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Part-time Librarian, Full-time Parent
by Janet Clapp
One of the advantages of library work is that many libraries are open evenings and weekends. For the librarian who wants to be home with children during the day, this opens up part-time opportunities in the profession that would not be available in the traditional 9-5 world. A more recent development in librarianship, virtual reference, allows librarians to work from home serving patrons' information needs. In order to remain home with my children, I use these options to pursue my career part time - but wholeheartedly.
Balancing work and family is never easy, but can be mutually beneficial. When I visit the library with my children, I experience the same service as any other patron. Believe me, the view is different from the other side of the desk. When I am working, I keep that perspective in mind. My professional use of the reference interview helps me to communicate better with my children. They tell me more when I ask open questions like: "What did you enjoy most about school?" instead of closed questions like: "Did you have fun today?" When I am tired of listening to whining, going to work can be a pleasant change of pace. On the other hand, after dealing with difficult patrons for a while, my children seem especially precious. My time is divided between librarianship and parenting, so I make the most of every moment.
Finding Work That Fits Your Schedule
Before looking for a job, consider what is feasible. How many hours a week of work can you handle in addition to everything you do at home taking care of your children? Discuss possibilities with your spouse, and how you all will need to adjust. Keep in mind that work time cannot take place simultaneously with playtime, especially if your children are young. Some people find it difficult to adjust to being pulled strongly in two different directions. It can take time to find the balance between the profession and parenthood that works for you.
You can often find part-time jobs listed in the local newspaper, as well as consortium or statewide library newsletters, e-mail lists, and joblines. If you are unknown at area libraries, meet the director and submit a resume. Even if part-time positions are not currently available, they may open in the future, and they may not be advertised. If you work full-time now but wish to continue as part-time or job-share, make a plan about how you would handle your current duties. Presenting detail shows commitment and thought and enables your supervisor to see the possibility that it will work. Be willing to try something new. I had never heard of virtual reference when my children were born, but it now works best for me because staffing is needed 24/7. I can work when my children sleep. If you work in public or special libraries, consider moving to academic libraries, which are often open later into the evenings.
Organization and Discipline: Keys to Success
When trying to juggle a career and children, organization and discipline are critical. Be disciplined about working when it is work time. At the end of your shift, list the tasks or goals you need to accomplish when you begin again. Your mind is then free to focus on enjoying your children. If you are flexible in your work hours, make a schedule that suits you, even if it changes from week to week. Post it for the family and stick to it. In both parenting and librarianship, understand your priorities and let the smaller things go.
If you work part-time or telecommute, communication is important in keeping you connected to your colleagues and the institution. If there are staff meetings, try to attend on occasion, or get notes from someone else about what was discussed. Use phone, e-mail or instant messaging to keep in touch with other staff members and your supervisor. Be sure to read memos, staff newsletters, or other written communications. Attending relevant conferences and workshops can inspire you, but choose those that use your time most effectively. Keep up with the profession by reading professionally.
Working from home adds another dimension to consider - physical space. You need an office you can close off from sticky fingers and howling tantrums, even if it is a corner of your bedroom or the laundry room. Hang a sign on the door when you are working, so children (and spouse) understand when you are not to be disturbed. Also, working from home does not mean working while tending the children. Both get short-changed that way. Schedule your hours so another adult can care for the kids, or work while the children sleep or attend school.
Rewards
Children learn by example, and working part time shows continued commitment to a career. My children see that I have skills and abilities in the world outside the home as well as within it. When I can find a patron the exact information she wants, I feel the satisfaction of a job well done. On the other hand, working only part time enables me to spend more time with my children while they are young. I can volunteer at the school, as a Girl Scout leader, and otherwise participate in activities with my children. When they are grown, I can spend more time moving ahead in my profession without trying to catch up. Part-time librarianship may not suit everybody, but I feel like I have the best of both worlds!
Janet Clapp is the mother of a preschooler and a first grader (who wants to be a librarian when she grows up). Janet has worked as a part-time reference librarian in various public libraries, and now works as a virtual reference librarian with Librarians By Request/Tutor.com.