Q: I am getting ready to graduate with a BA in English Literature. I know I want to become a librarian (preferably public), but I am not sure how to get my foot in the door. Would it be best for me to continue on to graduate school now or get an entry level job at a public library and work my way up, eventually getting my MLS?

SM: It really depends on your situation, so I’m not going to tell you to put graduate school on hold, but I will tell you that you need to have that experience under your belt before you graduate. So, if you do decide to pursue your MLS immediately after getting your BA, then plan on working in a library while you attend school.

I do think that working in a library before going to library school can be beneficial because it gives you a better sense of what the profession is like and you will (most likely) figure out what you like to do and what you don’t like to do, what you are good at and what you are not so good at; which will help you to design your curriculum when you enter library school, and help you to be more selective with future job prospects and/or internships. When looking for jobs, keep your options open and get as much experience (in different areas, different roles, different technologies) as you can. You may even be drawn to a type of role or type of library that you hadn’t even considered.

Another benefit of getting a job before going to graduate school is that you might be able to keep your job while you attend library school. And, another good thing about getting that first library job is that it makes it so much easier to get your next library job. Even if you work in a public library for a year or so, and then move to another state for library school, you will have that necessary [public] library experience which will help get you a job in your new location. We can’t say it enough: the degree is necessary, but it really comes down to experience, experience, experience.

Q: I have my bachelor’s degree in childhood and special education. I have been offered a library trainee position working with young adults at a public library. If I go for my master’s as a Library Media Specialist, can I accept that position, or would I need to be going for my MLS?  Thank you so much.

SM: To work in a public library as a librarian, you will need to have an MLS (or MLIS or equivalent). School libraries have different requirements for library media specialists and don’t always require an MLS degree. Working as a library (or librarian) trainee is a wonderful way to get experience while getting your degree. These temporary positions usually require you to be enrolled in an ALA-accredited library program and they are specifically designed to train you to be a librarian. If you have any questions or concerns, you should contact the human resources department of the library and speak to someone about the requirements for the job.

Useful Sites:

Education and Careers for School Librarians

Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)

Careers in Public Librarianship

Directory of ALA-Accredited Master’s Programs in Library and Information Studies

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.

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: Where can I find online library and library-related jobs?

TA: Local, national, and international library organizations all post employment opportunities.  Library and information schools also have job boards or listservs.  If all else fails, you can cast a wide net with a Google search: “Library jobs”.  Lots of options out there.

Q: I think I would like to get an MLS degree someday but would like to have experience working in a library first. Unfortunately, I’m having difficulty getting a position whether it is paid or volunteer. I think part of this is from appearing overqualified since I have a Bachelor’s degree and about five years of customer service and clerical experience, but the other reason baffles me.

When I can get them, my interviews for paraprofessional positions generally go well until I mention that I would like to get a Master’s degree. At that point, the entire tone changes and my interviewers become very negative and discouraging and end the meeting very quickly. This has been consistent for all of my library interviews in the past four years, which include several public libraries, one public school library, and one academic library.

I always include that I would like to get an MLS degree in my application and interview because it conveys why I want the position as well as that I am serious about the position. Apparently, this is the wrong thing to do. How would you suggest I explain why I want a library paraprofessional position without mentioning that I want to do this professionally?

TA: Here’s the easy answer.  Question: Why would you like to work here in this position?  Answer: Because I’m really interested in getting experience working in a library; I find libraries an integral part of any community; and specifically because the work of this position as described in the job announcement seems interesting, challenging, engaging, and in line with my skills and experience.

If you’re finding that people aren’t responding well to your MLS-ambitions, then stop mentioning it.  By your own statement, this has been something you’ve been considering for at least four years, so do not bring this up until it’s more imminent.  During an interview, the employer wants to know that you are interested in their job, not as a stepping stone to somewhere else. If you’re asked directly about pursuing the MLS, you can always say that it’s something you’re interested in, but that you want to gain some valuable experience in libraries to reaffirm this interest and to supplement the education you’ll be getting in the classroom. During the interview, keep your focus on the job, your ability to do the work, and the skills and experience you’ll bring to the position that make you the best qualified applicant.

Colleagues, please accept this invitation to participate in the Career Q&A survey. We’re gathering data in preparation for our forthcoming publication on managing a successful career in libraries. We are collecting responses from librarians working in all types of libraries at all stages of their careers. We anticipate the survey will take 10-20 minutes to complete, and individual responses will be anonymous. There are no foreseeable risks associated with this survey, and the confidentiality of your responses will be protected. We’re aiming for a large number of responses, so please feel free to share this survey with colleagues — all responses are welcome and valuable.

With much appreciation, The Library Career People

Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Career_Q_and_A

Q: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” I have been asked this question in a number of interviews, and, yet, I still don’t know how to answer it.  I wonder why some hiring committees ask it, and I can’t help but get the feeling that this is a gotcha! question; how would I even begin to answer this? I feel like it’s a “damned if I do, damned if I don’t” question.

SM: You are right. This question, certainly an old and trusted one, used by many interviewers and asked in many interviews, can be a difficult and possibly dangerous one to answer (honestly). But, it is one that you should have an answer to, before you go on your interview.

Why do interviewers ask this question? I think that most interviewers would want to see something of an upward progression, in those five years, but when no upward progression is to be had in a particular library or particular role, than saying that you want to move into a management position can make you seem overly ambitious, or like someone who is just using the position as a stepping stone. But, aren’t most (if not all) positions stepping stones to something bigger and better? And, shouldn’t they be?

Personally, I dislike speculative questions like this and don’t see how the answers can provide much useful information.  A better question to ask is: what are your short-term and long-term professional goals?

Here are a few possible scenarios, based on honest but unlikely answers to the question (i.e., you probably shouldn’t answer the question this way):

Scenario 1
Answer: I see myself working in this library, in the role that I am being interviewed for because it is the only job that I want and I cannot see that I would ever be interested in anything else.
Pros: you are loyal
Cons: you are not ambitious enough

Scenario 2
Answer: I see myself learning everything I possibly can, and then moving up to be a head of a department or assistant director and eventually the director of the library.
Pros: you are exceptionally ambitious and motivated
Cons: you are not loyal and even worse, you want other people’s jobs

Scenario 3
Answer: I would like to be gainfully and happily employed, here or somewhere else. I just want a job. Please give me a job.
Pros: you are  honest, albeit desperate
Cons: you might just be a smartass, albeit an honest smartass

These scenarios probably won’t help you very much, but they do help to demonstrate the ridiculous nature of the question, and the catch-22 that it puts you in, no matter how you answer. I suggest the following answer, which is intentionally ambiguous and honest in that no one can predict the future:

I see myself working as a librarian, hopefully in this library and in this role, but definitely as a [fill in the blank] librarian, because that is what I love to do. But, who knows, a lot can happen in five years.

Q: I’m looking to apply for a job, but need advice about negotiating the salary. The job ad outlines the range for the position, which, even at the high end, is still much less than the cost of living (according to my research). Is the salary range typically “set in stone”? In every other way, the position seems ideal for me. However, unless I am able to negotiate a significant increase, if I were offered the job, it will actually translate to making as much, or probably less, than I am making now. I have 2-3 years of professional experience. Will this be viewed as a step down?

SM & TA: This is an excellent question and one that many people will grapple with at some point in their careers. We would like to tell you that all things are negotiable, but that isn’t always the case with salaries. Salary ranges are commonly used in job ads and they do allow for some wiggle room, and space for negotiation, but don’t expect to be able to get a salary above the range. If a range is used (vs. just a starting salary) then the high end of the range is typically the “set in stone” limit.

Salaries are tied to amount of experience, type of job, cost of living, and the salaries of others in the library and in the institution. Also, be aware and conscientious of the fact that everyone wants a higher salary, and the more experience and skills you have, the more likely you will be to get a higher salary — whether that means on the high end of the range, or that you will be able to negotiate beyond the range.

Because salaries vary so much by institution and by role and by city and state, it really doesn’t mean a “stepping down” if you do end up accepting a lower or equal salary somewhere else. Some institutions just cannot offer as much as others for the same job, and this will be something you need to consider, if it comes to it. Also, there are many things, other than the base salary, to take into consideration, such as:

• Benefits: the cost of health benefits can vary at each institution. You can ask about the cost at your interview, and see if the benefits include dental and vision. Also, does the institution offer additional benefits such as reduced-rate child care, or gym membership, or the option to take classes for free?
• Cost of commuting/parking: This can be a huge expense for many people. Find out how much it will be for this new job and compare it to your existing commute.
• Professional development funding: Ask about funding to attend conferences, workshops, and other professional development classes. This is important to keeping current and staying connected with colleagues in the profession, and can be very expensive if you are expected to pay your own way.
• Frequency of raises: You may not want to ask about raises during your interview, but after you are offered a position, it is a perfectly valid question. Some institutions provide cost-of-living raises every year (or every few years). Some positions are unionized and the union negotiates the percentage increases for the raises. It is possible that within a few years your salary could be more than your  salary at your current job, due to frequency of raises.
• Flexibility: Some jobs and institutions will offer more flexibility than others, which can be extremely beneficial for people who need flexible schedules or who may want to work part time for a while (taking care of children, or family members, going to continuing education classes or meetings, etc.).
• Upward mobility: Is there potential to move up in the library? Are there supervisors and levels of structure, or is it a flat management structure where everyone reports to the director? If you see yourself moving into a more managerial position in the future, then you might not stay too long in a position that is in a flat structure, with no possibility of moving upwards. And, if you are motivated and want to move up within a few years, that movement would most likely come with a raise in salary. Ask about the management structure during your interview.
• And, don’t forget your own happiness. Will you be able to grow and learn in this position? Will the position/library/institution/colleagues help to make you a better librarian and allow you to move forward in your career and build meaningful relationships?

Recommendations:

Apply for the job. If this is a job that seems perfect for you, apply for it. Don’t let the salary range influence you at this point. Find out if this is the job you really want, and then plan your strategy.

Do not mention salary until you are offered the position. If you bring this up too early, before you are offered the position, you might give the search committee the impression that you won’t take the job or won’t be satisfied with the salary which will make you sound greedy… after all, they took the job.

Once you are offered the position and you are told what salary they want to start you at, you can bring up your concerns. Let the director (if that is who offers you the position) know what your current salary is and tell her that you would like to get more than that. Let her know that you did your research on the cost-of-living for that city and that you are not sure you can make it on the salary this is offered. She won’t be shocked, this happens all the time, candidates are expected to negotiate. Be sure to let her know how much you do want the job. If they really want you, and there is room, she may try to get you a higher salary. If she cannot, then she will explain to you why and then you will need to weigh your options. Whatever you do, don’t make any quick decisions. Take the time they give you (typically a few days to one week), and ask questions before you make your final decision.

One word of caution: If a hiring institution posts a salary range, and you’re not content to have a salary within that range (even after considering possible additional benefits) and you know that there is no way you can or would accept a position within the listed range, you can call the hiring institution to see if the salary range is firm or if there’s some flexibility. At many institutions, once the range is posted, there’s no flexibility (especially in financially vulnerable times). So if the search committee gets all the way through the search process, having invested lots of time and money in getting to this point, and you decline the offer solely because it’s not enough money, that’s not a very graceful exit. We bring this up especially because you mention that it would be a “significant increase” for the hiring institution.

When you do call, do not identify yourself — which could potentially hurt your chances of interviewing — just ask to speak with someone about the position. You can give a first name only, and simply say “Can you please tell me if the salary range listed for X position is firm or if the salary is negotiable?” Thank them for the response and prepare to weigh your options.

Good luck!