Q: Which states would allow me to be a public librarian without a MLS?

Q: Which states would allow me to be a public librarian without a MLS?

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q:  Which states would allow me to be a public librarian without a MLS?  I have 16 years of teaching experience, the past two years as a Teacher-Librarian with a Library Endorsement. My graduate degree is in Bilingual and Multicultural Education.  As a school librarian in AZ, my position may not exist next year.  I see that New Mexico offers the option of public library certification by taking and passing their Class One or Class II (based on population) Certification tests.  Are there any other states that offer this option?

 

TA:  Educational requirements for public librarians can vary by state or even local community.  According the Public Library Association’s Careers in Public Librarianship webpage:

Most public librarian positions require a Master of Library Science (MLS) or a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree, preferably from a school accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). There are many options regarding program style and size. Undergraduate degrees in almost any subject area are appropriate.”

And looking at the U.S. Government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, the MLS “is necessary for librarian positions in most public, academic, and special libraries.”  However, the Handbook goes on to say:

States generally have certification requirements for librarians in public schools and local libraries, though there are wide variations among States…Most States also have developed certification standards for local public libraries, although in some States these guidelines are voluntary.”

With so much variability in educational requirements, it might be best to find a geographic area of interest and research local recruitment practices and requirements.

Q: How does one go about getting an internship or just a volunteer position at a public library?

Q: How does one go about getting an internship or just a volunteer position at a public library?

by Tiffany ♥ 2 Comments

Q:  I am currently attending the MLIS online program at Rutgers after a career as an attorney, in the school media specialist track.  I have volunteered in my children’s elementary school library for the last 8 years.  For the past two years, I, along with two other parents, stepped in to take over the duties of the library aide when that position was cut.  However, I would like to get more experience.  How does one go about getting an internship or just a volunteer position at a public library?  Thanks.

 

TA:  One of the easiest ways to get an internship or volunteer position is to be recommended by someone who can speak to your work style, professionalism and dependability.  If there’s someone you’ve been working with at the elementary school (a professional librarian, a teacher, the school’s principal) who can make a call on your behalf to the public library, or write a letter of recommendation, that will open a lot of doors for you.  If you don’t have that option available to you, you can always work through your graduate school’s career center.  While it may be more difficult because it’s an online program and they may not have personal contacts in the area, it is their job (and their mission) to assist you with on-the-job experiences that supplement your graduate school education.  They may also be able to connect you with alumni in your local area who could offer volunteer and internship experiences.

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?
Q: I am interested in teaching in an online LIS program. How do I find adjunct positions?

Q: I am interested in teaching in an online LIS program. How do I find adjunct positions?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 1 Comment

Q: I have many years of library experience (primarily in public and school libraries), an MLS from Syracuse University, and a decently long list of publications, committee work (national, regional, and state), and consulting experiences. I’m interested in trying my hand at teaching, both because I’ve never done it before and because I’m contemplating a doctorate and wonder how I would do as an instructor. I’ve taught numerous workshops and classes, but not in a university setting, which I expect will be quite different.

I am actively watching many job boards, but my sense is that direct contact with someone in the program would be a more effective strategy, especially since I’m not really looking for a permanent position. A few brief conversations with current professors have left me with the feeling that sometimes courses are designed around a knowledgeable instructor, rather than the other way around, but I’m having a tough time figuring out who to approach at various programs to inquire about becoming an adjunct or professor of practice. (I should also mention that I would be most interested in online instruction since there are no LIS programs in my state.)

So my questions, as someone not familiar with the intricacies and norms of the academic world, are first: am I correct in assuming that contacting a program to express interest in teaching is appropriate, and second, if it is appropriate, who would I contact and what initial information would be most helpful to them (a full CV? a shorter resume? or something less formal?) Thank you so much for any insight you might have for me!

SM: It is appropriate to contact (someone in) a program to express your interest in teaching. Check the web sites of online-only programs to see if they are hiring, to find out what areas of librarianship they specialize in and what types of classes they offer, and to find a contact person (dean of the school or coordinator of the program). Before you send your full CV, have your initial contact be a query email in which you state your interest in online teaching (in that particular program), and ask him/her if they are looking for adjuncts. In that initial email: offer to send your CV and other materials, briefly state your experience and your specific teaching interests, and let him/her know what classes you would be interested in teaching (or developing). If you have an online portfolio or CV, link to that in your email. You could also contact an adjunct instructor in that program to ask for advice on how to get started teaching an online class.

According to ALA, the following 20 library schools offer 100% online programs:

  1. Clarion University of Pennsylvania
  2. Drexel University
  3. Florida State University
  4. Louisiana State University
  5. North Carolina Central University  
  6. Rutgers, State University of New Jersey
  7. San Jose State University
  8. Southern Connecticut State University
  9. Texas Woman’s University
  10. University at Buffalo, State University of New York
  11. University of Alabama
  12. University of Kentucky
  13. University of Maryland
  14. University of Puerto Rico
  15. University of South Carolina
  16. University of Southern Mississippi
  17. University of Tennessee
  18. University of Washington
  19. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
  20. Wayne State University  

 

Other places to look for academic teaching positions:

You can also look for adjunct teaching positions at local academic institutions that would allow you to gain experience by teaching a semester long class (either online, in person or hybrid). This can be an excellent way to develop a syllabus and assignments, and learn a course management system (e.g., Blackboard, Angel, Moodle, etc.). Some undergraduate institutions require their students to take research classes and these are often taught by librarians.

Q: I want to be an art librarian but I don’t have a degree in art. How do I address this when applying for jobs?

Q: I want to be an art librarian but I don’t have a degree in art. How do I address this when applying for jobs?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am currently getting my LIS masters degree. I want to pursue a career in art librarianship and I am attempting to tailor my courses to this even though my school does not offer an art specialization. While I have an undergraduate minor in art history, I do not have a major in it but I am fairly proficient in the subject. The majority of my library work has been in an art library. I plan on getting an art history masters in the near future (~5 years?) but want to work in an institution before this. How should I go about addressing these facts when I am applying for jobs? Thanks in advance.

SM: Your experience working in an art library will help with your job search, but without a degree in art, you might have a hard time finding a position as an art librarian. Here are some suggestions that might help you in your job search:

  • see if you can do an art-related research project (e.g., thesis), independent study, or practicum, as part of your school work
  • be mobile, widen your search, if at all possible, to include all art-related librarian positions in any part of the country
  • if you are currently working in an art library, see if you can create research guides/sites/tools (you can then showcase these in your portolio/resume)
  • highlight your experience working in art libraries (provide examples of work that you did)
  • highlight your minor in art
  • mention, or list on your resume, any art-related classes or research
  • mention your plan to obtain a second masters in art history
  • apply for general positions (not necessarily art-related) at institutions that have art programs

In the mean time, look into possibly taking an online art librarianship course at another institution. Research art history programs, so you have an idea of where you might want to go and what you might want to focus on for your art history degree. Maintain your vision for your dream job and create goals for yourself. This will also help you when you get to the interview stage, as many academic positions require a second masters. They want to know that if you are hired, you already have a plan to complete your advanced subject degree. Caveat: if you do apply for more generalized positions that do not require any subject expertise, you may want to tone down the art librarianship speak. A search committee might get the impression (rightly so) that you will leave after a few years, to move into your dream ‘art librarian’ job. Which is completely OK… but they don’t have to know that.

Q: I’m an architectural resource librarian. How do I find jobs, and how can I find an organization with which to affiliate?

Q: I’m an architectural resource librarian. How do I find jobs, and how can I find an organization with which to affiliate?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I have a graduate degree in interior design and elected to professionally pursue the less conventional avenue of an architectural resource librarian. I would like to acquire a similar position in a new location (firm and state), but I have yet to find an organization with which to affiliate, so finding job postings is a challenge. Can you help in my search?

SM: The best places to look for librarian job postings in architecture firms, or interior design firms, are with the following:

Related associations, such as:

And, the large job banks such as:

As for joining associations, I would recommend that you do so (check out the ones listed above). Within SLA, there is a Caucus for architecture, building engineering, construction, and design (the ABCD Caucus). Not only does it add to your resume, membership in a professional organization can provide you with a network of individuals, and resources, to assist you in your job search, and provide valuable professional development opportunities.  Best of luck!

Q: So, assuming that I’m intelligent and competent and my resume is okay, what should I do next?

Q: So, assuming that I’m intelligent and competent and my resume is okay, what should I do next?

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I’m 42 and completed my MLS and LMS certificate in 2006.  I have 3 years experience in 3 different school districts with varying success.  Last year there were 3 school library positions lost in our county due to budget constraints, and we lost 3 more for the 2010-2011 school year.   Our public libraries have just been warned that funding for next year will be cut 50%!   I am currently collecting unemployment.  I don’t foresee an improvement in the local economy, and I’m in competition with a small group of very competent recent grads.  Because of my child custody arrangement, I can either stay where I am or I can move to the Raleigh/Durham area of NC.  I have done some preliminary exploration in NC, but the competition is stiff so near to a reputable library school.  I don’t have the support system to commute 2 hours or so a day, so my travel radius is limited. 

This week I have applications in at a few different places:  The local university (I think I’m under qualified, but they are accepting recent grads)  the local community college (a 10 month grant funded position I believe I am very qualified for) and a local library (also a 10 month grant funded position that I believe I am very qualified for).  I customized my resume for each position.

I always felt that an MLS would be versatile, but now I’m struggling with feeling prepared to leap onto any one of these career paths. I can take courses in any of these areas to increase my skills, but I can’t really afford the tuition without a loan or using retirement funds.  And what if I work on a literacy certificate and then find I should have been pursuing college reference?  I’d like to volunteer in the public library so that I can get a good current reference, but if I make a commitment to that, I’m less able to pursue other options that might be equally helpful, such as volunteering in a private school library.  I get up each day and don’t know which path to follow.

So, assuming that I’m intelligent and competent and my resume is okay, what should I do next?

TA: The MLS degree can afford a lot of flexibility; it’s often the experience that shapes our path after the degree.  Specialized coursework and internships can often lead to the first job, which can lead to progressively more responsible jobs in the same or similar specialization.  With the loss of your position, coupled with the personal circumstances surrounding your job search, you now have the option of staying in the current specialization, or exploring new ones.  In order to break into a new area, you’re going to have to do a couple of things.  First, try to get some experience, either through volunteer or part time work.  Additionally, identify transferable skills from your previous positions and make those marketable assets in your job search.  I recommend that you review our previous articles regarding application materials and transferable skills.