I just discovered two things: this board and the poor job market for librarians.
I was wondering if people can offer their opinions and advice. I am returning to Clarion University's MLIS program in the fall and should be graduating in Spring 2010. My background is as follows: I taught high school social studies in the inner-city for 5 years. By year four, I decided that I couldn't do it anymore and decided to seek a master's degree. I was going to quit ,but instead I was convinced by the union head to take a leave of absence. I attended Shippensburg University's Applied History program, which prepares one for work in museums and historical societies, and graduated in May of 2007. As part of the program requirements, I interned at the Cumberland County Historical Society for two semesters. While I was there, I subbed in various districts and learned that the ghetto was not the only place with issues (never mind the pettiness and politics there were insane). It was at Shippensburg that I also began to consider the possibility of working on an MLIS. I spoke to people who felt it would make me more marketable to public history facilities. I was also told that having a background in another field is considered a big plus if one wants to work in academic libraries.
After graduation, I actually returned to my old district, intending to give it another chance, but found that the same nonsense that made me leave originally was still present. I resigned and decided to pursue the MLIS full-time at Clarion University in Fall 2008. I'm about half-way done and I should be finished in May of 2010 at age 36. Now I'm kind of wondering what my options are. I would like to work in either an academic library, public library, museum, or historical society. I'm also thinking of taking the PRAXIS in Library/Media, since PA will give an endorsement for those who already have PA certification, but I really do not want to work in public education anymore (never mind that my course of study is
not the MLIS with school library/media certification). It's just too much petty nonsense. I have a background in education with teaching experience, and another master's in Applied History, but I really do not have any library experience. Can anyone offer opinions or advice before I begin my job search?
