Author: Tiffany

Q: I’m curious if a public library would ever hire someone with an M.Ed in library media studies?

Q: I’m curious if a public library would ever hire someone with an M.Ed in library media studies?

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Q:  I’m curious if a public library has/would ever hire someone with an M.Ed in library media studies (such as myself)–I would like to get out of the public school system and work with a different population.  If not, would I have to go get an entirely different masters (MLS) or could I supplement my M.Ed to make myself more marketable?

TA: The answer to your question will depend on what the vacancy announcement for the position states in the required qualifications.  If the position states a requirement of an ALA-accredited MLS, you will need the MLS.  If the position states a preference for an MLS, but will also accept an alternative degree, your M.ED in library and media studies should be an acceptable alternative. If there is any doubt, you should inquire with the contact listed for the hiring agency.  You may also want to look into the Certificate of Advanced Study, which is a certificate for someone already with a master’s degree looking to specialize in a particular area of library science.  Many schools offer the certification in person or online, and it may expand your future employment opportunities.

Q: I have been a Reference Librarian for a community college for the last ten years. Recently I moved to be with family and friends. I see myself staying here and having a family. New to the job search/interview process, I am wondering how long it should take to get a job?

Q: I have been a Reference Librarian for a community college for the last ten years. Recently I moved to be with family and friends. I see myself staying here and having a family. New to the job search/interview process, I am wondering how long it should take to get a job?

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Q:  I have been a Reference Librarian for a community college for the last ten years. Recently I moved to be with family and friends. I see myself staying here and having a family. New to the job search/interview process, I am wondering how long it should take to get a job. My experience and references are good. Any advice would be much appreciated!

TA: The answer to your question can be a bit complicated.  It really depends on the type of position you’re seeking, the type of institution you’re considering, and the job market in your new location.  In general, an academic job search can take anywhere from 6 to 9 months from start to finish.  In my experience, reference positions generally yield the largest pool of candidates, so competition for individual positions can be fierce.  With your experience and good references, you are likely to be among the group considered, but you will want to explain in your cover letter how you’ve recently relocated to the area and you are truly interested in the position for which you’ve applied.  The one downside to experience is that you may be considered “out of the price range” or “overqualified” unless you state explicitly in your cover letter that you have relocated to the area and are interested in this specific position.

I’ve mentioned this in previous columns, but you may want to try a few informational interviews with librarians in the area to get to know the market, future colleagues, and future opportunities on the horizon.  By introducing yourself before you apply, you’ll be able to make connections that will serve you well down the line.

Q: I have been a school librarian since 1998 and I would like to work in an Academic Library. How would I market myself so that I would at least get an interview?

Q: I have been a school librarian since 1998 and I would like to work in an Academic Library. How would I market myself so that I would at least get an interview?

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Q:  I have been a school librarian since 1998, I would like to work in an Academic Library, I was an adjunct for 1 year at a community college.  How would I market myself so that I would at least get an interview?  HS students are not that far removed from freshman in college.

TA: In my opinion, it is always the candidate’s responsibility to “sell” his or her candidacy to the hiring institution, and in a way, I think that’s your question: How do I market my experience as a school librarian and community college instructor to be considered a viable candidate for an academic library position?  I believe it comes down to three things: your cover letter, your resume and your transferable skills. 

Academic librarians do many things, but let’s assume you’re considering a public services position.  Look at your experience both as a school librarian and as an instructor and draw parallels between what you’ve done and what the hiring institution is looking for.  Try to put things into a context and vocabulary that are similar.  For example, talk about the reference and instruction you do, one on one and in small and large groups.  Talk about research consultations with upper level students and assisting with the research process.  You may also want to draw on your experience as a community college instructor to talk about working with faculty and instructors and students at the college level.  Use your resume to document your work history, and your cover letter to draw the parallels between your experience and their qualifications. 

It may be a difficult process.  It’s a fairly significant leap from school libraries to academic libraries, and it may take some time and planning.  Don’t forget librarianship at the community college level or in a smaller academic environment.  That could be a nice transition into a larger academic library and may give you the chance to get familiar with students and faculty at the collegiate level.

Q: What’s the difference between Academic Librarians and Special Librarians working in any organization or any company?

Q: What’s the difference between Academic Librarians and Special Librarians working in any organization or any company?

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Q: I want to know the difference between Academic Librarians  and Special Librarians working in any organization or any Company.

TA:  If you consult the ALA-created website, Careers in Librarianship (http://www.ala.org/ala/educationcareers/careers/librarycareerssite/typesoflibraries.cfm), you’ll see that they define academic libraries as libraries that “serve colleges and universities, their students, staff and faculty.”  For a more information on a career in academic libraries, you should consult the Association of College and Research Libraries’ recruitment brochure: http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/acrl/issues/recruiting/recruiting.pdf.

Special libraries are defined as libraries “in a specialized environment of interest, such as corporations, hospitals, the military, museums, private businesses, and the government. Special libraries can serve particular populations, such as the blind and physically handicapped, while others are dedicated to special collections, such as the Library of Congress or a presidential library.”   For more information on special libraries, you may want to consult the Special Libraries Association’s website: http://www.sla.org/content/learn/ipvalue/index.cfm. 

Just as an FYI, the ALA website listed above also gives a working definition of Public Libraries and School Libraries.  Check them out if you’re interested.

Q: I am planning to go back to school for library science and will need to choose a minor.

Q: I am planning to go back to school for library science and will need to choose a minor.

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Q: I am planning to go back to school for library science and will need to choose a minor.  I want to be sure I will be able to find employment when I graduate. I am planning on moving to the New England area.  What types of library positions will be available, do you think, in 2016?

TA: Well Laurie, it’s a little hard to project that far out on my own, so I took a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition website (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos068.htm) to see what they think is on the horizon for the profession.  According the BLS site, “employment of librarians is expected to grow by 8% between 2008 and 2018”, which is equivalent to the average growth of all occupations.  This is good news for folks, such as you, considering librarianship as a career.  The BLS goes on to report the following:

Jobs for librarians outside traditional settings will grow the fastest over the decade. Nontraditional librarian jobs include working as information brokers and working for private corporations, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms. Many companies are turning to librarians because of their research and organizational skills and their knowledge of computer databases and library automation systems. Librarians can review vast amounts of information and analyze, evaluate, and organize it according to a company’s specific needs. Librarians also are hired by organizations to set up information on the Internet. Librarians working in these settings may be classified as systems analysts, database specialists and trainers, webmasters or Web developers, or local area network (LAN) coordinators.

I would heartily agree with this projection and have seen recent graduates moving into positions not conceived of many years ago.  I would also toss out my own opinion for your consideration which includes the stability of academic library positions, especially if you’re relocating to the New England area, where academic institutions, large and small, abound.  Strongly supported libraries are part of the accreditation process, which means that while their roles may evolve over time, librarians will still be present on campus.

Q: How do I switch to being a catalog librarian without having any real formal cataloging experience?

Q: How do I switch to being a catalog librarian without having any real formal cataloging experience?

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Q: I have been a librarian for over 20 years, mainly working in archives and small special libraries.  My question is, how do I switch to being a catalog librarian without having any real formal cataloging experience?  I considered looking for a copy catalog position, but have not found any openings.  I think people look at my resume and see archives and reference work, and never consider me for a cataloging position.  Also, I have only worked part-time during the last 10 years while raising my kids, mostly in para-professional positions, so I feel almost like I should start all over and go back to library school (although I can’t afford to)!

TA:  There are a number of areas that need to be addressed here: switching specializations from archives to cataloging; moving from part time to full time; and moving from a paraprofessional to professional position after 10 years.

My first suggestion is to dust off the old cover letter and resume and make sure it’s up to date in terms of both your experience and in formatting.  Styles change over a decade, so make sure you put some work into your application materials.  Make them look and feel polished and up to date.

Your cover letter will be especially important because it will be how you address all three questions (specialization, part time/ full time, para- to professional).  We’ve talked many times about the value of transferable skills, so you may want to refer to some of our other articles from the “Career Change” category of the column: http://www.lisjobs.com/CareerQA_blog/?cat=23

You should make a compelling case in your cover letter (supported by the work listed on your resume) about the parallels between your experience and the position for which you’ve applied.  For example, if you have experience processing archival collections and applying descriptive metadata using a standardized, controlled vocabulary, these are pretty similar in nature to traditional cataloging.  Describe how your experience will be an asset to the position.  Also include descriptive words that will appeal to the hiring supervisor, such as “detail oriented”, “works well independently as well as collaboratively”, or “self motivated and eager to learn”.  You’ll also need to explain in your letter that you’re in a position now to seek a full time, professional position, and that you’re eager to apply your knowledge, skills, and talents in that level of position.

In addition to your updating your application materials, if possible, you may want to seek opportunities to volunteer.  It’s a great way to gain experience, build skills, and add to a resume.  You will also build contacts in the profession, some of whom may serve as references for future cataloging positions.

A final idea to consider would be exploring the Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS) at Library and Information Science programs.  Wikipedia defines the Certificate of Advanced Study as:

A Certificate of Advanced Study (CAS), also called a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) or a Certificate of Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS), is a post-Master’s academic certificate designed for practitioners who seek a continuing education program to enhance their professional development in areas such as education and library science.

Many library schools, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, offer the CAS, and it might be a way for you to develop or further enhance your cataloging expertise.  Drexel University offers an online CAS program for Information Studies and Technology.  Many of the CAS programs are self-directed and allow you to select courses with a faculty advisor to customize your experience.  If you have the time and desire to supplement your educational background, the CAS may be the additional support you need to switch specializations within the profession.

In closing, I wish you the best.  Start with your application materials and put your time and energy there.  Move next to the volunteer experience, and down the road, if you’re so inclined, think about additional educational opportunities that may help you secure the position you’re seeking.

Q: I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring…

Q: I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring…

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Q:  I am considering whether or not to attend an LIS program beginning in the Spring. Until recently I worked with the developmentally challenged in a residence as a Case Coordinator but became burnt out. I went to a career counselor several weeks ago who administered several tests and after talking with me suggested that I consider learning Library Sciences either to be a librarian or a non traditional path. I am having trouble making up my mind if this the right career for me. Unfortunately, I have only 6 weeks to decide before I will need to submit an application! Is this enough time to make a good decision and if so, what should I be doing to in the meantime to aid that decision?

TA: Wow, this is an interesting, and extraordinarily time-sensitive, question.  I know that we’re all required at some point in our life to make quick decisions, but this feels a little pressured in terms of the short period of time and the large impact of this decision.  My advice would be to slow things down a little.  Meeting with the career counselor was a great first step, and it’s indicative of a level of intellectual curiosity and self awareness.  On the other hand, you shouldn’t pursue a graduate degree just because someone told you to, or because you tested that way.  I would strongly recommend that you get some kind of library experience first, and then pursue the degree if it’s a career of interest.  Try to find a job or even a volunteer experience in a library.  And explore different types of work experience and environments—public services, technical services, public library, academic library, school library.  There are so many choices.  You’ve done the initial work of identifying a new field of potential employment.  Take some time to do the in-the-trenches work to see if actually fits.