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Laid Off Twice At Age 30
by Russ Singletary
Librarian-relatives of mine talked me into going to library school three years ago. Little did I anticipate that my completion of the MLIS program would precede two layoffs - but that's exactly what happened to me, as two consecutive high-tech employers disbanded their research departments during the recent economic downturn.
I now work through a long-term contract with an Atlanta-based consultancy, and am assigned to the Corporate Strategy unit of a Fortune 100 communications company. I think part of my reason for landing this challenging, yet fun gig is my background in communications - something that the world at large does not often equate with librarianship. True, luck and timing had much to do with this. I can't help but think, however, that my background in print journalism and corporate communications has trained me to help others in facilitating their research dilemmas.
At a time when we all are faced with the reality of the well-worn expression "let's do more with less," we are often left with two pillars to rest our strength on: well-charged ingenuity and diplomatic communicativeness. Hard work can only take us so far. In my case, my library career ended in two layoffs. On the other hand, maybe it just began then!
Being laid off twice within 12 months before my 30th birthday, this Phi Beta Kappa, liberal-arts graduate began to question not only his chosen profession as special librarian cum analyst in the high- tech arena. I began to question the validity of librarianship and furthermore the true value of my own employability.
Layoff Lessons
I gave a presentation on virtual libraries last fall in Palm Springs, Calif., at the Internet Librarian conference. A large part of my talk I told from the heart, as a result of those layoffs. Layoffs may not seem to be a big deal for veterans of the American workplace. For librarians, it may be a different story, as our stereotypical personality may have accustomed us to the non-reality of doing high-quality work with the knowledge that "no good deed goes unrewarded."
I've definitely refocused on my communications skills since the layoff, drawing from my background in public relations to promote the "value-adds" (in library-speak) that only a true researcher with a journalist's background could provide a client. I love being able to offer clients not only thoroughly researched materials but succinct, timely summaries packaged and tailored to their specific demands. It's almost like running your own newspaper, but you don't have to let the ink dry before getting readers' feedback.
What else have I learned from my downsizings in corporate America? I hate to admit it, but to always be on the lookout for another job. Better yet, always be aware of why you do certain things better than others, why you enjoy this rather than that, and what you would ultimately like to do (for yourself!) with your background in research and librarianship.
Back to Basics
I've gotten much from my membership in two leading international professional associations: AIIP (the Association of Independent Information Professionals) and SLA (Special Libraries Association). The greatest return on my investment in membership in these groups has been the camaraderie with other information professionals, both in and out of the same boat I've been in. I've also rethought the role of ALA. Although I've never worn the hat "librarian," I've joined ALA and last year attended the group's annual meeting, as it was held in my town of Atlanta, GA. I'm drawn back to the basics, so to speak, and have gotten great value from the group's business reference area, among others.
What's next for me? I'm not sure just yet. At some point, I'd like to run my own info-shop. The war in Iraq, the U.S. economy, and the recovery of the high-tech field (where my expertise lies) are all influencing my decision. I'm doing all I can, however, to make sure that the next step for me involves anything and everything but the recent past - which, in my case, would be another layoff! ;)
Singletary is a consultant with the Cadence Group Inc. and assigned to the corporate strategy unit of an Atlanta-based Fortune 100 communications company. He holds an MLIS from the University of South Carolina and a BA from Wofford College, with additional education from universities in Quebec, Canada, and Paris, France.