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 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: I am looking to return to the field of librarianship. I have worked in non-librarian jobs using the information management skills I developed as a librarian. These skills are very valuable in corporate settings but I would very much like to return to academic librarianship. To complicate matters I have been out of the professional workplace for a couple of years taking care of my ill parents.  I am considering getting a post-master’s certification. I have a ALA MLIS. Do you think this could help me in the job market? I am a very talented individual and think I have a lot to contribute but I am concerned about my time out of work.  Thank you for your input. Any suggestions you have for re-entering the field would be greatly appreciated.

TA: Your research and information management skills in the corporate setting are indeed valuable skills and are likely to transfer nicely into a research-based academic library.  The Certificate of Advanced Study would certainly bring you up to date with a current degree and give you the opportunity to explore today’s industry trends and technologies.  You could also select classes and internships that focus on academic libraries, which would allow you to refocus your experience and career.  Be sure to check out our other articles on Transferable Skills and Getting Started.

Q: I have been a librarian for over 20 years, mainly working in archives and small special libraries.  My question is, how do I switch to being a catalog librarian without having any real formal cataloging experience?  I considered looking for a copy catalog position, but have not found any openings.  I think people look at my resume and see archives and reference work, and never consider me for a cataloging position.  Also, I have only worked part-time during the last 10 years while raising my kids, mostly in para-professional positions, so I feel almost like I should start all over and go back to library school (although I can’t afford to)!

TA:  There are a number of areas that need to be addressed here: switching specializations from archives to cataloging; moving from part time to full time; and moving from a paraprofessional to professional position after 10 years.

My first suggestion is to dust off the old cover letter and resume and make sure it’s up to date in terms of both your experience and in formatting.  Styles change over a decade, so make sure you put some work into your application materials.  Make them look and feel polished and up to date.

Your cover letter will be especially important because it will be how you address all three questions (specialization, part time/ full time, para- to professional).  We’ve talked many times about the value of transferable skills, so you may want to refer to some of our other articles from the “Career Change” category of the column: http://www.lisjobs.com/CareerQA_blog/?cat=23

You should make a compelling case in your cover letter (supported by the work listed on your resume) about the parallels between your experience and the position for which you’ve applied.  For example, if you have experience processing archival collections and applying descriptive metadata using a standardized, controlled vocabulary, these are pretty similar in nature to traditional cataloging.  Describe how your experience will be an asset to the position.  Also include descriptive words that will appeal to the hiring supervisor, such as “detail oriented”, “works well independently as well as collaboratively”, or “self motivated and eager to learn”.  You’ll also need to explain in your letter that you’re in a position now to seek a full time, professional position, and that you’re eager to apply your knowledge, skills, and talents in that level of position.

In addition to your updating your application materials, if possible, you may want to seek opportunities to volunteer.  It’s a great way to gain experience, build skills, and add to a resume.  You will also build contacts in the profession, some of whom may serve as references for future cataloging positions.

A final idea to consider would be exploring the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) at Library and Information Science programs.  Wikipedia defines the Certificate of Advanced Study as:

A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS), also called a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) or a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), is a post-Master’s academic certificate designed for practitioners who seek a continuing education program to enhance their professional development in areas such as education and library science.

Many library schools, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offer the CAS, and it might be a way for you to develop or further enhance your cataloging expertise.  Drexel University offers an online CAS program for Information Studies and Technology.  Many of the CAS programs are self-directed and allow you to select courses with a faculty advisor to customize your experience.  If you have the time and desire to supplement your educational background, the CAS may be the additional support you need to switch specializations within the profession.

In closing, I wish you the best.  Start with your application materials and put your time and energy there.  Move next to the volunteer experience, and down the road, if you’re so inclined, think about additional educational opportunities that may help you secure the position you’re seeking.

Q:  I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring. Until recently I worked with the developmentally challenged in a residence as a Case Coordinator but became burnt out. I went to a career counselor several weeks ago who administered several tests and after talking with me suggested that I consider learning Library Sciences either to be a librarian or a non traditional path. I am having trouble making up my mind if this the right career for me. Unfortunately, I have only 6 weeks to decide before I will need to submit an application! Is this enough time to make a good decision and if so, what should I be doing to in the meantime to aid that decision?

TA: Wow, this is an interesting, and extraordinarily time-sensitive, question.  I know that we’re all required at some point in our life to make quick decisions, but this feels a little pressured in terms of the short period of time and the large impact of this decision.  My advice would be to slow things down a little.  Meeting with the career counselor was a great first step, and it’s indicative of a level of intellectual curiosity and self awareness.  On the other hand, you shouldn’t pursue a graduate degree just because someone told you to, or because you tested that way.  I would strongly recommend that you get some kind of library experience first, and then pursue the degree if it’s a career of interest.  Try to find a job or even a volunteer experience in a library.  And explore different types of work experience and environments—public services, technical services, public library, academic library, school library.  There are so many choices.  You’ve done the initial work of identifying a new field of potential employment.  Take some time to do the in-the-trenches work to see if actually fits.

Q: [Question edited for length] I am a displaced worker [living in a major US city] who has work experience in both graphic design and records management. I also have an English degree. I think I am pretty good at doing research and locating information, although I have never spent any time on specialized databases like Factiva and LexisNexis, etc. I have just begun the certificate program of Library and Information Technology at my local community college, and am hoping to have some exposure and/or further develop my research and information retrieval skills through these classes. My questions concern future employment issues. Am I strictly limited to corporate libraries and/or any positions involving research? Are there any good web sites/links that might point me in the right direction?

TA: Your initiative in taking classes at your community college to re-tool yourself for new career opportunities is to be commended. And I especially like that you are interested in applying both your diverse work experience and your interests in research to a career in library and information technology. Your questions are good ones: What do I do with this certificate? What are my career options? And where can I find more information?

Most professional librarian positions require an advanced degree, usually the MLS. However, the community college certificate program may land you an advanced support staff position and will certainly be an excellent introduction into the field of librarianship and library-related technologies. One of my local community colleges has a Library and Information Technology certificate program and their website states:

If you enjoy working in a library setting and have an interest in technology, you should consider enrolling in the Library and Information Technology (LIT) program. Students in this program tend to be detail oriented. They enjoy assisting others and utilizing computer technology. The LIT program is suitable for persons seeking entry-level employment in either public or private libraries. The curriculum is also ideal for current paraprofessional and professional library employees who seek specialized training in new technologies… Graduates are employed in libraries, media areas, learning resources, information and instructional materials centers and with other organizations engaged in library-related activities. They are prepared for jobs with any organization that use technology to process, manage, and communicate information [http://www.cccc.edu/curriculum/majors/library/].

So essentially, the certificate will introduce you to library and information technologies, vocabularies and cultures, and will prepare you for a job working with data and managing information (which is broadly applicable in workplaces these days). Also, I would suggest that your diverse work experience, coupled with demonstrated initiative and the educational credentials, make you more marketable in a competitive workforce.To learn more about library support staff positions, I would explore the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 edition, which is available online: [http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos113.htm]. The Handbook provides information on training qualifications, earnings, work environment, and related occupations, as well as many other topics that may be of interest to you as you pursue your certificate.

Q: After working in city libraries for more than ten years (and before that, a work life spent mostly in book stores) I found myself in [moving back home] because of my mother’s advanced age and fragile health. I had three years of Interlibrary Loan experience from my most recent job and I was able to secure a position in the Interlibrary Loan department of the health sciences library at the university.

My work record at the time was excellent and I was very happy to find the job I’d wanted the most. It was a very busy department and I was responsible for lending. I approached my job with energy and enthusiasm and worked hard; I even kept current with “the literature” (Library Journal, etc.) but my boss never stopped casting everything I did in a negative light.

I managed to maintain decent performance reviews by scrupulously documenting everything I did; but in the end, I saw an EAP counselor who helped me to plan and set up meetings with the director, my boss, and other concerned parties to try to bring about a more equitable workplace (as this was affecting my health). After almost nine years at this university, my supervisor wrote an entirely false performance review which despite my response (written at the director’s urging) with documentation to refute her assertions, I resigned after being placed on a disciplinary program that no one in that library’s history had been put on before and the full details of which were not written down anywhere.

No investigation was done. I hired a lawyer and the university’s response to his letter was “the worst thing he’d seen in thirty years”. No reference, severance, or unemployment insurance benefits. I looked for a job for 8 months; customized my resume and cover letter for each position I applied for. Not only was I not contacted, other positions included; when I attempted to contact the HR person, no one called me back.

Since my resignation, the university I worked for has been beset by scandals; ranging from mismanagement of large grants to the dismissal of a student without due process. How does one go about beginning to repair a work history, or “fill in a gap” nearly a decade-wide, that was spent doing excellent work (our borrowing institutions regularly sent notes of praise and, of course, the work was reflected in our statistics!) but is entangled in an institutionally- sanctioned lie?

TA: After reading your question a couple of times, there are a couple of things that come to my attention that I think would be helpful to point out in an attempt to move ahead. First, it’s clear you feel very hurt and betrayed by the situation with your supervisor. It wouldn’t be unusual for someone in the situation you’ve described to feel this way. However, and this is the second thing I noticed, you also seem to express yourself in a way that hints at feelings of resentment, maybe even hostility. Talking about how your lawyer thought the University’s response was “the worst thing he’d seen in thirty years”, but not talking about any successful litigation feels like a worthless jab. The same goes for your reference to “an institutionally-sanctioned lie.”

As an outsider looking in, and with only the information you’ve provided to me, here’s the situation as it seems to me: you worked for many years at an institution with a challenging supervisor and in challenging work conditions. By your own accounts, you had some successes in the position, but when it got to be too severe, you resigned from your position. Now you’re looking for a new position and you aren’t getting many responses. What do you do now?

First, you need to figure out a way to talk about your experience at the University that does not criticize or come across as negative. When you’re describing your work experience in your cover letter and resume, talk about your successes. Mention your increased, and sustained, usage statistics. Talk about successful partnerships and collaboration within the library and beyond. Do not talk about how you managed to survive despite the oppressive supervisor, or the challenging circumstances, or a University “beset by scandals.” That’s really just too much drama for anyone, especially a prospective employer. You may also want to ask a couple of colleagues for written letters of reference that you can attach to your application materials. If you take this approach, make sure they are current letters, and the colleagues speak to your professional experiences and talents. Do not turn these letters into you-versus-them detailed sagas of your University experience. The letters should describe how the colleague knows you, in what context and for how long, as well as his or her description of your work experience, knowledge and strengths.

Second, choose your references carefully. With such a long tenure at the University, it might seem conspicuous to not have a reference from that institution. However, given your relationship with your supervisor and director, you probably don’t want to list them as professional references. You should think carefully about other colleagues, maybe even folks with whom you worked at the University but they too have moved on, and consider if they could serve as a reference for you. And of course, colleagues, supervisors, department heads, directors, etc… from other institutions of employment would be good to include as well.

Third, when you get an interview, be prepared to talk about all of your work experience, including your time at the University. Again, leave out the drama and negativity and find a way to talk in a positive way about what you learned and what you gained from the experience. If you’re asked a reason for leaving, since you resigned, you can simply say that you had been at the University for a number of years, but were also dealing with an aging parent and needed to resign for personal reasons.

Just because the University is still struggling with some issues doesn’t mean you need to be swept up with it. Your focus needs to be on you and your future, not anchored to the past and a very difficult situation.

Q: Hi, I recently got my MSLS without taking any archival classes and now I am regretting that decision. Currently I am volunteering at a public library, working with a photo collection that was donated by a newspaper photographer and I find the process fascinating. In fact so much, I’d like to learn as much as possible about the whole archival process and hopefully move into the archival profession. I recently joined the Society of American Archivists and lurk on their main listserv, although I realize that is not enough.

Can you suggest other ways for me to get experience? There does not appear to be many online opportunities for archival education (either formal or non-formal) but I may not be looking in the right places. Also, is it possible for me to have a career as an archivist despite not having setting out to become one?

TA: There are a number of approaches to graduate school. Some students use the time to explore different areas of the profession so they can focus on their true calling when it comes time to find a job. Others go into the beginning of their academic training knowing exactly what they want to do and use the time to build experience and expertise in support of that original goal. I don’t think you’re alone in discovering a particular interest after you’ve completed your degree, but it does put you in a bit of a “catch up” situation. Here are a few quick ideas on how to level the playing field and switch to the archival profession:

First, think about what you did in library school that may relate to the archival profession. For example, did you take a cataloging or technology class that included EAD or XML? Look for these transferable skills and highlight them when you’re applying for archival positions.

The experience you’re gaining now as a volunteer with the photo collection should also be recognized as valuable and transferable. See if you can find other opportunities (paid or unpaid) that allow you to learn more about working in an archive and to develop specific, related experience and expertise with different types of materials.

Third, you should explore additional educational or professional development opportunities. Some institutions offer a Certificate of Advanced Study as a post-MLS educational certificate. The Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois describes their Certificate as a program that allows holders of the MLS “to refresh and update their skills, gain greater specialization in their professional training, or redirect their careers from one area to another.” If you are not quite prepared to head back to school for another degree, you could also consider more focused short term training opportunities related to the archival profession.  The Society of American Archivists posts a Conference/Workshop Calendar on their website that lists current classroom and online training opportunities. You should check there (and in other local organizations) to see if there are classes that could help you build and enhance the basic archival skill set. Plus, all of these training opportunities look great on a resume.

And finally, I would recommend that you reach out and find a mentor, or someone you can connect with, to talk about working in an archive. Many professional organizations will facilitate a match for a mentor/mentee relationship. You can also attend professional development or professional networking events to meet a more experienced colleague who may be able to assist you with navigating the archival profession.

Good luck as you pursue your interest in archives!

______________________________________________________________________

SM: According to The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition,

Archivists maintain records in accordance with accepted standards and practices that ensure the long-term preservation and easy retrieval of the documents.

Seeking a specialization, such as archives, is a great way to further your career and make you more marketable. Of course, acquiring the skills, knowledge and experience in that specialty is another story – but it sounds like you are on the right track. The SAA web site, as Tiffany mentioned, is a great source for information about archival work and becoming an archivist. They also post job listings, links to local organizations, an overview of the profession, and a very useful glossary of archival and records terminology. You should also check out the Academy of Certified Archivists site for information of how to become certified, and The National Archives Information for Archives Professionals page.

Archivists, as I’m sure you’re aware, work in all types of organizations and with a wide variety of materials. When pursuing archives experience, broaden your search to include museums, historical or governmental institutions, corporations, zoos, and nature centers (to name a few), as well as libraries. These places all maintain archives and may need assistance (paid or unpaid) in their archives. Archivists work with specific standards and rules, which are applicable across institutions, so even if you really want to work in an academic library down the road, focus your immediate attention on getting any experience you can, in any type of institution.

Online certificate programs:

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Archives and Records Administration which can be completed online.

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in Library and Information Science, which is offered through their LEEP program.

If anyone knows of any other online programs, please let us know.

Q: I got my master’s degree in information studies two years ago. After completing my degree, I worked in a company as a library assistant for only three months, when I had to relocate with my spouse. After the move, I stayed at home for almost two years with a new baby. I’m now in the position to begin working again, and I want to start my career right away. Can you give me some advice on where and how to start?

TA: Well, welcome back to the professional workforce! It sounds like you are quite eager to return to the field of librarianship – and I hope you will convey that enthusiasm in your cover letter and resume when applying for professional positions. It seems to be a daunting task, retooling yourself to re-enter the workforce, but just know that you are not alone. Every year people just like you take a period of leave from their work for many reasons, and then successfully return to the profession. Here are a few things to think about as you set your course to return.

While you are at home and during your job search

Take some time to assess and refresh your skills. Assessment will help you when you are looking for positions, as well as when you are crafting your resume. And, if you need to “beef up” your resume, refresh your skills by taking a class or two or by participating in volunteer activities. When you talk about your volunteer activities on your resume, be sure to put them in a professional context (e.g., talk about the computer skills, organizational skills, communication skills, and interpersonal skills involved with the work).

Also, stay involved and stay connected. Although it may be tough, keep in touch with former colleagues and classmates to maintain your professional network and to also stay abreast of current issues in the field. Things as simple as sending an e-mail or inviting a colleague out for coffee will go a long way in keeping you connected to the work you left behind. Attend conferences, monitor lists, and perhaps even take on some part-time work if you are able.

Focus on your cover letter and resume

Probably the most important thing you need to do right now is build an excellent resume. You want to accentuate the positive and minimize your weaknesses. Organize your resume so your most marketable skills and experiences are clearly evident and minimize the weaknesses (in this case, your dates of employment) by not drawing attention to them.

Some would recommend using the “functional” resume format, but, in my experience, search committees and hiring managers are savvy enough to guess that you’re trying to hide something (usually dates). They also often find functional resumes confusing. Instead of frustrating them and making them think you are trying to conceal something, give them the information they need, but present it in a format that sells your strengths and limits your liabilities. Format your resume so that the reader’s eye is drawn to job titles and career experience, not the particular dates of employment. Perhaps include the dates after your job title, but before your list of responsibilities; bold your job titles, but not your dates of employment.

Also, use your cover letter to explain gaps in employment. Be direct and up-front about it. There is no need to make apologies. If, as in your case, you have been out to care for children (which is more challenging than just about any job out there!) say something as simple as: “After spending two years at home caring for my child, I am eager to return to librarianship and believe I am excellent candidate for your position.” Then, tell them why you are the best candidate for the job. Emphasize that you are eager and enthusiastic to return to the professional workforce. As I’ve said before, your cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself. It is also your opportunity to sell your candidacy to the search committee. Be up-front, be honest, and give them the information they need. Never make them guess, especially about gaps in employment.

Things to consider when returning to work

While your situation is not uncommon, there are still employers out there who prefer to see a consistent track record of employment. Upon re-entry, you may have to take a lower-level position than when you left the workforce. View it as a way to re-establish yourself professionally, and use the opportunity to reconnect and rebuild your professional reputation.

Also, be sure to consider the costs of returning to work: daycare, commuting, and maintaining a healthy work/life balance, just to name a few. When considering an offer, look for flexibility in the position and carefully examine the benefits package. Does the employer offer vacation leave and sick leave? Are there other types of leave that support community and child involvement? Is job sharing, flex time, part-time work, or telecommuting an option? If you do choose one of these options, just be sure the boss knows what you’re doing. Give weekly status reports on your work and volunteer for special projects so you stay on the radar. And put in some “face time:” if you’re working from home, come into the office for important meetings; if you’re working part-time, be the first one in the office, make the coffee and say good morning to everyone. Remember, “out of sight, out of mind.”

Just know who you are, what you want, and what you have to offer. Good luck with the job search!

Additional Resources:

“Be Direct When Explaining that Gap in Your Resume,” The Houston Chronicle, August 19, 2004, Section C, pp. 1-2.

Isaacs, Kim. “Handle Your Work Hiatus on Your Resume.”

Lehner, John. “Gaps in Your Resume: Addressing an Interruption in Your Career Path.”

Marrinan, Michele. “Returning After a Leave.”

Matuson, Roberta Chinsky. “Continue to be Corporate or Stay at Home?”

Topper, Elisa F. “Working Knowledge,” American Libraries, March 2004.

Yahoo’s Librarian Stay-at-Home Moms Group.

Q: I’m considering re-entering the library/research world after five years off as my children begin school. I was formerly a manager at a major company library, but I’m not ready to go that route again. I want to find a rewarding (as in pretty good pay per hour) part-time job in the reference/research area, but would like to just work about 20 hours a week. I did have an information consulting business for a while, but I’m not ready to take that step again.

I’d like to see what ideas there are for folks like me who are:

1. qualified and ready to go (even with five years away from it all, I’d be up-to-speed very quickly)
2. determined to make family my first priority – so not a big commitment in terms of time and responsibility

What sort of libraries or companies does it make sense to approach, and would they consider a well-thought-out offer to do research on a part time basis?

Thanks,
New Mom Returning to the Working World

SN: With your children in school, it sounds like you’ll be restricting your search for work to your immediate geographic area. It would be a good idea to send out resumes to libraries in your local area where you think you might like to work – public, academic, corporate, etc. Explain in your cover letter that you would be interested in speaking with them about a possible part-time position, and ask them to keep you in mind should any opportunities come up. It may be that in the beginning you’ll find that you’re working a small number of hours in more than one location, but this can improve over time. My previous library (a medium-sized college in the Boston area) never had to advertise for part-time librarians, because we already had a small pool of potential hires to draw from. It wasn’t uncommon for us to receive unsolicited resumes from qualified librarians who were interested in part-time work.

RSG: You’re actually also re-entering the job market at an opportune time for part-time job seekers. As library budgets dwindle and institutions employ cost-cutting measures wherever they can, many previously full-time positions have been broken into two or more part-time jobs, saving the library from having to pay out benefits. Hourly pay for part-time jobs may also be higher because the savings on health insurance and other benefits are so great.

You’ll want to be able to explain the gap in your work history to any potential employers. If you ran your consulting business during these last five years, for example, emphasize this on your resume to show that you have kept your hand in during the time you were not in a formal library position. Mention association memberships you have kept up, workshops you may have attended, or anything else that shows you have remained professionally involved and have taken the time to keep your skills up-to-date.

Also, be wary about mentioning in cover letters or interviews that you’re not looking for “a big commitment in terms of time and responsibility” – while you can certainly limit your search to part- time, flexible positions, you will want to avoid giving the impression that you lack commitment. You can be upfront about the hours you are available to work, etc., but be careful to word your comments in a way that shows you are also enthusiastic about the potential position.

SN: Networking with other librarians can help you remain professionally involved, and it may also help you find the type of position you’re looking for. You can make yourself more visible by attending the annual conference of your local/state library association, ACRL chapter, or SLA chapter, as appropriate. Even if you don’t find any relevant jobs listed at their placement centers, you may run into someone who does. Most associations, even smaller ones, have e-mail discussion lists through which you can make some contacts. Call or e-mail other librarians you know, asking them to let you know if they come across any leads.

RSG: You might want to take a look at the Association of Part-Time Librarians’ job hints page, and don’t discount general job banks and local online job-hunting resources. While many posted openings are full-time, there are always a number of part- time openings listed. Check http://www.lisjobs.com or http://www.libraryjobpostings.org for ideas on where to start. Keep an eye on the HR pages of local companies that seem likely to operate an internal library or research facility, as their openings may not necessarily be listed on general sites. Also remain open to less traditional ideas – online “virtual reference” services, for example, occasionally seek part-time personnel and need coverage at all hours of the day.

Lastly, consider going through a local employment agency. If you inform them of your requirements and abilities, they may be able to match you up with an appropriate employer. (Some are listed at http://www.lisjobs.com/temp.htm.) You may be able to do temporary work through an agency while waiting for a more permanent position to open up, which would also give you more material for your resume and help you re-sharpen your skills.