Q: What does the librarian of a library do, exactly?

Q: What does the librarian of a library do, exactly?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: Hello. I am currently a junior in high school but am looking forward to starting a career as a librarian as soon as I get into college. I had some questions and I was wondering if someone could answer them or if there was a resource that would answer them.

  1. Is there a high demand for librarians in the nation? (I live in Arizona, if that matters.)

  2. What does the librarian of a library do, exactly?

  3. What is the average degree of most United States librarians and is it a competitive job?

TA: Well, it is always refreshing to see such a thoughtful, focused and ambitious individual in high school. It certainly sounds like you are intelligent (indicated, of course, by your interest in becoming a librarian) and that you have a strong interest in pursuing this course of study. Let me answer your questions, and give you some free advice along the way.

What do librarians do, exactly? Librarians can do a lot of things. The beauty of librarianship is that you can specialize in a hundred different ways. We work in academic institutions, large and small. We work in corporate libraries, public libraries, school libraries, “cybraries,” and sometimes not even in a library at all. In addition to working in a variety of settings, librarians work with a wide variety of materials.

The Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 Edition, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor is an excellent resource on the nature of work, working conditions, employment, education, and training for the field of librarianship. Perhaps the most significant statement from the Handbook regarding the work of librarians is the following: “Librarians assist people in finding information and using it effectively for personal and professional purposes.” Regardless of where or how, this sums up what all librarians have in common – they help people access information.

Below, find some summarized facts regarding librarianship from the Occupational Outlook Handbook. For complete information, please refer to the original source.

  • Librarianship centers around three primary components: user services, technical services, and administrative services. Librarians are involved in providing information, including determining user needs, searching for, and acquiring information. In small libraries, librarians may handle all aspects of the work. Those in larger libraries generally specialize in one aspect of librarianship, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, or reference. The Internet and the rise of electronic resources make technological skills very important.
  • Work schedules vary based on environment. For example, school librarians usually have the same workday and vacation schedules as classroom teachers, while academic and public librarians have varying schedules to staff desks and provide coverage for extended hours, including weekends and evenings, as well as some holidays. Special librarians usually work normal business hours, but may need to work extended hours depending on the nature of the business environment in which they work.
  • An ALA-accredited master’s degree in library science (MLS) is usually required for librarian positions in most public, academic, and special libraries, and in some school libraries. For a list of ALA-accredited programs, visit http://www.ala.org/ala/education/accredprograms/accreditedprograms.htm. In addition to the MLS, computer knowledge and training and knowledge of one or more foreign languages are increasingly important. Most special librarians have additional training or education in their subject area, and most states require school librarians to be certified as teachers as well as earning the MLS.
  • Employment of librarians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations over the 2002-12 period. Job opportunities in librarianship are expected to be very good, because a large number of librarians are expected to retire in the coming decade. This will be tempered, though, by government budget cuts and the increasing use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems, resulting in the hiring of fewer librarians and the replacement of librarians with less costly library technicians. However, there will still be a need for librarians to manage staff and perform the more complex work of libraries. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, jobs for librarians outside traditional settings will grow the fastest over the decade.
  • “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.” (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05)
  • Librarian salaries vary according to the type, size and location of the library, as well as the education, skills and abilities the librarian brings to the position. In 2002, librarians’ median annual earnings were $43,090.

I encourage you to explore librarianship while you are in high school and throughout your college tenure. You may want to volunteer in your high school library or public library, and then work as a part-time student assistant in your university library. These work experiences will help you get an idea of the different types of clientele, work assignments and environments that you may encounter in the field. Prepare yourself during college with literature courses, foreign language classes and entry-level computer classes, all of which will be especially relevant to the profession in the coming years.

You’re very wise to be thinking this far ahead, and I hope I have given you some information to help chart your course toward your desired goals. For further reading, I would strongly recommend reviewing the full entry for librarians in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, as well as the web sites for the American Library Association and the Special Libraries Association. Also, check out http://www.lisjobs.com/states/arizona.htm for job opportunities in Arizona, which will help you get an idea of the salaries and types of jobs in your geographical area.

Q: How do I choose the right specialty for me?

Q: How do I choose the right specialty for me?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: Hello! I’m in my first semester of LIS school. I like almost all of my classes so far, and, of course, want to enjoy the job I get after graduation, but I also need to make enough money to pay off loans. How do I choose the right specialty for me?

SM: This is a question that many soon-to-be librarians struggle with during school. Not only do you want to be happy and fulfilled in your future profession, you want to make a decent living once you get a job. So, how does a student choose a specialty? Since you are in your first semester, you have time to learn about different types of jobs and explore the various paths of librarianship. My advice to you is to get experience, talk to people in the profession, do some reading, look at job ads, and ask yourself some personal, but important questions.

It is difficult to know if you will really enjoy working in a specific area (e.g., cataloging, reference, instruction) or environment (e.g., public, academic, special) without actually spending some time in that area or environment. If feasible, get a job or volunteer in order to gain some hands-on experience in an area (or areas) that interest you. If working or volunteering is not possible, the next-best thing is to talk with librarians working in different types of libraries and in different roles, and find out what they do. Also, utilize your library school’s career services center; talk to a career advisor and see what kinds of resources and tools she recommends to assist you in choosing a specialty. Some schools have mentoring programs. These match students with a librarian who is working in their area of interest and encourage them to learn about library operations, discuss professional issues and topics, and collaborate with on-the-job librarians.

If you haven’t yet, search out library-related journals, web sites, and blogs that cover different areas of the profession. This is a great way to learn about new research, tools, resources, and technology. Also, keep an eye on the job ads. Read the job descriptions closely to find out what types of jobs are available, what skills and qualifications the positions require, and the pay different institutions offer for various positions.

Finally, ask yourself, what environment do you see yourself in: academic, public, school, special, or other (non-library)? How much does environment matter to you? Within these environments, the specialties are too numerous to name. Also note that a systems librarian at an academic library may be very similar to a systems librarian at a special library, or at a public library. Do you like working with children, with a diverse population, with graduate students? Are you analytical or extroverted, do you have a passion for music, or a second masters in Italian or mathematics? There are so many different factors you need to consider when trying to figure out what type of librarian you would like to be. Not to sound too obvious, but chances are you already have many assets and strengths that favor a specific area of librarianship – you just need to figure out what they might be.

Librarianship is a very diverse profession, and today’s constantly- changing library landscape compels librarians to take on many roles and wear many hats. This is the main reason why I love this profession. I must admit that I have myself changed my mind several times, while in school and after, and I’ve held a variety of roles and titles in all different kinds of libraries. Remember that, no matter what specialty you ultimately choose, you can always change your outlook and try something else. With that in mind, don’t feel too much pressure to decide on a specific specialty just yet. For now, have fun exploring your options!

Check out these sites for more information on specialties and salaries:

The ABC’s of library specialties
ALA’s Careers in Libraries
ARL Salary Survey
LIScareer.com Career Planning Section (includes articles, links, and a listing of print resources)
Lisjobs.com Advice Section – Specialties Within the Profession

Placements and Salaries 2003: Jobs! (Eventually)
(Be sure to look at the tables accompanying the article, especially “Salaries of Reporting Professionals by Area of Job Assignment.”)

Q: I keep getting rejection letters. What am I doing wrong?

Q: I keep getting rejection letters. What am I doing wrong?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am currently working part-time as an archivist in the Chicagoland area and would desperately like to land a full-time job as an archivist. I am willing to move to a different state if necessary and I am willing to take public, academic, or special library jobs to bide my time too. The problem is that no matter how many times I apply for positions, I either make it to the interview stage and get rejected, or get no interview at all and simply a “thank you but we’ve hired someone else” letter. What can I do? This has been going on for 3 years and it is so horribly frustrating. Please help! – Desperate in Chicago

Dear Desperate in Chicago: We know this has to be a terribly frustrating time for you. Finding a job is sometimes a long and difficult process. We hope the information provided below will be helpful to you in your search. Above all, stay confident and hopeful that the perfect job for you is just around the corner.

Sincerely,
Susanne and Tiffany

TA: Looking For a Job: Where to Look and What to Look For

When beginning any job search, you want to make sure you are looking for the right job and in the right places. Your ability to relocate is definitely an advantage; you won’t have to limit your searches geographically. Don’t limit your search by format, either: monitor lists, check web sites, and look at print publications. You may also want to consider looking at job boards at local LIS schools. In academic library circles, it is common to use the Chronicle of Higher Education (vacancy announcements are available both online and in print), the Association of Research Libraries site, specific institutions’ sites, and association lists. (Some specific sub-groups include the Hispanic Librarians Association, African American Library and Information Science, Asian Pacific and Chinese Librarians Association, and Black-IP (Black Information Professionals’ Network).)

For archivist positions, you will specifically want to look at the Society of American Archivists site, specifically the SAA Online Employment Bulletin. For general searches for librarian and information professional positions, also check out Lisjobs.com. Good research, careful selection and solid preparation are the keys to a successful job hunt.

While reading vacancy announcements, there are a number of things to consider. First, are you interested in the job? Read the duties very carefully and see if they fit your interests and experience. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, are you qualified for the position? Look closely at its requirements and assess how they match your education and experience. Your goal is to find a position that closely matches your background; the closer the match, the more likely you are to be a good fit. If the qualifications are broken into “required” and “preferred,” in most cases, you must meet the required, and it is helpful if you have some of the preferred. Be sure to be very clear in your cover letter and resume when discussing how you meet the qualifications of the position. Speaking of the cover letter and resume…

SM: The Cover Letter

The cover letter is an introduction, the first impression you make on a potential employer, and the document that could get your resume in the door. If your cover letter is terrible – or terribly generic – your resume – no matter how fantastic – may not stand on its own. The cover letter is the bridge between your resume and the position. Keep the tone friendly but professional. Do not repeat what is listed in your resume; rather, relate your experience and your skills to the requirements of the position. The cover letter is where you can discuss transferable skills, emphasize your qualifications, and make it clear that you are interested in the specific position. Look closely at the job description and use its terminology as you address how your qualifications match up. Do not forget to state where you saw the ad, and do not forget to spell- check the document. Read it out loud, and have at least one other person proofread it for you. The cover letter is an example of your communication skills, so allow your voice to come through and make it shine.

Resume

A resume needs to reflect your work experience, your education, and your skills. It is a work in progress, keep it handy and update it regularly as you gain more experience and learn new skills. Make sure that all of the job requirements, and ideally some of the preferred qualifications, are not only reflected, but accentuated. If transferable skills or experience come from non-library jobs, be sure to list those jobs in your resume as well.

Content is definitely king, but formatting, organization, and wording are also extremely important when it comes to building your resume. Look at examples in books and on the web to get formatting ideas. Before sending it out, have your resume reviewed by colleagues or a friend. If you are a student, use your career services office. Or, have a library professional review your resume using the NMRT (New Members Round Table) Resume Review Service.

References

Your references are a very important part of your application, so choose them carefully. They should be able to talk positively about your accomplishments and provide details about your current, or recent, job activities and duties. It is your responsibility to keep these people updated on your professional or academic life, your current activities and your job search. Make sure that you ask permission to list them as a reference. When you apply for a position, let them know about it, provide them with your updated resume and a description of the position, and notify them if you expect that they will be contacted by the search committee. Having professional contacts who can speak well about you and your work activities is a considerable asset, no matter where you are in your career.

The Telephone Interview

If you are looking to relocate to a different city or state, then the first interview you have will probably be done over the phone. Even though telephone interviews are not as long or intense as in- person interviews, they can still be extremely intimidating.

Prepare for the phone interview as you would for an in-person interview. Have a copy of your resume, your cover letter, and the job description in front of you (it helps to be in a quiet room with the door closed). Do your research ahead of time to gather information about the institution. Have your questions written down, and make sure that you arm yourself with pen and paper to write down additional information or questions while talking. Do not be afraid to ask an interviewer to repeat a question, or ask for a minute to think about your answer. With no visual cues, phone interviews are awkward for everyone, including the interviewers, so try to be as natural and personable as possible and show your enthusiasm for the position.

The On-Site Interview

Prepare, prepare, prepare! Even if you are not asked to do a presentation or instruction session, be prepared to talk about aspects of the position, librarianship, and the future of libraries. Show the search committee that you care about the profession enough to keep up-to-date on new technologies, concepts, and issues. If you need to do a formal presentation or instruction session, get some help from current colleagues, friends, or a professor, and make sure that you practice – a lot! As with the phone interview, do your research, visit the library’s web site, and find out as much information as you can about the library, its employees and the larger institution. Have a list of questions to ask your interviewers. Be professional at all times, even during dinner, and even if you are exhausted. Remember the little things that make a big difference: shake hands, smile, be charming, treat everyone equally, dress and act professionally, answer each question as it if were the first time being asked, interview your interviewers, and send thank-you letters. For tips on interviewing, see the interviewing advice section on Lisjobs.com and the job hunting section of LIScareer.com.

TA: Following up

Now that you have mailed out dozens of cover letters and resumes, and survived a few telephone and/or on-site interviews, what’s next? If you get a job offer, great! All is right with the world. If, however, you get the letter or telephone call from HR to inform you that they have offered the position to someone else, what do you do? First, always remain gracious. Thank them for the opportunity to meet with them and to visit their library. You want to always leave on a good note; maybe you weren’t the perfect candidate for this job, but there may be another in the near future, and you want them to remember you (in a good way). And while this may not be the easiest thing to do at a somewhat emotional time, you have the right to ask the HR person how the other candidate was a better fit for the position and if there are things you could do to improve your standing for the next interview.

Outside of the context of a formal interview, there are also things you may want to pursue to improve your marketability. Continue to build on current strengths and develop areas that need improvement by taking advantage of continuing education and professional development opportunities. As we have discussed in previous columns, you might want to conduct an informational interview or two. Meet with people in a job that you are interested in and ask them how they got there. Attend professional meetings and conferences to meet people and network with colleagues. Talk to a mentor or supervisor about your job searching experiences; maybe they can provide some support, insight and guidance.

SM: The application and interview process can be a long and arduous journey for many people. Take time in the beginning to narrow your search and focus on specific jobs, areas, and types of libraries and institutions. Be picky, but be comprehensive in your job hunt. The pieces listed above are important parts of a whole package, and with preparation and confidence, along with the right skills, experience, and timing, they will eventually lead you to a job. Keep in mind that the search itself is a learning process that will allow you to refine your interview skills, your cover letter voice, and your resume. It is also a great way to see what types of jobs are out there as you meet and interact with library professionals. In the end, be patient and optimistic, even if it takes an appallingly long time to get the job you want.

Q: Any advice for breaking into cataloging?

Q: Any advice for breaking into cataloging?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I have a MS in Library and Information Studies, and two years of professional experience, mostly in reference and public services. Two years ago I decided to return to school for a second masters degree in linguistics. During this time I have held a job in the English department as a writing tutor, which I have enjoyed, but my joy in life does not come from teaching. I have been rather successful in my studies, and considered a PhD, but it is not for me. As I near completion of this degree, I need to consider my professional options. I would like to return to libraries and I am interested in working in technical services, specifically cataloging. I have had limited experience in the past with cataloging and indexing, but I like this kind of work. I think my strengths in this area are my analytic skills and knowledge of semantics/taxonomies. Of course, being interested is a plus, and I have obtained great people skills and an understanding of how patrons view library catalogs from my public services experience. Any advice for breaking into cataloging?

SM: The first thing that comes to mind – and you’ve heard it all before – is: get some experience, any experience. You think you know what you want, which is the first step in getting there, but how can you be sure without first getting a taste of what the job entails?

Cataloging can be a tedious, sometimes monotonous, and potentially lonely job. It typically requires long hours of inputting, uploading and editing data. It calls for precision, organization, and knowledge of many separate, but inter-related things like classification systems, subject headings, MARC, Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR2), authority control, catalog environments, databases, and metadata. It can also be very rewarding and challenging, especially for analytically-minded people. It is more tangible and more structured than its somewhat amorphous counterpart, public services, and it involves a close (and hopefully comfortable) relationship with technology. It can be exciting and fast-paced as well, because there are always new technologies, new systems, new rules, and new ways of access that all relate to the cataloger’s role.

Like you mentioned, your interest in cataloging is a good start, and your previous library experience along with your second masters, in the “study of language” no less, should help you out in your job search. The only piece you are lacking is the relevant cataloging experience, so don’t despair just yet. Cataloging, although a learned skill that involves knowledge of many distinct systems and technologies, is done differently everywhere. You can know the basics, but each library will have its own way of cataloging specific items, its own integrated library system, and perhaps its own classification system. Even the most experienced cataloger needs time to adjust and learn in a new environment, and training is expected for any new position.

To get started, immerse yourself in all things cataloging: talk to catalogers, join e-mail lists and associations, read books and articles, and search for useful web sites. If you have no experience, practice a little by cataloging your own books, CDs, or DVDs, using whatever resources you can get your hands on. Also, keep in mind that cataloging comes in many flavors, and in larger institutions catalogers typically work with only one or two material types, which could be monographs, serials, photographs, rare books, manuscripts, audiovisuals, or online resources (to name a few). If you are interested in a particular kind of cataloging, then you may want to use “material type” to narrow your search.

There are entry-level cataloging positions that require little to no experience. However, since cataloging is so structured and based on sets of rules, previous experience may be an even more important requirement than for public service positions. Some job ads say “advanced coursework in cataloging required” (or preferred) in lieu of experience. This is where some extracurricular classes may help. See if there are any opportunities in your area, or look for online classes to help develop your skills and your resume.

Finally, rework your resume to emphasize your analytical skills and experience, including cataloging classes and any related job experience. Show potential employers that you are truly interested in cataloging!

These web sites may be useful:

TA: Transitioning from one type of position to another, or even from one type of library to another, is sometimes a difficult proposition. You can, however, take steps to make this transition as smooth as possible.

Susanne’s advice about immersing yourself in all things cataloging is especially pertinent. Join lists, talk to catalogers, maybe do an informational interview or two. (For a quick article on informational interviews, see Carole Martin’s “Informational Interviewing: The Neglected Job Search Tool.”) If possible, try to get some experience; even volunteering in a cataloging department would give you some experience and perhaps a glance into what life would be like as a cataloger.

Secondly, without knowing your personal situation, I am not sure how viable an option this would be, but you may want to consider taking a class or two in cataloging. Basic cataloging and advanced cataloging, offered in most library schools, would certainly cover both the basic principles of cataloging, as well as some of the higher level details (and specialties) in cataloging. You would have the opportunity to work with Dewey and Library of Congress classification systems, MARC format, and different types of materials (monographs, serials, CD-ROMs, video, electronic resources, just to name a few…). Current coursework would not only indicate a strong interest to future employers, but would also give you the fundamental skill set and vocabulary used in the day-to-day work.

Finally, I strongly believe that power is all in the spin. If you can express enthusiasm for the profession and a strong interest in cataloging, as well as highlight your transferable skills and abilities when applying for a position (knowledge of how patrons view the catalog, formal education in linguistics, analytical skills, and knowledge of semantics/taxonomies), you will be a viable applicant for any cataloging position. You may want to refer to the March 1, 2004 issue of ICT. In the career column of that issue, Susanne and I discussed moving from a special library to an academic library; you’ll find some helpful information there about transitioning from one specialty to another, and some tips on assessing skill sets, job searching, and applying and interviewing for positions. Best of luck!

Q: How do I convince my director to let me go back to school?

Q: How do I convince my director to let me go back to school?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I work in a small academic library that employs three librarians, two paraprofessionals, and eight to ten student workers. Many academic libraries desire their librarians to have a second masters degree, usually for tenure, although our institution does not have tenure. I am the only one of the three librarians who does not have a second degree. I want to pursue a second degree, but my director is not supportive of my desire to go back to school. It’s very frustrating, as I want to continue my professional development. In addition, our institution offers a tuition benefit and work release time to take classes. Help!

TA: On the surface, this seems like a difficult situation to resolve. On one hand, you have your desire to pursue further education; on the other, you have your director’s desire to keep his/her relatively small staff on the job, not in class. You need to use this as an opportunity to work on your negotiating skills. Start by looking at the issue from your director’s point of view, and then try to address these concerns in your discussions about pursuing a second degree. Your goal is to make this a win-win situation.

You have many daily opportunities to negotiate: new assignments from a supervisor, a project timeline, plans for action in a library committee, scheduling shifts with student assistants. In any of these, you look at what works best for everyone affected, yourself included, before coming to a successful resolution. This situation is no different. Let’s take a look at some of the possible pros and cons of pursuing a second degree:

Pros: continued professional development; subject knowledge will enhance job performance; your institution provides tuition benefits and work release time; taking classes shows you are engaged in the university and in your profession. Cons: with a small staff the director may need you on the job, not in class during the day; the director may feel that you will be more marketable after a second degree and worry about your leaving; the director may also be hearing concerns from other staff members about picking up the slack if you are away at class or working on assignments; the director may not value a second degree as much as you do.

There are of course many other possible pros and cons, but, starting with this list, let’s see how we can bridge the gap and make this a winning situation for everyone.

First, you will need to address the director’s concern about your absence. Look at possible course schedules – is there a way to minimize your time away from work during the traditional workday? Perhaps you could take a class during your lunch break, or an evening class after work? Easing into classes in this manner will reassure everyone (the director included) that your coursework will not affect your professional work.

Next, have a frank discussion with your director about why you would like to pursue an additional degree. Discuss how you have mapped out a plan to ease into classes with minimal disruption to your work schedule. Explain your need for continued professional development and lifelong learning, and that another masters degree enhances the subject expertise necessary for today’s information professional.* Point out that taking classes will make you feel more engaged at work and in your university community. Finally, emphasize that your ultimate goal is to better serve the patrons in your own institution.

You may not be able to change your director’s opinion about the value of a second degree, but after hearing how important it is to you (and how careful you’ve been to allay these concerns), he/she may allow you to pursue it. If the answer is still a firm no, in addition to pursuing additional educational opportunities, you might want to consider pursuing other professional opportunities.

*In its Statement on Professional Development, the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) explains: “Professional development is an important manifestation of the academic librarian’s commitment to personal excellence. It is a necessary response to a rapidly changing environment.” The statement goes on to comment on the responsibilities of librarians and of academic institutions in supporting professional development.

SM: It sounds like you are in an exceptionally difficult position, and there is no easy answer. Ultimately, if you really want to continue your education, and this is the right time both personally and professionally, then go for it! Try to make it work in your present, albeit not ideal, situation. However, my cautious side can sense some possible dangers. Moving forward may create tension and animosity in the workplace, which could make your work environment miserable and which could also affect your attitude, your school work, your outlook on the profession, and your happiness.

Keep in mind that not all institutions grant tuition reimbursement (much less release time), so you may not have this assistance in your next position. This is a wonderful opportunity that will surely benefit your career as an academic librarian and potentially open up new doors for you in the future. On the other hand, getting a second masters degree while you are working will probably take several years. Are you prepared to either tough it out in your present position, or potentially lose the tuition reimbursement if you leave your job?

It is impossible to look into the future, and often difficult to think outside of your present environment, but this may be a time when you might want to try. The ACRL Statement on Professional Development (linked above) makes some important, expansive observations on the profession and offers excellent advice that applies directly to your situation.

Tiffany’s suggestions are great… weigh the pros and cons and come up with what is right for you, at this time. Map out a plan and have a discussion. If you can come up with a plan that shows how this degree will benefit not only you, but your workplace, and you can convince your boss that the (minimal) time off from work will not negatively affect the library or its employees or patrons, then you have a pretty good chance of getting the approval and support that you desire. Good luck!

Q: I am very unhappy in my current library trainee program and my job. Can you help?

Q: I am very unhappy in my current library trainee program and my job. Can you help?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I have worked in public and county law libraries for about eight years. I was given the opportunity to apply to library school through a “Librarian Trainee” program through my current employer. On the surface this seems like good news, but it is not turning out to be that for me. I am forty-something, and have found the rigors of graduate school to be difficult. I am supposed to be receiving training and support in librarianship on the job; what I am is a glorified “go-fer.” I act as a filler wherever they are short on staff. I am feeling used and disgusted with this arrangement, and have seriously considered quitting my position. If they are not going to assist me and support me in my studies, what is the benefit of me staying with this library system? I feel I will be just as ill treated when I graduate (if I graduate).

TA: I have several questions for you about the type of trainee program you are involved in, but since you are not here for me to ask, I am going to make several assumptions, and then give you some questions to ask yourself. It sounds like you’re getting more than you bargained for with graduate school, and less than you want from your supervisors and place of employment.

The first thing I would recommend is that you sit down and do a true cost-benefit analysis. You need to make a list. Actually, several lists. First, list your initial expectations of the trainee program. What did you think you would get out of a program of this type? Next, list what you see as the shortcomings of the program. Lastly, make a list of the things you can do to change the outcome.

Initial Expectations

At some point, you were obviously excited about the possibility of possessing an MLS, so you took advantage of an opportunity offered to you by your employer. The question now is, at what cost? Make a list of the things you get from being in the librarian trainee program. You are going to library school. Is this something you could have done prior to being a trainee? Is financial assistance for your education part of the trainee program? How about time off for school or a flexible schedule to accommodate your classes? It’s easy when we’re unhappy to focus on the negatives and everything that’s wrong. But in order to make an informed decision, we need to have all of the information, and that means assessing the positives as well.

Shortcomings

You mentioned being unhappy with the absence of the training and support you need, and filling in wherever there was a staff shortage. These can be real disappointments, but can also be survived. In my opinion, the best mentor/protegee relationships occur naturally, not by assignment. You may not find someone in your current workplace to fill this role. But don’t give up. Keep looking and forming relationships with people at work and at school. Continue to be interested in all areas of librarianship and continue to reach out to others in the field. You will eventually find someone to assume the mentor role and who will offer the career guidance and support you value so highly.

Changing the Outcome

There are several things that come to mind to try in your effort to change the outcome of this situation. First, be proactive. In your journey from department to department, you are getting quite the initiation to the entire library – a bird’s eye view that some folks would envy. During your tour, perhaps you could identify special projects that relate to your coursework. Seeking out the opportunity to oversee a special project would demonstrate initiative, and you may have the opportunity to work on a more specialized task at a higher level. Another benefit: your experience may provide a nice case study to write about in one of your classes.

A second option for altering your current situation involves more of a shift in perspective than anything else. You said you felt like a “go-fer,” moving from department to department wherever there was a staff shortage. This may not seem glamorous, but you are getting a great opportunity to see all of the departments of the library and their inner workings. There are students coming out of library school who choose their specialization in libraries (and accept their first job) based on their coursework. You have the opportunity to try your hand at all types of librarianship long before having to make a decision about your first professional position. Consider your journey through the library as a practice-based supplement to your academic education. Additionally, I don’t know of any library that has never had to manage without a staffing shortage. Your experience filling in where needed says, “I’m a team player,” and will serve you well when you have to manage similar situations as a library supervisor or department head.

Finally, you need to consider how long the trainee program lasts and ask yourself if you can stick it out long enough to complete graduate school. With a wide range of library experience, initiative demonstrated through special projects, and an MLS in hand…Oh, the places you’ll go.

Q: I have a disability that limits the amount of time I can work. I am concerned that I won’t find a part-time job. Can you help?

Q: I have a disability that limits the amount of time I can work. I am concerned that I won’t find a part-time job. Can you help?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am currently in an MLIS program, a little over half done. I have (and probably will continue to have) a disability that severely limits the amount of time I can work. I am so excited to be in the profession, but am concerned that I will not be able to find a part-time position (under 20 hours a week) that is interesting and/or challenging. Can you help me?

SM: All types of libraries, public, special and academic, hire part- time librarians. Finding a part-time librarian position may be easier than you think; finding something that interests you is likely to be the bigger challenge. And this is a major challenge for all new librarians, not just those looking for part-time work. Of course, as with any job, there will be many more opportunities if you are able to relocate after you graduate. If not, you may need to be a little more patient and persistent as you search for jobs in your hometown.

Part-time jobs can be just as interesting and challenging as full- time positions, and one advantage is that they are often more flexible. You may get to determine your own hours, or vary them by day or week. Many institutions have part-time public service positions to cover hours on evenings and weekends. And many smaller, more specialized, institutions such as hospitals and law firms employ part-time librarians and library staff.

Also, keep in mind that there are ways you can make any job more challenging and interesting. I try to engage in as much continuing education and professional development as possible. During an interview, inquire about professional development opportunities and the possibility of learning new skills on the job. Letting a potential employer know that you are eager to learn new skills is always a good idea during the interview process.

Check out the Association of Part-Time Librarians. Their site has useful information and helpful hints for finding part-time employment, which include getting as much experience as you can while you are in school, networking with librarians and joining library organizations and associations.

Two important job-related tools are electronic lists and library job web sites. Join electronic lists that are of interest to you, whether these are public library, reference, or cataloging lists, or a job list like libjobs. These lists are great venues for current job postings and information on the profession itself. Also, search for part-time positions on library job sites such as Lisjobs.com. Do a keyword search for part-time to focus your results.

When you start interviewing for jobs, make sure you know your rights. If you haven’t done so already, you may want to familiarize yourself with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in all employment practices, including job application procedures, hiring, firing, advancement, compensation, training, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.” (ed: See also “A Brief Description of Title I of the ADA for Library Managers” later in this issue.) Good luck in your job search!