Hello,
I've been surfing the web investigating librarianship as a career and I am delighted to find this resource. I am gathering opinions and information from professionals in the field, so I am asking for feedback on my situation.

At age 51 and after 28 years in software development (programmer, team leader, manager), I was caught up in a round of corporate downsizing and lost my job earlier this year. For a few reasons, I am considering a career change and in my consideration of alternatives I have come across librarianship. Specifically, the job of Systems Librarian. I currently hold an undergraduate degree in music and, as noted above, spent my professional life in the computer software industry. I am comfortable with hardware and software technology, particularly in the Unix space.

I have spoken with a few professionals in my area, each an academic dean responsible for directing a campus library, to get a feel for the type of technology used and the skill set that would accompany a successful candidate for a Systems Librarian position. I also asked the following of each: Would someone my age and gender (male), with my background and with a freshly-minted MLS degree from an ALA-accredited school be marketable and be viewed favorably as a candidate? The responses I received were encouraging - that is, the summary answer was "yes" in all cases.

However, my eyes are open. There are few, if any, professions immune from the current recession. And no one can tell me what the world will look like at the time I would graduate with an MLS (2011). Well, no one so far...

But - I believe I would like working in an academic environment. I like to teach, I do so one-to-one. I believe that being in a technical support position for an academic community would be rewarding. And I am weary of corporate life.

Thanks for any input. Frank advice welcomed.