Author: Susanne Markgren

Assistant Director of the Library for Technical Services
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 1 Comment

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: Is the salary range typically “set in stone”?

Q: Is the salary range typically “set in stone”?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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!

Q: Do I have any chance of getting into one of the better-ranked library schools with a GPA of 2.8?

Q: Do I have any chance of getting into one of the better-ranked library schools with a GPA of 2.8?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 1 Comment

Q: I have been fighting the desire to be a librarian for years, after working at both academic and public libraries, and I’ve decided that I truly want this degree to obtain a library/information-related career. Yippee!

So, though I have about four years of previous library experience and am excited about a reference career, I am very nervous about my chances to even be accepted by an accredited library program. My GPA upon graduation eleven years ago was about 2.8, which puts me out of the running at first glance. I think I’ll have solid GRE scores (verbal section and writing will be successes based on past experience), but I’m hung up on my grades. Beyond some type of personal statement, I cannot think of how to get past this major strike against me.

Any encouragement would be appreciated, especially based on observations that you’ve made. Do I have any chance of going to one of the better-ranked schools? Would you recommend taking a few courses to pump up my GPA? Thank you!

SM: Don’t beat yourself up about things you cannot change. My advice to you is to choose the library schools that you would like to attend. Choose several, if possible. Visit their web sites and find information on their admission requirements. They will all have slightly different requirements. Some schools do not require GRE scores and some do. All, however, will want your college transcripts. And some will say that they only want the GRE scores if your GPA is under 3.0. So, you will most likely need to take the GRE regardless of its necessity for admission.

Also, your GPA isn’t the deciding factor in acceptance to a particular school. Letters of reference and your statement of purpose are extremely important. And admissions departments in library schools know that librarianship is often a second or third or fourth career choice for people, and they will hopefully work with you to figure out how to get you enrolled. It is to their benefit to enroll motivated individuals who will complete the program.

I don’t think you need to take more classes to prove that you are a good student and that you can get good grades. Wait for library school. And yes, you do have a chance of getting into one of the better-ranked library schools.

If you are still concerned (or if you cannot find information on a school’s website for applicants who have lower GPAs) you should contact the school(s) you want to apply to and talk with someone in admissions. You can ask about being put on academic probation. Some schools will do this and it is essentially a trial admission until you prove that you can maintain your grades. Be honest and up front, and don’t let your (past) grades stop you from pursuing your dream.

Examples of admission requirements for GSLIS programs that offer options for those with lower than 3.0 GPAs:

Graduate School of Library and Information Science, The iSchool at Illinois

Wayne State University, School of Library and Information Science

Catholic University of America, School of Library and Information Science

Queens College, Graduate School of Library and Information Science

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee – School of Information Studies

Q: How likely (or unlikely) is it that I would be able to get a job teaching at the university level at this stage in my career?

Q: How likely (or unlikely) is it that I would be able to get a job teaching at the university level at this stage in my career?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I have a MLS in library science and a PhD in library and information science. Seven years ago I refused a job teaching in a library school because of the abysmal salary offered (I didn’t know enough to negotiate then). Since then I have worked as a consultant and am currently working as a school librarian and instructor at a charter school. How likely (or unlikely) is it that I would be able to get a job teaching at the university level at this stage in my career?

SM: Don’t get discouraged, and don’t dwell in the past. You have the degrees, which is half (or a good chunk of) the battle. And, in the seven years since you turned down that position, you have worked… which counts as experience in the field and is always, always important when applying for jobs (yes, even teaching positions). In fact, many librarians will tell you that their favorite library school classes were taught by adjuncts, working in the field, or professors who had spent a good part of their careers working as librarians. So, with that in mind, make your seven years of working experience “work for you.”

You should apply for teaching positions that interest you and ones that might utilize your work experience (e.g., school librarianship) and also look for adjunct positions which can help get you in the door. If you are not seeing many open positions, contact LIS departments at different library schools and ask if they are hiring or might be hiring in the future. Peruse the job ads for college professors and see what they require. You may need to brush up on your online learning management systems, and your social networking skills. See also this previous question on finding online teaching positions. If you feel a bit rusty, look into taking some online classes such as those offered by Simmons College GSLIS or ACRL. This is also a good way to network with other librarians and instructors and to learn more about online instructional tools.

When you apply for positions, be prepared to discuss classes you would like to teach, courses you would like to develop, and research projects you would like to pursue. Try to get in the mindset of a professor.

Other ideas: talk to faculty members at local library schools, or the school where you got your PhD,  to get some advice on how to get a teaching position. Make sure your curriculum vita is up-to-date and think about professionalizing your online presence: create an online portfolio and connect with other professionals on LinkedIn.

Q: What type of experience should I get while in library school?

Q: What type of experience should I get while in library school?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I will be starting my MLIS training soon and I have a question about gaining experience before I complete my degree. The type of program I will be completing combines elements of distance based education and a localized scope in its application. I will be able to maintain full-time employment and complete my degree within two years. That being said, I wanted to ask your advice on the type of job I should be seeking while I am still a student in order to garner the type of experience I will need to secure a position after obtaining my degree. I am hoping to be strategic in building my resume so that I am a more attractive candidate. I know that there are Library Assistant jobs that I may be able to obtain before I receive my degree, however, I am curious if you believe that it may prove more advantageous to look for internships or mentoring in lieu of gainful employment or not? I am very eager to begin my training and hope that you may be able to aid me as I begin my journey as a librarian.

SM:  First off, paid employment, if you can do it, is better for several reasons:

  1. You’re getting a paycheck.
  2. You are held accountable for doing what is required of the job. You will be reviewed by your supervisors, which means you will (or should) care more about doing a good job.
  3. You get to learn what it is like to work (really work) in a library. You will discover the good and the bad and you will take this knowledge with you to each successive job.
  4. It is (generally) a longer commitment than non-paying types of work, and (usually) you can stay in it post-graduation while you look for a professional job.
  5. You will meet people who will become your mentors, serve as references, and perhaps give you a job down the road.

Internships can be wonderful opportunities, but they are usually short-lived and focus on one specific project. Mentorships are also a good idea, and I would encourage you to find a formal mentorship program or seek out a potential mentor on your own, but this should not be in lieu of actual work experience (if at all possible).

Much of what we learn in library school is meaningless until we apply it on the job, and there is no better way to learn about the profession and learn to be a librarian, than working in a library while going to library school.

To answer the second part of your question, library assistant jobs can be difficult to get and you should expect to encounter lots of competition, especially in universities or cities that have library school programs. Because of this, you will probably not have the luxury to pick and choose the exact job you want. But, a good thing to remember when you start looking for professional positions is that employers want experience, any experience. They won’t expect a new graduate to have the specific skills and experience that a working librarian will have. As a student, you should try to get experience in the type of library (academic, public, special) that you want to work in after you graduate. Any specialized experience you acquire along the way is icing on the cake.

To supplement your work, I recommend seeking out mentorship or internship opportunities that address the specific skills and experience you hope to gain to prepare you for the job you hope to get. Also, you should talk to the Career Services department at your school and let them know about your strategy to gain specific types of experience before you graduate. They will be able to help you fulfill your goals. Being strategic about gaining the right experience and skills (to get the job you want), before you even start library school, is very smart. I have a feeling you are on your way to a successful career.

Q: I am considering a career change and have been thinking about getting my MLS. What are the job prospects like for school librarians?

Q: I am considering a career change and have been thinking about getting my MLS. What are the job prospects like for school librarians?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 1 Comment

Q: I am considering a career change and have been thinking about getting my MLS. I am wondering what the job prospects are like for school librarians. Also what is the day to day career like? What do librarians like the most about their jobs? What do they like the least? What kind of job satisfaction do they have? Thank you so much for any information you can provide.

SM:  Since neither Tiffany nor I are school librarians  (often called school library media specialists), we cannot give you firsthand advice on what it is like to be one. However, we are quite good at providing information that might be useful:

Find out if your State has a school library media association, and if so, check out their web site. They can provide you with information on specific certifications you may need and offer educational resources and tools. You can also look at your State’s Department of Education web site for information on teacher certification. Check out library job postings online to get a sense of how many jobs are available right now, and read the job listings to get an idea of what employers are looking for in an ideal job candidate. And finally, look into some library schools that offer a school library degree program to see what the curriculum is like and to find out more information on what it takes to get started.

I have a few friends who currently work, or have worked, as school librarians (or school library media specialists) and they tell me the best parts of the job are working with students and the schedule (which definitely has its advantages especially if you have school age kids yourself). I’ve heard that the job can be more like that of a classroom teacher than a traditional librarian, and in many schools, your closest colleagues are teachers. We would love to hear from our readers who happen to be school librarians. Please tell us what you love, and don’t love, about your job.

Q: What are some questions I can ask during an interview that will let my interviewers know what I’m all about?

Q: What are some questions I can ask during an interview that will let my interviewers know what I’m all about?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I just had a very frustrating interview.  It was for a job that I really wanted; a community college library in a rural area.  I was frustrated because the interview team only asked me about five questions (I can only remember three of them).  They didn’t ask me anything thing about the library services I would provide, or my philosophy.  These are the questions they asked:

  • I see you went to XXX College.  How did you end up in XXX State (where I’ve lived for the past 5 years)?
  • Would you mind helping out in other areas?
  • Why are you interested in this job?

Then they opened up questions on my end?  If I end up with this type of situation again what questions should I ask?  How do I let them know what I am all about?

SM: Every job interview is unique, and every search committee is looking for someone specific. And you may or may not be that person. It can be frustrating to have high expectations before an interview and then walk away from it feeling that maybe you could have done something differently, something more.

It is unfortunate that they asked you so few questions, but don’t read too much into it. They could have had most of their answers already from your phone interview (if you had one), from your resume, or from your cover letter. The interview, quite possibly, could just be a formality, to see how you would fit in. Other possibilities are: the interview team could have been burnt out on interviewing, or the person asking the questions could have been having a bad day [I got food poisoning once during an interview, when I was the chair of the search committee. I had to drive the candidate back to her hotel and I barely made it home. Not my best day.] You’ll never know what goes on behind the scenes, so don’t beat yourself up about it.

As for letting the interview team (or search committee) know what you are all about – you could have done this when they asked you “why are you interested in this job?” That question is probably the most important one anyone can ask, in any interview. It gives you an opportunity to express your interest in the job/library/institution, to talk about how you are qualified for the job, and to let them know why you would be a good fit for it.

You should always ask your interviewers questions. Write them down before you go for the interview and remember to ask them. You want to make sure the job is a good fit for you as well. Here are some questions might help you discover more about them while letting them know more about you:

  • What is a typical day like for a librarian in this role?
  • How do the librarians work together/collaborate?
  • Is professional development supported and/or encouraged for the librarians and library staff?
  • What are some new initiatives you are working on?
  • How do the librarians work with the teaching faculty (for academic positions)? Or, How do the librarians work with the community (for public librarians)?
  • What is the library’s reference/instruction/collection development philosophy? (tailor to fit the position)
  • What do you (the interviewers) like about your job?
  • What do you (the interviewers) like about working at XXX library?

And, throw in a question or two that is specific about their library or institution. This shows your interviewers that you have done your research on them. For example:

  • I see that the library has a Facebook page. Do you find that it is a successful marketing tool?
  • I noticed that you offer drop-in sessions for students. Who teaches these and which ones are the most popular?
  • Your LibGuides are very informative and well-designed. If I was hired, would I be able to create and maintain guides?