Q: A few months ago, I went to my supervisor to tell her I was unhappy with my job. She is the branch manager and I am the assistant manager. About a week after that she and her supervisor put me on a performance improvement plan.

Q: A few months ago, I went to my supervisor to tell her I was unhappy with my job. She is the branch manager and I am the assistant manager. About a week after that she and her supervisor put me on a performance improvement plan.

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q:  A few months ago, I went to my supervisor to tell her I was unhappy with my job. She is the branch manager and I am the assistant manager. About a week after that she and her supervisor put me on a performance improvement plan.  I have been doing what I need to do and I own that I needed to improve in several key areas.  I hope I have shown that I’ve improved.  I am still unhappy. I feel I am not suited for management and would like to move into the part of the library world that will allow me to better help people access information–which is why I got into the field in the first place. I do not feel like a successful supervisor, leader or manager.  I am starting to research jobs and my biggest fear is that when I apply, the prospective employer will call my current supervisor and find out all about the PIP.   Have you got any suggestions about how to handle any questions?

A: There are a few things you need to do here.  First, you need to have a candid conversation with your supervisor.  Talk with her again about your job, but not in the context of “I’m so unhappy”—YOU are in charge of your own happiness, not your boss.  You should frame the conversation in terms of your career aspirations, or, as I tell others, what you want to be when you grow up.  If you really do not enjoy management positions, tell her that.  Tell her that while you were honored to be named Assistant Manager, you want to refocus your career on dealing more directly with the patron, and reposition yourself to be more on the front lines.  Now, you must know, that if you have an MLS, it is likely you will be in charge of people at some point in your career…it’s a natural progression of responsibility, especially with the extra credentialing.

And that brings me to point number two:  You may want to consider training opportunities that will develop and strengthen your management, supervision and leadership skills.  Even if it’s informal management of a project team, supervising volunteers or leading a library-wide committee, you will need these skills throughout your career.  Don’t shy away from it just because it’s uncomfortable.  Work hard and it will serve you well.

Point number three: If you have a very open relationship with your supervisor, and she is a supportive and understanding person, as part of your career aspirations conversation with your supervisor, let her know that you will continue to work hard in your current position, but that you also realize in order to make some changes, you may need to look for other positions.  And while you are applying for other positions, you will need someone who can give you an excellent employment reference.  Ask her what you can do now to earn her trust and confidence, and an excellent employment reference when the right position comes along.

If your supervisor is not a very understanding person, then you may not want to tell her that you are looking for work elsewhere. This can be a very tricky situation and if you do not find a job in a timely manner, the knowledge that you are looking elsewhere (and intending to jump ship) can cause tension and resentment. And this, in turn, can create a stressful and unhappy work environment.

If a job application requires that you provide references up front (some will and some will not), then do not use her name.  Once you get to the interview stage and you have a good feeling about the position (i.e., you would take it if they offer it to you), then you can approach your supervisor to see if she would give you a good reference.  Potential employers will understand if you do not use the name of your current supervisor on your reference list, and you can explain why in your interview with them. They will still, however, most likely want to speak with your most recent supervisor at some point, so so be prepared to have the conversation with her (see above).

And I’ll conclude with your final question, How do I handle questions from prospective employers about my job performance?  If they hear from your supervisor that there were performance problems, a lot will depend on how she has conveyed the information (which is why it’s really important to have a good conversation with her.  See points 1 and 3).  What you need to do is be honest, direct, brief and positive.  Try to convey what you learned from the situation.  And never, never, never disparage your current institution or supervisor.  For example, if the situation involved supervision of other staff (perhaps you were too lenient), what you would say in response is something like: “I acknowledge there were some challenges with supervision in my current position.  I was new to supervision and wasn’t really comfortable telling employees with more experience what they could or could not do.  I am working with my supervisor now to improve these skills, and feel I’ve made a lot of progress in this area.  Additionally, I’ve taken a couple of management and supervision training classes through Human Resources and really feel like I’ve strengthened my knowledge of management styles and approaches, and gained some confidence with supervision.”

Q: Are you getting many questions about ageism in hiring librarians or library staff?

Q: Are you getting many questions about ageism in hiring librarians or library staff?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: Are you getting many questions about ageism in hiring librarians or library staff? I am a librarian with 22 years of experience, an MLS, and an advanced certificate in preservation management. I don’t consider myself old (I’m in my late 40’s) but feel like I am seen that way when I apply for jobs. I tried to get a volunteer position at a public library, and was asked if I was retired. I have applied for various positions, both professional and paraprofessional, part-time and full-time, over the last four months, and have not even been called for an interview for any of them. I even applied for a library page position, hoping to bring in a little bit of money, and did not even make it to the interview stage! I applied yesterday for a temporary contract position that stated a preference for recent library school graduates. I used to think that years of experience was a good thing, but apparently if I just graduated from library school and had little or no experience I would be a more attractive candidate.

I’m just curious as to whether or not others have written in with similar issues, and whether or not you had any advice on how to find a job after being in the field for over 20 years. Thanks so much!

SM: We get many more questions from people who lack experience and the advice we give to them, as you can guess, focuses on how to get that much needed experience.

Each person’s situation and experiences are unique, which makes it difficult to determine why or why not someone is a good candidate for a particular job. You have lots of experience, which (you are correct) is a very valuable thing to have, but (you are also correct) it might not be helping you out in your current search for a job.

Here are some possible reasons:

  1. Entry-level: Many of the available positions are entry-level jobs – jobs that require little experience and jobs that are at the beginning of the pay scale. For these positions, an employer may avoid candidates with years of experience because they might consider them overqualified or feel like they cannot justify paying them less than they deserve. In this case, your years of experience may indeed make you a less desirable candidate.
  2. Technology-centric: This is not a recent trend, but it is becoming increasingly critical for all librarians, in every role in the library, to have technology skills (have you seen the recent job ads for “emerging technologies librarians”?). These are skills that are being taught in library schools today, skills that are highly desired, and skills that those of us who graduated years ago need to pick up on our own.
  3. Geographic mobility and timing: Job openings continue to be sparse. Budgets are in crisis, institutions are experiencing hiring freezes and positions are being filled on an as-needed basis. If you are able to move for a job, it will open up more opportunities. If you are unable to move, you will need to be more patient as you wait for positions to open up in your area. Continue to seek out alternative positions, such as volunteering and part-time jobs or seek out a library employment agency [http://www.libraryjobpostings.org/placement.htm], in order to maintain and utilize your skills. You’ve only been searching for four months, which (even though I’m sure it feels like a very long time) is not long at all. Give it more time, and rather than apply for any available job, try to find one that suits you.
  4. It is easier to get a job when you have a job: If you do not have a current job, you are creating a gap in your work history. Potential employers will notice this and wonder why you are not currently working… so you will need to explain the gap in your cover letter. The longer the gap, the more difficult it can be to find a job. Employers expect their new employees to be on top of current trends and aware of emerging technologies, and they want to avoid conflict. So, if there was any at a past position, you can be pretty sure they will find out. If you are unemployed due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., temporary position, relocation, budget cuts, etc.), then you need to relate that information in a cover letter. Be honest about your past work history.


Here are some things you can do that might help.

  • Update your resume and tailor it to highlight specific skills and experience that relate to a specific job. For example, if you are applying for a public services position, play up your public service experience even if it is minor compared to your experience in technical services. And, it is always a good idea to have someone review your resume for you. You might even want to look into a resume reviewing service.
  • Don’t underestimate the importance of a well-written and convincing cover letter. Like your resume, tailor each cover letter for each position. Your cover letter should communicate confidence, uniqueness, and enthusiastic interest in the position. This is where you can connect your years of experience to the job at hand and explain any gaps in your resume. Be positive and address how you can meet the requirements of the job. Avoid overconfidence, generalizations, and negativity.
  • Attend classes, webinars, symposia, and conferences. You can update your skills and network at the same time.
  • Become involved in local library organizations and take advantage of their meetings, programs, job lists, and people who might be able to help you in your job search.
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?

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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?

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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?

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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?

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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.

by Tiffany ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

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.