Q: I will have to go back to school to get a second masters, but I’d rather just do a PhD. Would it be a good idea to go for the PhD now?

Q: I will have to go back to school to get a second masters, but I’d rather just do a PhD. Would it be a good idea to go for the PhD now?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 1 Comment

Q: Hello! I am currently a Sub-Instructor/Reference Librarian at a college. Prior to this, I worked for five years as a Library Associate at a research library. I received my MLS in 2011 and was very grateful to get a chance to take this substitute position which could very well turn into something permanent. I, for sure, will have to go back to school for a second masters to remain a librarian at the college level. However, I’d rather just do a PhD because I think that will go further and it’s more of a personal accomplishment for me. I guess my question is would it be a good idea to go for the PhD now? Going for the PhD in Library and Information Science means I will have to move (which I am fine with) out of NYC. Would this be worth it? If this were to become a permanent position, should I abandon the PhD idea? I’m currently 28 and I want to get this out of the way while I am still kind of young and because I know PhD programs can last up to 6 years. I was wondering if someone who has graduated with their PhD can provide me with some guidance on that? Also, where should I begin in terms of looking for PhD programs? How many should I apply to? How did you find funding? If I were to go ahead with this I’m looking to be back in school by Fall 2015. I’ll be 29 by then!

SM: So many questions! So much ambition! I’m exhausted just thinking about going back to school for another degree. Whew… let me catch my breath. Actually, I recently finished an MFA program, which took me five+ years, but I did it — very part time — while I was working (and I’m much older than 29).

I like your motivation and that you are thinking about the future of your career in libraries. Your substitute position sounds great, and the best part is that you are gaining experience to add to your resume, even if the position is only temporary. The question of getting additional degrees, and whether you need to or not, has long been discussed and debated among librarians (we’ve written a few times about PhDs and second masters). There are many academic library positions that do not require a second masters, so don’t think that it is always a necessity. Will it help you get a job? Quite possibly. Do you need a PhD? Probably not. Will it expand your job prospects? Maybe. However, the time you spend getting your PhD will take away from the time you could spend working, which equals experience, which is what gets jobs. A PhD in library and information science is a requirement for being a professor in a LIS graduate program and will make it easier for you to teach (part time or full time) at the graduate level, so if that is where you see yourself someday, go for it. Should you quit your job to pursue more education? Well, that’s a tough decision that only you can make.

Since I don’t have a PhD, I will point you to a few other, really smart librarians, who have written on this topic. A friend, Geeky Artist Librarian, who just happens to have her PhD, wrote “MLS, MA, PhD, EdD… Academic Librarians & Degrees.” And, on the other side of the conversation, Mr. Library Dude wrote “On Being a Generalist Librarian & Not Having a 2nd Master’s.”

The main points that I want to get across is you should do what you want to do, do it for the right reasons, and make sure you enjoy it. Don’t feel like you absolutely have to go back to school for additional degrees. Don’t put pressure on yourself to complete a degree in a certain time frame (trust me, you’re still young and the PhD programs will always be there). Don’t rush into putting yourself into (more) debt for something you may not need, and don’t make yourself miserable in the process.

However, if getting a PhD is something that you absolutely want to do, and you won’t be happy or content until you do it, then by all means, pursue your education. Figure out what area of library and information science you want to focus on, and research PhD programs. Look at their curriculum, their faculty, their areas of concentration, their requirements, and what their PhD candidates are researching and/or writing. All of this may influence your decision. You can find accredited ones by using the American Library Association’s Searchable Database of ALA Accredited Programs. Limit by “PhD.”

As for funding, if you are accepted into a PhD program, most, if not all, will provide some support or funding for the duration of the program. It is a competitive process and if you’re accepted, they want you to stay – they also want you to teach (TA) and work (RA) for them, as part of the program, which will provide you with funds to help support you along the way. Most programs will provide information on the types of funding available on their web sites.

Good luck!

Q: How do I transfer from circulation & customer service to reference & instruction?

Q: How do I transfer from circulation & customer service to reference & instruction?

by carriewajda ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I just graduated with an MLIS. I currently work in circulation/customer service at my local library. Most of my library experience was from that, working mostly in customer service in museums & attractions as well as an internship at an academic library. Due to personal issues, I didn’t have the extra time to participate in extra curricular activities that could build my resume. After completing my internship at the university, I realize I enjoy doing reference and instruction. I also want to work in an academic library. Would I have the skills and experiences that’s transferable to an academic library? What advice would you recommend?

CNW: You are wise to focus on transferable skills. Your customer service is a solid background to launch a career in reference. For instruction, academic libraries often like to see some kind of experience with teaching or presenting. In your current role, you might consider asking your supervisor for opportunities to present or teach a workshop. Many libraries, for example, offer classes for basic MS Office, using the Internet, and other computer skills. You could also ask to take a turn at the reference desk for a few hours a week. If you did any of these things during your internship at the academic library, you should highlight them in your resume and cover letter.

Because you are not approaching the academic job market with a lot of experience, you may have to focus your job search on opportunities that are part-time or only involve one element you’re looking for, to get a foot in the door. As you look for the right opportunity, you will want to do your research into the organizations you’d ideally want to work for. Being able to articulate why you want to work for a specific academic library, rather than any old academic library, will strengthen your position as a candidate.

Q: What is the best education for a Library Associate to pursue in order to work in the children’s department?

Q: What is the best education for a Library Associate to pursue in order to work in the children’s department?

by carriewajda ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I have seven years of experience running the teen department (programming, outreach, cataloging, and collection development), as well as assisting with all children’s programs and story times at a public library, as a Library Aide. I actually started the teen department as there was not one previously. I loved my job but we had to move for family reasons. I do understand that normally the person who has these duties also has an MLS and a Librarian position. This was not the case at my library, as our only accredited librarian was our director.

I now work at a small library in circulation as a Library Associate. I miss programming and working with children and teens terribly and am desperate to get back into those duties, which won’t happen at my current job. I’m not looking to get an MLS just because of the debt I would have to accrue and because I am the only financial provider in our family and have to continue working. I also am not looking to run a whole department, I know I’ll never have that opportunity again without an MLS, just have some programming duties and perhaps cover story times when the Librarian is away.

While I know my work experience is not worthless in getting a future youth services job, I feel I need more to up my chances in this less than flourishing job market. What educational program would be best for me to pursue?

CNW: It sounds as though you have a lot of experience doing work you love – just not the credentials that are typically required for such roles. You have several options and I would encourage you to explore all of them before concluding that the work you want is out of reach.

Firstly, I’d encourage you to research and apply to MLS programs. It is possible to find low(er)-cost, part-time, flexible programs, including online degrees. You may qualify for financial aid to minimize debt, though I agree with your assessment that debt is a likely outcome and encourage you to evaluate debt loads carefully in terms of the potential payoff of earning a degree. Without doing some research, however, you won’t know what you can qualify for. You should also look to local community colleges that might offer master’s-level degrees in related areas, such as education. Many libraries will consider equivalent credentials in place of the MLS, though not all. As you explore your options, keep in mind that many degree programs are designed for students who work full-time.

Alternatively, you could consider a certification program in youth services or programming. Certificates don’t carry the same weight as a master’s degree, so it would not be a substitute for the MLS, however. IT certifications are unlikely to help you obtain the kind of work you want, though those are usually considered the most comparable to library science degrees.

Secondly… don’t assume that you can’t get the youth services job you covet without the MLS. Many small libraries don’t have the resources to pay for librarians and are trying to get by with paraprofessionals. Any time you see “MLS preferred” rather than “required” in a job listing you should consider applying. If the requirement is not stated explicitly, consider applying anyway. While you may be up against some stiff competition, many employers would choose substantive experience and enthusiasm over a degree, though you can expect to be offered a lower salary than a degree-holder.

Thirdly, ask yourself whether the work you want to do has to take place within the context of a library. Youth programming services are offered by community groups, K-12 schools and other government-funded social services. You may find a way to bridge your love of literature and youth services through non-library venues. Or, you might consider looking for a volunteer role or part-time paid work – either of which would demonstrate your continuing interest in youth programming and services, and help you stand out in a crowded job market.

 

Q: Is it OK to treat unpaid experience as professional experience on my résumé?

Q: Is it OK to treat unpaid experience as professional experience on my résumé?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q:  I have been looking for a permanent job in mostly archives and university libraries for nearly three years. I will spare you details of how discouraging the search has been. I have been volunteering for various organizations for those three years doing a few projects as an unpaid librarian for a couple non-profit organizations. Currently on my résumé I list my volunteer and intern experience in a separate section from my professional experience. Someone suggested I list these experiences with the professional and don’t mention that they were volunteer gigs. This feels dishonest somehow. Is it OK to treat unpaid experience as professional experience on my résumé?

 

SM: Yes, yes, yes! Just because you weren’t paid for the work you did doesn’t mean you cannot call it professional experience – especially since it is. You are doing internships to get the experience you need to get you the job you want. This is what internships are designed to do… and some do it better than others.

You should put your most relevant experience up front, regardless of whether you got paid for it. This is especially true for people who don’t have that much current, or recent, library experience under their belts. If it makes you feel better (or less dishonest), rename your heading “Library Experience” and put everything else under “Other Experience” or something similar. And, since we’re talking honestly, I can’t take full credit for this advice. As I was graduating from library school (some oh so many years ago), this is how the director of career development told me to arrange my résumé — more functional than chronological.

As you rework your résumé, don’t lie about what you did, or what your title was — call it an internship, call yourself a volunteer — just make sure to include all the important skills, jobs, projects, systems, technology, tools, etc., that you worked on and used. If you were “hired” as an unpaid librarian, then your title was librarian. You don’t have to mention that you weren’t getting paid, although you may want to mention that the job was temporary.

Here’s the thing: potential employers and hiring committees don’t want to spend a lot of time going over your résumé to try to find applicable experience and skills. So don’t make them search. Highlight your experience and skills that correspond to the requirements of the job by putting them up front, where they can be easily found.

If the job calls for a certain number of years of “professional experience,” then your unpaid work probably won’t be considered as part of this requirement. Typically (although this can differ from job to job) this only applies to people who have held professional positions that required an MLS. But that doesn’t mean that the work you’ve done in your various unpaid positions is not “professional” in nature. Best of luck!

 

Related, and potentially useful, articles:

 

7 Tips for New MLS Graduates

7 Tips for New MLS Graduates

by carriewajda ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Spring is here, and by June many new MLS graduates will be on the job market seeking that first toehold on the career ladder (or career jungle gym). The time to begin looking for a new job is now. Why? Many employers – in all kinds of institutions – take months to respond with a job offer. So if you want to start working this summer or fall, you need to start looking for jobs even before the ink is dry on your degree.

Here are 7 tips to get your job hunt off on the right foot this spring:

  1. Join professional organizations before you graduate. It becomes much more expensive after your get your degree. Use this opportunity to network and establish yourself within communities of library professionals. Developing contacts is one way to learn more about a particular institution’s culture and sometimes find out about forthcoming opportunities.
  2. Do your research. If you haven’t already been scouring the job ads, start doing it immediately! Get a sense of who is hiring and what types of jobs are available. Find roles and institutions/companies and  locations that interest you. Look closely at the requirements listed on the job descriptions. Assess your skill set and figure out what you need to do to qualify for the job you want.
  3. Polish your resume and cover letter. Even if you don’t have a lot of experience in the library field, tailoring your written materials to a specific opportunity shows you have thought about why you make a good candidate. If you aren’t getting interviews, revisit how you are responding to job postings at the written phase. Demonstrate that you understand the job posting and articulate why and how your skills match the requirements.
  4. Give your online persona a makeover. Check your Facebook, LinkedIn, Tumbler, Twitter, blog and other social media profiles to be sure they convey a sense of the emerging professional you are. Patting yourself on the back for not having any social media presence? Stop right there. Most employers expect to find something when they search for you. If you have nothing, set up a few accounts – LinkedIn at a minimum – and establish an online persona.
  5. Consider an e-portfolio. Many library schools now require graduating students to develop an e-portfolio, and many search committees like to see them from candidates. Use this space to go beyond your resume and give potential employers an enhanced view of your professional materials and skills. If your school doesn’t offer e-portfolios, consider creating (a free) one using wordpress.com or Google sites.
  6. Conduct informational interviews. Most professionals are happy to share their time and expertise with you. Be respectful of busy professionals’ time by making a list of questions in advance, being focused, and keeping to the time you’ve been given.
  7. Be patient. The career market has been tough for the past few years. Recognize that you may be looking for a while. Temper your expectations about the kinds of roles that may be available to you – but don’t let that prevent you from reaching for an opportunity. It is  rare that a candidate meets every single requirement listed in the job posting. Focus on reading the job description carefully and understanding how you would fit into the organization.

Happy and successful job hunting to all, from us here at Library Career People.

Further Reading:

Factors that Increase the Probability of a Successful Academic Library Job Search. Max Eckard, Ashley Rosener, Lindy Scripps-Hoekstra: The Journal of Academic Librarianship, Volume 40, Issue 2, March 2014, Pages 107–115. [open access]

Job Hunting Tips & Links. Mr. Library Dude. 8/5/2013.

7 (Must-Have) Tools for Your Job Hunting Kit. Naomi House: INALJ, April 22, 2014.

Surviving Your First Library Job Search. Steven Hoover: Library Journal Archive Content on September 15, 2009.

Ten Simple Steps to Create and Manage Your Professional Online Identity. Susanne Markgren: College & Research Libraries News. 72 (1), 31-35. January 2011.

Q: Would it be unethical if I did not disclose future travel plans during an interview?

Q: Would it be unethical if I did not disclose future travel plans during an interview?

by Susanne Markgren ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I am interviewing for several public library positions, including one which will mean a 2,000-mile move if I get the job. Once I receive a job offer, I’ll be available to start almost immediately. However, I do have non-negotiable travel plans in three months. I am attending a wedding in Africa, and I will be there for seventeen days.  At what point should I disclose those plans? I want to be upfront about it, and discuss it when asked about my available start date, but a number of people have advised me to wait until I have a firm job offer. Is that unethical, and would it cause resentment to spring it on them like that, or am I jeopardizing my potential as a candidate by announcing it during the interview?

SM: Good question, and a bit of a catch-22. You are certainly not the first person, or the last, to have this dilemma. First off, that’s great that you are getting interviews and you sound so positive about your future career in public libraries! Second, I wouldn’t worry about your start date or the potential for your trip to jeopardize anything at this point. You haven’t yet received an offer, so in reality, there’s nothing to worry about. Lastly, if and when you do get that job offer, be honest and up front about your availability, your preferred start date, and your upcoming trip.

Notice, I say, “when” you get the job offer. During the interview process, there is no need to bring up your upcoming international trip or anything that may potentially cause a hiring committee to question your commitment to the job before you even get the job. Your personal life is personal. However, if they do ask you during the interview if you can start right away, then you have to be honest with them and say “yes, but…” and then also say that your travel plans are set in stone and if it is better for them, you could start upon your return. Also, there is usually some time (weeks or months) between getting the job offer and starting the job. Employers know that it may take time to move (especially long distance) or leave another job. Rarely are people available to start immediately, and rarely do employers expect this.

I would also say that if the job description has a firm start date on it, then it is probably going to be something they bring up during the interview, so you should be prepared to answer honestly, if asked. If they don’t ask you about start dates during the interview, I wouldn’t bring it up until you get the job offer. If they want to hire you, they will understand (everyone has family obligations, after all) and make it work. And honestly, if they hold this against you, would you really want to work there anyway? Good luck!

Q: How can I update my skills and resume to be more marketable?

Q: How can I update my skills and resume to be more marketable?

by carriewajda ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Q: I graduated with an MLS with school library certification in 2012.  How can I update my skills and become more marketable?  I have been a classroom and gifted teacher for about 25 years.  I also need help updating my resume and possibly working on a CV.

CNW: Without knowing what kind of job you’re looking for, it’s hard to offer specific advice. Generally speaking, you won’t need a CV unless you’re applying for jobs in academia or abroad, so focus on your resume and cover letter. Career Q&A A Librarian’s Real-Life, Practical Guide to Managing a Successful Career gives you tips on the differences between a CV and a resume and on preparing your written materials.

Think back on your activities since you received your MLS in 2012. Have you been employed in a library, or did you continue working in the classroom? Any work experience is helpful. If there is a gap on your resume, don’t ignore it. Explain it briefly in your cover letter and be honest in presenting it on your resume.

If you’ve never worked in a library before, you may want to consider informational interviews with librarians working in the kinds of jobs you think you would enjoy. For example, if you want to be an education librarian at a university, reach out to people currently working in that capacity and ask them details about their jobs. Active listening can help you identify their key areas of responsibility and daily worklife. An onsite visit may also prove enlightening. This will help you identify key skills that you may need to acquire to be a competitive candidate.

If you haven’t already, join local professional organizations and actively network. This demonstrates your professional involvement and can add currency to the dates on your resume. Volunteering is another way to demonstrate professionalism and develop specific skills, if you find a good opportunity. And, if you are currently teaching and have summers off, you could look for a part-time job that would give you the skills and experience you want to update your resume. Finally, since you have a substantive previous career, focus on transferable skills throughout your resume and cover letter.