, you and your spouse need to decide if securing jobs for the two of you is a deal breaker. Will you only take a job if they have one for your spouse? What factors (e.g., your dream job, dream location, salary, benefits, etc.) will you need to consider when making this important decision?

I know several faculty members (including a few librarians) whose spouses were hired along with them (not all were faculty positions). In an ideal world, if the university/library/search committee really wants you then it would be in their best interest to find a job for your spouse. But, in reality, finding jobs for the two of you at the same institution, or even in the same city, can be a complicated and prolonged process. Best of luck to you both.

Here are some informational sites and resources from higher education institutions on dual-career hiring:

Realities of Dual Careers
Inside Higher Ed

Dual Career Academics
Stanford University

Lessons of a Dual Hire by Rebecca Manderlay
Chronicle of Higher Education, August 19, 2009

The Dual Career Network
The University of Iowa

Dual Career FAQs
University of Virginia

Faculty Spousal and Partner Hiring Assistance Program
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Spouse/Partner Employment: Dual Career Services
The University of Minnesota

Upstate New York Higher Education Recruitment Consortium

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

Q: In the summer of 2010, I applied for massage therapy jobs and librarian jobs. I discovered with my simple 1-page massage therapy resume that I could get an interview and even the job. Most of the job opportunities were found using one information resource: Chicago Craigslist. The interview process included a practical portion: I had to give a massage to a colleague. The job opportunities were at respectable salons: Asha SalonSpa, the largest collection of Aveda salons in the Chicago area; Heavenly Massage with 11 locations in the Chicagoland area; Massage Envy, the biggest massage franchise in the country; and Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, a luxury spa on Michigan Avenue.

There must be a problem. Even though I was primarily looking for an entry-level position, I clearly am competing with candidates who look better on paper. The biggest issue could be that I am transitioning from an entirely different field. What’s the solution? My library resume and references could be improved if I acquired more experience; this would give my prospective employers more confidence.  But, by definition, I am a Librarian, since a Librarian is someone who completes a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science. Moreover, I already did two internships while in school: one was at the American Library Association and one was at St. Scholastica High School. What can I do to improve my chances of getting hired? 

RKS: You make some great points about the differences in looking for a salon type position and a professional librarian position.  Having been on the other end of reading those letters and resumes I can say that there is A LOT of competition out there.   There may even be fifty candidates for an entry-level job.  Try not to be discouraged, but do look at your resume and cover letter with a closer eye.  I would also recommend having a friend (especially one who is already in a professional librarian position) edit your resume and cover letter.

First things first – do not confine your resume to one page if you have more relevant experience than that.  The non-library work is somewhat relevant however you need to make sure it does not look like you are too heavy on the salon work.  I would briefly describe the salon work including the years you worked there and a two-sentence description for each job.  Mostly to show you have been working during those years.  You can bring together the public services/working with people aspects of the two types of jobs in the cover letter. 

The internships and your coursework at Dominican should be the bulk of the resume.  Describe the specifics of your internships and list any websites or databases where the committee can go and review your work. 

Do limit the cover letter not necessarily to only one page, but for an entry-level position not much more than one and a half.  The cover letter is the personal connection you can make with a search committee so be sure to tailor it to the job for which you are applying.  Know that this is your chance to express why you are making a career change and how the work you have done in a salon will help you in libraries. 

Who you list as your referees is also very important.  Do list library folks – I find it useful to list your relationship in parentheses or italics – Professor or Internship Supervisor.  I would only list one salon referee probably your current employer or if you are not comfortable with the current supervisor until you are further in the process you can simply say Current supervisor contact information upon request.

Finally make sure you are qualified for the position.  If you do not meet the basic qualifications which may include a specific major or years of experience then you do not need to apply.  

Good luck to you in your job search and new career as a librarian!

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

Q: I love your website & your column. It keeps me motivated through some trying times!  I have over a decade’s worth of experience in academic libraries – circulation, subject libraries, cataloging & solo. I’ve just started working on my MLIS through an online program while working full time & have been sorting out my post-graduate career goals (I would like to work in special/corporate libraries or library/information consulting/sales). Most experts say students should complete a practicum or internship before graduating so they’re more attractive to employers. My question is how would a person who is currently working full time, going to school online, & trying to have a family/personal life squeeze in a consulting practicum? Do you think it’s necessary for someone with my background? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks so much! 

RKS: You have a very diverse background in libraries already.  I think with your work experience and MLIS that you would be a strong candidate without having an additional practicum.  What I would suggest is concentrate your coursework to go the direction you want your career to go and emphasize this connection in your cover letter.  Also, carefully construct your resume to highlight the experience you do have in detail.   A mistake that some candidates make is only writing a short description or sometimes only the title of a position without actually describing the depth and breadth of the work.  Going to school full time and working full time takes a lot of time management that you should also highlight when you are applying for jobs.  Good luck to you!

Q:  I am 27 and currently employed with the U.S. Navy.  I will be receiving my BS in Human Resource Management in February of 2011.  Upon completion of my degree I was planning on continuing school and receiving my MLS while remaining military.  At this point I no longer wish to remain with the military and am planning to get out in July of 2011.  Are there any positions I can apply for with my BS in the LS field while continuing my education?

TA:  Most professional librarian positions require an MLS/MLIS and/or an advanced graduate degree in a specific discipline.  However, there are two ways that come to mind to work in the profession with a BS in the LS field, while also continuing your education.

First, many smaller institutions are staffed by individuals who may not possess the MLS.  The BS in LS could provide a strong foundation for providing access and services to that library’s constituency, and may provide an opportunity to pursue further educational credentials in the field.

Second, on the opposite end of the spectrum, larger institutions, especially public and academic libraries, will have support staff positions that do not require the MLS.  These positions may require a BS and will often focus primarily in one area of librarianship, such as technical services, access services, or public services.  The benefits of these positions are many: they provide a strong foundation in the fundamental operations of libraries; as large organizations, they may offer educational assistance to pursue an advanced degree; and because of the size of the organization, there may be promotional opportunities and room for professional growth.

I wish you the best when completing your degree and your service.  Thank you for your military service and welcome to librarianship!