Author Archives: langerholcs

The applicant has to have confidence in themselves and that comes through in a phone interview.

Paramaribo market scene. Women and men. 1922.This anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

County Librarians for 4 county libraries.

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a rural area in the Southern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25 or fewer

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

They have to fit the criteria for the position, education, MLS, experience in a public library, supervisory skills, and people skills.

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

We are a rural Regional Library. We had a committee to hire for that particular county library that consisted of some of the local board members and the Director of the Regional Library. The consensus between all is important but the ultimate decision is made by the Regional Library Director. In this case, we all agreed on the hire.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Lack of education, lack of experience, false information on their resume, inability to produce documents that we requested for the application, and poorly written resumes.

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

A well written cover letter, a complete application package, and the MLS. The applicant has to have confidence in themselves and that comes through in a phone interview. We have a phone interview first and if that goes well, an in-person interview.

I want to hire someone who is

knowledgeable

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 1

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ Other: 0

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are the same number of positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ No

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

Yes, we require, at least, 3 years of experience in a public library. We could consider someone with less if they have other good qualifications.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

Librarianship is continually changing, but the need for information will always be there.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

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Filed under 10-50 staff members, Public, Rural area, Southern US, State of the Job Market 2015

It’s very important to be curious and have questions about all aspects of the library.

Push cart market -- New York (LOC)This anonymous interview is with an academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committe. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

academic librarians

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a rural area in the Northeastern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25-75

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

Having the experience and knowledge of the skills necessary for the job. Also, have required education.

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

A search committee of library staff (4-6 people) is formed and they are tasked with evaluation. Depending on the job the committee might be made up of entirely one department or spread across the library.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Didn’t meet the requirements of the position.

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ Other: If requested, yes. If not, no.

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Knowing about the hiring institution and doing research on the library. It’s very important to be curious and have questions about all aspects of the library.

I want to hire someone who is

dynamic

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 2

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 2

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are the same number of positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ No

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

People will always need to consume information. Librarians will continue to aid in access, evaluation, and discovery of all types of information.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 10-50 staff members, Academic, Northeastern US, Rural area, State of the Job Market 2015

Many resumes are so general, they in no way reflect the applicant has the skills, experience or even interest in the actual position.

Queipo Market in Little Havana - MiamiThis anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

Catalogers, children’s librarians, general reference/adult librarians, and director

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a mix of an urban and rural area in the Western US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25 or fewer

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

Met minimum qualifications of a Masters degree or experience.

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

The hiring manager reviews and weeds out applications.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Not qualified.

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Read the job description and make sure the resume aligns with qualifications and job duties. Many resumes are so general, they in no way reflect the applicant has the skills, experience or even interest in the actual position.

I want to hire someone who is

Able

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 1

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are more positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ No

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

In practice, if a minimum experience is required, only those people are interviewed.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

I believe specialization, and a growing dependency on technology, professional partnerships and societal workforce demands for better educated people is driving a greater need for professional librarians.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 10-50 staff members, Public, Rural area, Southern US, State of the Job Market 2015, Urban area

it’s important to approach each item as your chance to convince the reviewer that you’re a good candidate for the job, even if it means repeating yourself

Vegetable and flower seller and stall, Pike Place Market, Seattle, WashingtonThis anonymous interview is with an academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

Instruction/Reference Librarians (full and part time) and paraprofessionals.

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a suburban area in the Southern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25 or fewer

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ more than 75 %

And how would you define “hirable”?

Minimum qualifications for the job are met in terms of experience, degree, and skills. The applicant turned in all application materials.

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

HR puts in some disqualifying questions (e.g. “Do you have an MLIS or equivalent?” that will prevent the person from applying if they answer no. Otherwise, the chair and the rest of the search committee have access to all applicants. In theory, the chair/hiring manager can remove applicants without input from the rest of the committee, but that rarely happens. How the committee chooses to screen the applicants beyond the minimum requirements and legalities is up to the committee. It could be rubrics, gut feelings, etc.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

We generally have enough applicants that we are able to only interview the candidates who really stand out as promising. On the first pass, I tend to eliminate applicants who do not show a genuine interest in the job (e.g. the cover letter is generic), have made numerous spelling or careless errors (e.g. wrong library is named). When narrowing to those we’ll actually interview, I look for relevant skills and interest in the job as well as enthusiasm and evidence of motivation.

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ Other: I have, when asked, but I have to be careful because I’m not allowed to tell them why they were not selected.

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Realize that those in hiring positions have different techniques for selecting candidates. I always start with the cover letter, but I know others who start with resumes or the online application. Because of this, it’s important to approach each item as your chance to convince the reviewer that you’re a good candidate for the job, even if it means repeating yourself.

I want to hire someone who is

excited

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are the same number of positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ Yes

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

This has recently changed (fortunately), from “one year experience required” to “one year experience preferred.” I can’t get them to change it to “Entry level.” The practice varies depending on the hiring manager; some value experience while others prefer new perspectives and skills.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

As an academic librarian at a community college, I see daily how important it is for us to teach students to not only find information, but evaluate it for appropriate quality and fit. The danger, I think, is in how the world perceives us; if enough people think we’re irrelevant, then we are irrelevant. The challenge is in getting our value recognized.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 10-50 staff members, Academic, Southern US, State of the Job Market 2015, Suburban area

Finding information is increasing difficult in the white noise of the Internet

View of street vendors at 7th and B Streets, NW (Ca. 1880) MarketThis anonymous interview is with an academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

Circulation and ILL

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in an urban area in the Midwestern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25-75

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

Have the credentials listed in the minimum qualifications for the job.

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

For individual hires, I go through them personally, all applications are collected in the HR portal, but nothing is weeded out. For full time positions, there are normally 2-3 person teams that evaluate all the applications, then meet and discuss everyone’s top choices prior to selecting candidates to interview.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

They do not meet the minimum qualifications for the job (degree, experience etc.,)

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Read the full job description, tailor their experience to the needs of the individual library.

I want to hire someone who is

customer focused

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 5-6

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 7 or more

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are more positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ Yes

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ No

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

It is a requirement.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

Finding information is increasing difficult in the white noise of the Internet, Librarians are needed to assist in navigating information, as well as continue advocating for DRM, E Book functionality etc.,

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 10-50 staff members, Academic, Midwestern US, State of the Job Market 2015, Urban area

Libraries and the need for librarians will always be a necessity.

Young boy tending freshly stocked fruit and vegetable stand at Center Market, 02181915This anonymous interview is with an academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

All

This librarian works at a library with 50-100 staff members in an urban area in the Northeastern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ more than 200

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

A person that meet all of the required qualifications

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

A search committee is formed of those who will have direct contact with the individual. Generally 3-5. A rubric is used to assess the applicants.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

The applicant does not meet the basic qualifications required.

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Be specific with the duties that the applicant is expected to do.

I want to hire someone who is

qualified

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 50-100

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 2

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are fewer positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ Yes

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

Yes.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

Libraries and the need for librarians will always be a necessity. We have been discussing this issue for a number of years. The fact that it is still being discussed says a lot and does not change the need for librarians.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 50-100 staff members, Academic, Northeastern US, State of the Job Market 2015, Urban area

Most of our professional positions are not considered entry-level, so we generally look for at least two years of experience.

Push cart market -- New York (LOC)This anonymous interview is with an academic librarian who has been a hiring manager and a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

I am the hiring manager for outreach and for the librarian-in-residency. I am involved in overseeing hiring processes for all librarians.

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in an urban area in the Western US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25-75

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

In addition to meeting all required qualifications, the applicant clearly articulated how his or her qualifications and interests were a good fit for the position and our library.

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

HR does not review applications. A library search committee reviews applications against a rating scale (not yet a fully articulated rubric) for each of the required and preferred qualifications.

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Applicant does not adequately articulate his or her qualifications in relation to the posted position.

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

To carefully read the position description/announcement and review the library’s and its institution’s website and then clearly articulate in resume and cover letter how he or she is uniquely qualified to fill this specific position.

I want to hire someone who is

articulate

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 5-6

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are more positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ No

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

Most of our professional positions are not considered entry-level, so we generally look for at least two years of experience. We do have a two-year residency position for which we actually look for individuals with minimal experience.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

I feel that faculty at our university (and others) are better appreciating the active role that librarians can and should play in the educational mission of the institution.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 10-50 staff members, Academic, State of the Job Market 2015, Urban area, Western US

Experience can include in grad school, para-professional, etc.

Queipo Market in Little Havana - MiamiThis anonymous interview is with an academic librarian who has been a member of a hiring or search committee. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

Instruction and reference librarians

This librarian works at a library with 100-200 staff members in an urban area in the Western US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ more than 100, but less than 200

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

Met the required minimal qualifications and submitted the appropriate documentation

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

A committee with a checklist (for documents and qualifications) and then a rubric for cover letter and preferred quals

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Does not yet have the degree required OR Does not yet have the years of experience required (it’s a tie between these two reasons)

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ Other: If asked after making it to an inteview

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Read the job description and requirements and use that to develop your materials.

I want to hire someone who is

engaged

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 100-200

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 5-6

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are the same number of positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ No

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

For most entry level positions no, but it is preferred and experience can include in grad school, para-professional, etc.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 100-200 staff members, Academic, State of the Job Market 2015, Urban area, Western US

do your research on the organization and area

Vegetable and flower seller and stall, Pike Place Market, Seattle, WashingtonThis anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager, a member of a hiring or search committee, and a human resources professional. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

Youth Services
Reference
Inter-library loan
Library Clerks
Processing
Custodial

This librarian works at a library with 10-50 staff members in a suburban area in the Northeastern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25 or fewer

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

qualified, personable, excellent customer service, public library experience

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

applications are evaluated by the Director with input from key staff members

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

grammatical/spelling errors in the resume and/or cover letter
not following directions as stated in the job description
submitting a general cover letter
lack of qualifications

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ Other: sometimes

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

follow directions
do your research on the organization and area

I want to hire someone who is

dependable

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 1

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 1

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are the same number of positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ Yes

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ I don’t know

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 10-50 staff members, Northeastern US, Public, State of the Job Market 2015, Suburban area

I would not recommend anyone start library school, unless they REALLY want to.

View of street vendors at 7th and B Streets, NW (Ca. 1880) MarketThis anonymous interview is with a public librarian who has been a hiring manager. This person hires the following types of LIS professionals:

Reference, children’s, catalogers, acquisitions staff, teen librarian (singular for entire system)

This librarian works at a library with 100-200 staff members in an urban area in the Midwestern US.

Approximately how many people applied for the last librarian (or other professional level) job at your workplace?

√ 25 or fewer

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 26-50 %

And how would you define “hirable”?

self-motivated, approachable, detail oriented, knowledgeable

How are applications evaluated, and by whom?

HR then upper management

What is the most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

lack of qualifications, poor cover letter, over-confidence, gut feeling

Do you (or does your library) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve his/her/their hirability?

Cover letters suck to write, but they really do provide a platform to separate you from other candidates. Make it honest, but humble.

I want to hire someone who is

self-motivated

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 100-200

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

How many permanent, full time para-professional (or other non-professional level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 7 or more

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time librarian positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are fewer positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?

√ Yes

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with para-professional workers over the past decade?

√ Yes

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level professional positions? If so, is it an official requirement or just what happens in practice?

Not required, but experience definitely gives you a leg up.

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ Yes

Why or why not?

Not necessarily dying, but definitely shrinking. I would not recommend anyone start library school, unless they REALLY want to.

Do you have any other comments, for job hunters or about the survey?

My experience has shown that cover letters really do make the difference in selecting candidates to interview.

Do you hire librarians?  Take this survey: http://tinyurl.com/hiringlibjobmarketsurvey or take other Hiring Librarians surveys.

For some context, look at the most recent summary of responses.

Leave a comment

Filed under 100-200 staff members, Midwestern US, Public, State of the Job Market 2015, Urban area