Tag Archives: library hiring

by | March 31, 2023 · 11:00 am

“Be polite, but don’t kiss my ass!”

Helen_Virginia_Stelle “Courtesy, Tampa-Hillsborough County Public Library System.”, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.  

This person hires for a:

√ Public Library

Title: Director

Titles hired include: Desk clerk, Children’s Librarian, Circulation Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Page

Who makes hiring decisions at your organization:

√ Library Administration

√ The position’s supervisor

√ A Committee or panel

Which of the following does your organization regularly require of candidates?

√ Cover letter

√ Resume

√ References

√ Demonstration (teaching, storytime, etc)

√ More than one round of interviews

Does your organization use automated application screening? 

√ No

Briefly describe the hiring process at your organization and your role in it:

We post the job advertisement with instructions to email me their resume, references and cover letter. I will notify that I received it then reach back out when I have enough candidates (or immediately if the applicant is a gem) to schedule interviews. Lower level positions receive 1 interview (either in person or virtual) with myself (and possibly their direct supervisor). Higher lever position received 2 interviews. 1st is either in person or virtual, 2nd is in person. 1st is with just me and I will follow a rubric to rank them. 2nd is a panel with myself and 1 or 2 other higher level positions. After a decision is made, I will make an offer to the candidate, and if they accept, cut the others loose with a kind email. If no successful candidates, then we will relist and repeat.

Think about the last candidate who really wowed you, on paper, in an interview, or otherwise. Why were they so impressive?

One was wayyyyyy over qualified. My jaw literally dropped. It was for our Children’s Librarian position. In my state each district has a consultant, and that was her current role (plus previous youth services experience and director experience). She was on state committees for youth services initiatives. A real “unicorn”. During her second interview, we had them do mock storytimes and I’ve never seen so many elements incorporated in a successful and meaningful way. She had rhymes. She had songs. She had props. She had sight words. It was insane! Hired her in December 2020 to replace a beloved children’s librarian (who was there for 34 years) and she not only matched the high bar the community set for her- she exceeded it!

Second would be my head of circulation. While an MLIS was recommended, the candidate I went with didn’t have one. She impressed me with her calm and collected, yet empathetic personality. Hard skills can be taught, soft skills not so much. She possessed the soft skills (people skills/flexibility and not black and white thinking/management style). With her position, I was replacing someone who created a toxic work environment (very clique minded, loved bullying weaker employees) so I was looking for the exact opposite of that former employee. Someone who could help staff heal from the trauma inflicted by the previous employee. I succeeded with this hire and our organization culture is the best it’s ever been.

Do you have any instant dealbreakers?

Resumes/cover letter- misspellings. Interviews- complaining about previous employers. Also people with low emotional intelligence.

What do you wish you could know about candidates that isn’t generally revealed in the hiring process?

How well they handle pressure. How they got along with other coworkers. Are they gossips?

How many pages should each of these documents be?

Cover Letter: √ Only One!

Resume: √ Two is ok, but no more

CV: √ We don’t ask for this

What is the most common mistake that people make in an interview?

Overly sucking up to me. Be polite, but don’t kiss my ass! I want to see your personality and determine if it fits in our organizational culture. I can’t do that if you aren’t genuine.

Do you conduct virtual interviews? What do job hunters need to know about shining in this setting?

Stage your room so there is no clutter. Wear nice clothes. Pretend I’m in the same room as you and forget it’s through a camera. (I’ve also noticed people can get overly comfortable virtually then overly nervous in the second, in person interview.)

How can candidates looking to transition from paraprofessional work, from non-library work, or between library types convince you that their experience is relevant? Or do you have other advice for folks in this kind of situation?

Skills are transferable! For circulation positions- any customer service experience far outweighs any previous library work. Management experience transfers! If someone has a positive attitude and willingness to learn, I’m willing to give them a shot.

When does your organization *first* mention salary information?

√ It’s part of the job ad

What does your organization do to reduce bias in hiring? What are the contexts in which discrimination still exists in this process?

I look for the best person for the job. All of my staff are white and all but 1 are female. Unfortunately only white people apply (except once, I offered, she turned us down.) I am trying on that front.

What questions should candidates ask you? What is important for them to know about your organization and the position you are hiring for?

Ask us what our current initiatives are. What our strategic plan is and how their position fits into it? Show that you researched us!

Additional Demographics

What part of the world are you in?

√ Northeastern US

What’s your region like?

√ Suburban

Is your workplace remote/virtual?

√ Other: We use virtual work in special circumstances (usually for childcare issues) or shutdowns lol!

How many staff members are at your organization?

√ 11-50

Is there anything else you’d like to say, either to job hunters or to me, the survey author?

Be genuine. Show that you can think outside the box. Try to connect your skills at every opportunity. Show you researched the library. And if you don’t get it- don’t be hard on yourself! Unicorns exist and sometimes there’s literally nothing you could have done! Also, apply again for other positions, they may have liked you but you just missed the cut.

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Filed under 1 A Return to Hiring Librarians Survey, 10-50 staff members, Northeastern US, Public, Suburban area

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by | March 30, 2023 · 11:00 am

Stats and Graphs: Getting the First Post-Grad School, “Professional” Job

The 2023 Job Hunter’s Survey collects information from LIS workers who are currently looking for work, crossing multiple experience levels, specializations, and library types. There are 37 questions, including a special section that asks for information about the length of time taken to find the first post-grad school position (which for some respondents was quite a few years ago). The survey opened on February 2nd, 2023. It will remain open indefinitely, but as of March 16, there were 420 responses. Most chose to fill it out anonymously, but 30 people did leave contact information. I am posting both individual responses and statistics, as I can get them written up. Given the number of responses, it will most likely take more than a year for me to share them all. 

This is the third 2023 Job Hunter’s Survey statistics post! Please note I don’t use representative sampling, so it would be inappropriate to draw conclusions about the larger population of LIS Workers as a whole.

In this post, I’m looking at an entire section of responses, one that examines our experiences finding that first “professional” job after graduating with an MLIS or graduate-level degree in a LIS field.

I first want to acknowledge the problems with using the term “professional.” It is divisive and can undermine the value of work done by folks in “paraprofessional” positions. Why did I use it? I was attempting to distinguish jobs which required the Masters from jobs that did not. Calling these “professional” is a common convention in many systems. I’m currently feeling regret about using this term, because of both the harm it can do and the lack of clarity on what “professional” actually refers to (one respondent explicitly stated, “Not sure what “professional” means.”)

This section is really an area of our field that deserves further study. While Library Journal conducts an annual Placements & Salaries survey that provides great data about the first year for new MLIS grads, longer term data is missing. What is life like for new grads whose first post-MLIS position takes longer than a year to find? For those who start with temporary or pool work, how long does it take to find something full time (or are they even interested in full time)? My findings here are interesting, but this topic really deserves more rigorous research.

Of the 420 people who responded to my survey, 391 chose to fill out at least some of this section. It is titled Job Hunting Post Graduate School and includes the instruction (skip if N/A). The instructions read, “Questions for folks who have or are pursuing an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, no matter how recent or long ago this may have been. If this doesn’t apply to you, please scroll to the bottom of the page and hit submit. Thank you!” None of the questions or sections on my survey are required so of the 29 respondents who did not fill out this section, it is possible that some folks with grad degrees just chose not to fill it out.

If you have a MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

I was really interested to see the range of years represented! While there were certainly more recent grads, there were a not insignificant number of respondents with more established careers.

Year of GraduationNumber of RespondentsPercent of Total
198720.48%
199230.71%
199520.48%
199740.95%
199810.24%
199910.24%
200010.24%
200130.71%
200310.24%
200430.71%
200520.48%
200671.67%
200771.67%
200871.67%
200940.95%
201051.19%
201192.14%
201281.90%
201381.90%
2014112.62%
2015102.38%
2016122.86%
2017153.57%
2018204.76%
2019204.76%
2020317.38%
20214711.19%
20226214.76%
20235513.10%
2024122.86%
202510.24%
202610.24%
No reply296.90%
No reply (answered some Qs)92.14%
Other71.67%
Total420100.00%
Total minus No Reply39193.10%

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

I have often seen it recommended that MLIS students begin their job search six months before graduating. In this survey, nearly a third of the 391 respondents started searching even earlier than that. However, when you look at the combined replies for people who said they started searching less than six months before graduating, or even after graduating, that number is even larger – nearly 40%.

Bar chart, numbers in table below
More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree12030.61%
Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree9022.96%
Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated9624.49%
After graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree6015.31%
No reply41.02%
Other215.36%

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

This question becomes a bit meaningless when considering all the answers, because it includes very recent graduates and even some folks who are still in school. Of the 109 people who said they were still looking, 94 had graduation years of 2020 or later. At the end of the post, I’ll break down the most popular answers within smaller date ranges.

More than three years after graduating102.56%
Two to three years after graduating51.28%
18 months to two years after graduating92.30%
A year to 18 months after graduating164.09%
Six months to a year after graduating338.44%
Less than six months after graduating7819.95%
I was actually hired before I graduated9123.27%
Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking10927.88%
No reply102.56%
Other307.67%

What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position? (check all that apply)

This was a surprising result. My assumption has been that most first post-graduation positions are pool or part-time positions. But more than 40% chose full time.

Full Time16141.18%
N/A – hasn’t happened yet11128.39%
Part Time6616.88%
Temporary/Limited Term6516.62%
Contract4010.23%
Other225.63%
No reply102.56%
Substitute/Pool position92.30%
Residency51.28%

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

This was another surprising result. I generally think that library schools should offer assistance in finding at least that first full time job. But many answers indicated that this is not the case. Some were bitter and scathing, for example, “Lol no” and “No. My school was useless.” Others qualified that while some employment was facilitated, they had to do a lot on their own: “sort of…I interned at the place I ended up for my first post-MLIS job, but I made the connections and applied on my own.” Others said that the help that was offered was…not very helpful, such as “All of the “support” meetings offered were only available at strange times, like 2pm on a Thursday. I could not attend them.”

No16642.46%
Some8521.74%
no reply6115.60%
yes5915.09%
Unknown/not applicable205.12%

Grouping Responses by Dates

Now I want to first look at the most selected responses in different decades (or portions of decades). Let’s start with the oldest first.

1987-1999

Initially there were 13 replies in this date range, but I ended up removing responses from a person who had received their MLIS in 1992 but seemed to be replying in relation to the certificate program they were currently attending. No one who replied indicated that it took them more than a year to find their first position, and all but one took 6 months or less. In the table below I indicate the question I asked, and the answer that was chosen by the largest number of people in this date range.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated433.33%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position? (Two tied top answers)I was actually hired before I graduated541.67%
Less than six months after graduating541.67%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?Full Time866.67%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No758.33%

2000-2009

There were 35 total replies in this date range, 11 of which graduated in 2008 or 2009 (the Great Recession). However, folks who graduated these two years do not seem to show additional difficulty in finding that first post-graduate job, when compared to others in this decade.

In the table below I show the question I asked and the answer that was chosen by the largest number of people in this date range. Then I added an extra row for responses to the question “In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?” This row gathers together all the answers indicating it took a year or longer.

As the table indicates, the majority of folks said that their first position was full time. This question was a “Check all that apply” question, and two of the people who chose full time also indicated that this position was Temporary or Limited Term.

In response to the question about getting support for the job search from the graduate school, only one out of 35 people indicated that they did receive support.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree1234.29%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position? I was actually hired before I graduated1645.71%
Combined replies – took a year or longer to find first “professional” position1028.57%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?Full Time2160.00%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No2365.71%

2010-2014

There were 41 total replies in this date range. I would also fall in this category, and my experience does not echo the most frequently selected responses. I graduated while in a paraprofessional position I really liked, so I didn’t start looking for my first job until I got laid off about six months later. It took me the next 6 months to find my first very part time “on-call” librarian position, and a little over a year to get into a (nearly) full time gig. But enough about me.

Initially this decade seemed suspiciously rosy – the most popular choice was “I was actually hired before I graduated.” However, when I combined all the choices that indicated it took a year or more to get their first job, I found that was a slightly larger group.

Out of the 28 people who said that their first job was full time, 4 said that it was also Temporary or Limited Term.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree1331.71%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position? I was actually hired before I graduated1229.27%
Combined replies – took a year or longer to find first “professional” position1331.71%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?Full Time2868.29%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No2560.98%

2015-2019

There were 78 replies in this date range. Of the 43 people who said their first position was full time, 4 were Temporary/Limited Term, 1 was substitute/pool, and 1 was a Residency.

QuestionTop AnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated2430.77%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?Less than six months after graduating2430.77%
Combined replies – took a year or longer to find first “professional” position2126.92%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?Full Time4355.13%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No3646.15%

2020

There were 31 total replies for 2020. What a tough year to graduate! Responses for this year were pretty evenly spread out; you can see in the table below that several answers were tied, or very close.

It seems possible that many people who graduated in 2020 might be settling into their first position now, and not actively looking for work. Satisfactorily employed 2020 grads will then be under-represented here; this survey is aimed at people who are currently looking for work.

From this year forward, we will also begin to see larger proportions of respondents who are still looking for that first position.

Only one person who said their first position was full time was also Temporary/Limited Term.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated825.81%
Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree825.81%
More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree825.81%
After graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree619.35%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking825.81%
Less than six months after graduating516.13%
I was actually hired before I graduated516.13%
A year to 18 months after graduating516.13%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?Full Time1238.71%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No1341.94%

2021

There were 47 responses for this year. “I’m still looking” tied for top answer with “I found my first job less than six months after graduating.” 5 of the 18 people who said their first job was full time indicated that it was also Temporary/Limited Term.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree1429.79%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position? (Two tied top answers)Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking1225.53%
Less than six months after graduating1225.53%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?Full Time1838.30%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No1940.43%

2022

There were 62 responses for this year. The most commonly picked reply, at slightly less than half, was that 2022 grads are still looking for that first position. As I mentioned back in 2020, it is likely that 2022 grads who already found their first job would not have responded to this survey, so responses will be skewed there.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated2235.48%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position? (Two tied top answers)Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking3048.39%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?N/A – hasn’t happened yet2946.77%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No2337.10%

2023

There were 55 total respondents in this year. As above, it is likely that 2023 grads who already found their first job would not have responded to this survey. Responses to “Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt?” are really evenly split here between Yes, No, and No reply.

QuestionAnswerNumber Who ChosePercent Who Chose
When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree2545.45%
Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree1730.91%
In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position? (Two tied top answers)Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking3563.64%
I was actually hired before I graduated1120.00%
What kind of work was your first post-graduation “professional” position?N/A – hasn’t happened yet4072.73%
Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?No reply1629.09%
Yes1425.45%
No1221.82%

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by | March 29, 2023 · 10:00 am

“My boyfriend stops me from going on LinkedIn on the weekends”

Nicole Dante is an early career librarian currently in cataloging at an academic library in New Jersey. She has previous experience in circulation and interning at the Library of Congress Law Library. You can learn more about her experience or contact her via her Linkedin.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I’m underemployed (not enough hours or overqualified for current position) 

√ My current job is temporary

√ My current job provides insufficient or no benefits (Healthcare or beyond) 

Where do you look for open positions?  

INALJ, LinkedIn, Indeed, SLA, LISSA listserv, SCI job boards

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library

√ Archives

√ Library vendor/service provider

√ Public library 

√ Special library

√ Other: Law library

What part of the world are you in?

√ Mid-Atlantic US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area

√ Suburban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ No 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Remote availability (decided recently), benefits, close to family

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

121 (exact)

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits 

√ Prioritizing work-life balance 

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Unclear expectations of the position

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

Less than 10 minutes, unless I have to restructure my entire cover letter, in which case over an hour.

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Double check resume, proofread cover letter if necessary. Once attached, double check they’re the correct documents and send them off.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me 

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

Less than a month

How do you prepare for interviews?

Research the hiring entity and prepare my own questions

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Describing myself in one or two words or why I would be a good fit for a role. Often positions are often described in vague terms on paper so I have trouble describing why I would be good at it.

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response  √ Happened the majority of the time or always 
  • Had an interview and never heard back  √ Happened more than once 
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen  √ Happened more than once 
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability  √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage  √ Happened more than once 
  • Turned down an offer √ Happened more than once 

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

The role wasn’t a good fit upon further research or my application was in for so long it would no longer work for me.

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

I am currently working a temp job and turned down offers for interviews that came in after I got this job.

If you’ve asked for an accommodation, what happened?

I have not asked for accommodations as I assumed they would decrease my chances of getting an interview.

If you want to share a great, inspirational, funny,  horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

Before I finished my degree, I had been contacted for an interview at a library an hour away from my house. I didn’t realize that’s what was happening though, as I hadn’t interviewed in the field at all and the director had just invited me in to “meet the staff.” I went for the first interview and everything went great, and so I came back in for the second one with the deputy director and was asked to pitch program ideas and froze for a full minute, tanking the interview. At the time I was mortified, but it was a good learning experience! The director also never followed up with me to tell me I didn’t get the job, which I thought was kind of rude.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Follow up with candidates! I don’t care if it’s to turn me down, I rarely hear back from anyone.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m somewhat depressed

√ I’m frustrated 

√ I’m running out of money 

√ Other:  I’m genuinely thinking about leaving the field and starting a podcast

What are your job search self-care strategies?

My boyfriend stops me from going on LinkedIn on the weekends

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

I’m so burnt out from job hunting to don’t know how much energy I would even have in a job once I got one.

Do you have any comments for Emily (the survey author) or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?

I’m glad someone is asking questions about this! I doubt I’m alone in feeling this way. I’m excited to read others’ opinions!

Job Hunting Post Graduate School 

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

Jan 2022

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Six months to a year after graduating 

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position? 

√ Temporary/Limited Term 

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

There is support from my school but it hasn’t been the most helpful. There’s a job board and a LinkedIn group but I haven’t found a job through it.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

My biggest tip is to come up with programming ideas and keep a notebook of them! Public libraries will ask for them and I’ve done 3 presentations of programs in public library interviews. Always keep them on hand.

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by | March 28, 2023 · 12:37 pm

Reminder: Report Your Interview Questions or Your Salary (or Read What Others Have Reported)

Have you been on a library interview recently? Or are you prepping for one?

Sounds like you could use The Interview Questions Repository!

This resource holds questions that people were asked in interviews from more than 550 respondents over nearly a decade.

Click on the upside down triangle to the right of the question in the header row to sort by things like interview type, position, etc.

Please help this resource grow! Share the link widely with your friends and colleagues and if you’ve had a library interview recently, report the questions you were asked.

Interested in viewing Salary Info from more than 300 LIS workers? The second page of the Interview Questions Repository shares that data. If you are interested in adding your own salary info, please use this form.

If you have feedback, I’d love to hear it. Please feel free to email me or use the contact form.

Please note: The links should give you everything you need – please use and share those rather than requesting access through Google Drive. You can always find these links in the static pages listed in the tabs up top (Interview Questions and Salary Info).

yellow compact shelving
A View of the Yellow Repository. The National Archives (UK), CC BY 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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by | March 28, 2023 · 11:00 am

“Having someone like a mentor to debrief with or talk about the interview process is crucial because they can answer any questions, even ones you may think are dumb.”

Crissandra George graduated from the University of Mississippi in 2019 where she received a Bachelor’s in Linguistics, Spanish, and a minor in Swahili. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, she decided to attain her Master’s in Linguistic Theory and Typology from the University of Kentucky in 2022 and will have completed an additional Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Kentucky in Spring 2023. After graduating this Spring, she will begin working as the Digital Collections Manager Librarian at Case Western Reserve University.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Other: Just finished job hunting- total time was around 6 months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree 

Where do you look for open positions?  

ALA Job List, LinkedIn, HigherEd Jobs, Chronicle of Higher Education Jobs, ARL jobs, Indeed

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library

√ Archives 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southeastern US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, to a specific list of places 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Salary that fits experience, tenure/promotion-track, mid-large academic library

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

10-12 approximately

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well 

√ Having a good reputation 

√ Funding professional development 

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ No (even if I might think it *should* be) 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

too vague of a job descriptions, indicators of a toxic environment (wording and interactions within virtual in-person interviews)

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

2-3 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Adjustment of Cover Letter and CV  tailored to job description, research of the library’s mission/vision/values/etc, proofreading, ensuring all documents are completed including additional documents that may be asked

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me 

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

2-6 months

How do you prepare for interviews?

research the institution, research the library, research all involved in the interview, take notes, prepare questions, review prepared questions, look into any background information that may be helpful and continue preparing for a few days if possible. 

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

“What would be a reason that people may not like you or work well with you?”

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response  √ Happened more than once  
  • Had an interview and never heard back  √ Happened once 
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen  √ I don’t know 
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage  √ Happened once  
  • Turned down an offer √ Happened more than once  

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

I had two final in-person job interviews very close together, which made their time frames in the interview process very similar. One institution contacted me first with an offer and after some further discussion and negotiation, I had not heard yet from the other institution, so I gladly accepted the offer. Due to this, I had to withdraw my application at the other library that I had not heard back from. 

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

It was not financially viable at the time and little flexibility was given in the relocation time.

If you want to share a great, inspirational, funny,  horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

For one of my job interviews, the library sent a driver to pick me up from the airport. As I was talking to the driver, he asked me about the job, location, and other information. During the drive to the hotel, he said “You want this job right?” I enthusiastically said “Yes!” and he said “Well you go in there and show them how much you want this job, but also show them why they want you too.” It really affirmed the idea that interviews go both ways, which before I always thought was a myth made up by employers haha! It was a very memorable moment that inspired me and gave me a lot of confidence. 

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Transparency in the job description as much as possible. Additionally, communicate as much as possible throughout the process. Make sure the candidates know what to expect throughout all steps of the process. 

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m optimistic 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

treat myself after interviews or applications

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

Set yourself up as best you can with research and preparation. The rest is just being you. People hire people, so after you ensure that you have the qualifications, employers are only looking to see if they can work with you and can picture you as their colleague.  

Job Hunting Post Graduate School 

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

May 2023

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ I was actually hired before I graduated

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position? 

√ Full Time 

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

I definitely got support, guidance, help, and advice from my library school and the librarians in the library that I have an assistantship with. 

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

It is stressful and difficult applying for jobs within this field. The process is long, grueling, and ultimately feels like another job within itself. Also, there is such a wide range of expectations that vary even between libraries, so being prepared is key in my opinion. Additionally, having someone like a mentor to debrief with or talk about the interview process is crucial because they can answer any questions, even ones you may think are dumb. As graduates, we don’t know what we don’t know, so reach out and ask as many questions as you can. I remember asking a librarian before my in-person interviews “Am I allowed to bring a water bottle to these interviews?” (While also being in shock that the interviews are all-day).” I felt like this was such a dumb question along with other small things I asked, but she assured me they are not dumb because this employment process is not talked about in classes and there is no way we would know these things as students without asking. Finding someone to ask these questions can better ensure you are prepared and less anxious throughout this already stressful process. 

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by | March 27, 2023 · 10:00 am

“I’m currently working as an independent archivist with my own freelance business.”

Headshot of Alexandra Cook, who has curly red hair and a big smile

Alexandra Cook has a bachelor’s from Hood College, and an MLIS from the University of Maryland. Her past experiences include working in local historical societies and state archives, as well as performing freelance archival work. Some of her areas of interest include: digital curation, community archives, human rights archives, and archival consulting. 

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree

√ I’m unemployed 

√ Looking for remote/virtual work (or at least hybrid)

√ My current job is temporary

√ My current job provides insufficient or no benefits (Healthcare or beyond) 

√ I need more flexibility in my schedule (to care for dependents or otherwise)

√ Because I reassessed my priorities after COVID 

Where do you look for open positions?  

SAA, ArchivesGig, ALA JobLIST, Google

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

√ Clerk/Library Assistant 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library

√ Archives

√ Library vendor/service provider

√ Public library

√ Special library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Mid-Atlantic US 

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area

√ Suburban area

√ Rural area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ No 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Remote/hybrid, located close by, good benefits and salary 

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits 

√ Having a good reputation 

√ Prioritizing work-life balance 

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

If it doesn’t say that remote/hybrid options are available 

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

It depends, but it can take me at least a day, or a week at most

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

I usually work on my resume and cover letter simultaneously

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me 

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

It might be unrealistic on my end, but I like to have an idea of where I stand after about 5 to 6 weeks after sending my application in. 

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response  √ Happened more than once 
  • Had an interview and never heard back  √ Not Applicable
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen   √ Happened the majority of the time or always 
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
  • Turned down an offer  √ Not Applicable 

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m somewhat depressed 

√ I’m frustrated 

Job Hunting Post Graduate School 

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

2020

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated 

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking 

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position? 

√ Contract 

√ Other: I’m currently working as an independent archivist with my own freelance business. This current project started as my field study requirement before graduating, and I’ve continued on since.

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

I found my current project through my program’s email list. I haven’t really reached out to my university since then, but I have been receiving job notices through the listserv. 

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by | March 26, 2023 · 10:00 am

“We all have to say MANY TIMES to ourselves that a failed application or interview is not a referendum on our worth as a human being. The variables are legion and arbitrary.”

Hunting Season, 1918
Hunting Season, 1918

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Less than six months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I’m unemployed 

√ Looking for more money 

√ Because I reassessed my priorities after COVID 

Where do you look for open positions?  

Google Job Search, LinkedIn

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

√ Department Head

√ Senior Librarian 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Mid-Atlantic US  

What’s your region like? 

√ Urban area

√ Suburban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ No 

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

A match to my skill set, appropriate salary, respect 

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

one

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits

√ Having a good reputation 

√ Prioritizing EDI work 

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Reputation, lack of current staff diversity

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

3-4 days

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Update CV, research institution, complete application forms, talk to colleagues about institution, carefully re-read posting, compose cover letter, communicate with my references.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Phone for good news, email for bad news 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ To acknowledge my application

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me 

How long do you expect the application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

It takes forever. I have zero expectations.

How do you prepare for interviews?

I spend a lot of time reading about the institution and talking to my network about people we know who work there. I’ll check out the campus’ subreddit and look closely at library program efforts and projects of related departments (tutoring/writing center) 

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response  √ Happened more than once 
  • Had an interview and never heard back  √ Not Applicable
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen  √ Not Applicable
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability  √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage  √ Not Applicable
  • Turned down an offer √ Not Applicable

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Be transparent about time frames. Experienced librarians have performed searches, we know how it goes, so please don’t use optimistic time frames, be honest.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m somewhat depressed

√ I feel supported in my search 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Diligence and a parallel non LIS job search 

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

Job hunting is terrible. We all have to say MANY TIMES to ourselves that a failed application or interview is not a referendum on our worth as a human being. The variables are legion and arbitrary.

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by | March 26, 2023 · 10:00 am

“You have to take breaks, especially if you are employed and looking.”

Hunting Giraffe, Kalahari.' Author of work: Lulu Farini. via National Archives
Hunting Giraffe, Kalahari.’ Author of work: Lulu Farini. via National Archives

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months 

Why are you job hunting?  

√ Looking for more money 

√ I want to work at a different type of library/institution 

√ My current job is awful/toxic 

Where do you look for open positions?  

ALA Joblist CA/OR listservs

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level

√ Requiring at least two years of experience 

What type(s) of organization are you looking in? 

√ Academic library 

√ Public library 

√ Special library 

What part of the world are you in?

√ Western US (including Pacific Northwest) 

What’s your region like? 

√ Suburban area 

Are you willing/able to move for employment? 

√ Yes, within my country

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Salary, benefits, flexibility (hours/responsibilities)

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

Estimate 10

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job?  

√ Pay well

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits 

√ Prioritizing work-life balance

√ Other: Training / onboarding plan for first 90 days

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not 

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Too many responsibilities listed, weird statements about humor, smiling, or atmosphere. 

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

24-48 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Research institution & library. Check the coworkers publications/presentations. Think about what they need & what I can offer them. Update resume, write cover letter, begin filling out application, notify my references that I’m applying for the position 

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Phone 

When would you like potential employers to contact you? 

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me 

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

Anywhere from 1 month to 6 months

How do you prepare for interviews?

Do a mock interview with a friend. Select good stories to tell. Make sure to end on a strength.

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Tell us a joke – weird question to ask.

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

  • Submitted an application and got no response  √ Happened more than once 
  • Had an interview and never heard back  √ I don’t know  
  • Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen  √ I don’t know  
  • Asked for an accommodation for a disability  √ Not Applicable
  • Withdrawn an application before the offer stage  √ Not Applicable
  • Turned down an offer √ Happened once 

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

Received a better salary from another job I’d applied for. 

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Post salaries, provide interview questions ahead of time. Require teaching assessment of the hired librarian, but don’t have top 5 applicants teach.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m somewhat depressed

√ I’m despondent

√ I’m frustrated 

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Stop applying after a while. You have to take breaks, especially if you are employed and looking. Counting my blessings.

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by | March 24, 2023 · 11:00 am

Further Questions: What are you doing for COVID safety during in-person interviews?

Every other week or so, I ask a question to a group of people who hire library and LIS workers. If you have a question to ask or if you’d like to be part of the group that answers, shoot me an email at hiringlibrariansATgmail.

This week’s question(s) are from a reader over on Mastodon (Hiring Librarians is at glammr.us/@hiringlibrarians

I would love to hear how hiring orgs are making it COVID-safe for people to do in-person interviews. What happens if a candidate says, thanks but I don’t want to have lunch with the hiring committee indoors in a restaurant?

Amy G., Head of Adult Services: In my area (Metro Detroit) COVID accommodations aren’t really the default anymore, so I could see how a candidate might be nervous and wonder what they’re walking into. However, just because our library no longer requires masks of users or employees, that doesn’t mean we aren’t open to accommodating job candidates. Our interviews don’t involve visiting outside establishments and are all conducted in-house. If a candidate prefers that their interviewers wear masks, we’re happy to accommodate. Moving beyond the interview could be trickier, as we’re a public library whose employees work with the public, and our state and local government no longer support mask mandates. I do have employees who still mask, and we do what we can to support them.

Head shot of Laurie Phillips, Who wears burgundy glasses and is posing in front of a bookshelf

Laurie Phillips, Associate Dean of Libraries, J. Edgar & Louise S. Monroe Library, Loyola University New Orleans: I think we would do whatever is comfortable for a candidate. If we need to meet over Zoom or outdoors or wear masks, we would accommodate what we needed to do. We are doing far fewer meals for searches these days. They’re expensive and the process with multiple candidates can be exhausting, without much payback, for the search committee. For our last search, our finalist came in to meet all of us in person and we just had pastries and coffee in a conference room. We didn’t want to hire someone we hadn’t met in person. The candidate happened to be local, but we would have brought in a finalist either way. 

Headshot of Jimmie Epling, who wears a suit and glasses and smiles into the camera

Jimmie Epling, Director, Darlington County Library System: We can acknowledge there are those seeking employment who have lingering concerns regarding the possibility of COVID infection. Each institution must decide, based on the latest information, the degree it can accommodate an individual candidate concerned about the possibility of being infected by COVID, not only in the interview process, but even more so in the workplace.

Those libraries with an interview process that includes a lunch with an interview committee must decide on the actual value of such a meeting before interviewing candidates. If the library determines it is an important part of the hiring process, than it is mandatory for all candidates to assure consistency and fairness in the hiring process.

Consider this….if a different candidate for the same position wanted to do an interview via ZOOM and not in person out of concern for possible exposure to COVID, would you accommodate that candidate? Likely, you would not.

In the scenario described, can we assume an indoor interview was scheduled previous to the lunch interview? If that was the case and the candidate accepted the pre-lunch indoor interview, then in both situations, a reasonable accommodation would be to allow the candidate to wear a mask. If the candidate had no issue with not wearing a mask in the pre-lunch interview, then why the need for an accommodation at the lunch interview?

Headshot of Alan Smith, who wears glasses, a tie and suspenders

Alan Smith, Director, Florence County, SC Library System: We do our in-person interviews in a larger room with enough space for the interview panel and candidate to distance themselves. Members of the interview panel are usually masked, though it depends on who is on the panel, and we explicitly tell candidates that it is okay to continue wearing a mask, if they have one. We have had a few candidates ask about COVID precautions beforehand.

All our interviews are done in a meeting room at the library. The only position for which an interview might include something like a restaurant meal is mine, as Director. In that case a Board committee would be conducting the interview, so I can’t speak for them, but I imagine they would inform the candidate that this position has to frequently attend community meetings, County Council, legislative hearings, etc., where COVID precautions are non-existent yet attendance isn’t optional. I hate that this is the case, and I’ve done my best to advocate for remote or hybrid meetings whenever possible.

Julie Todaro, Dean, Retired: This is a difficult question to answer as we all know there are no absolutes. So – more so for the future – I would urge those reading and considering the issues to check the date on the answer to see where the world/world-of-work “is” with pandemic protocols. For the next 1 to 2 years; however, I would have these possibilities in place. And – although many don’t prefer this approach to sharing this information (!) a list is the best way to share the content.

1. I am pleased to see applicants concerned and I am pleased to see people ask about protocols in general. I would caution employers; however, to note:

  • What is the overall flexibility of applicant that is, someone who will ONLY do a series of things may have a broader range of issues and if your institution can’t meet these needs, they should make that clear. Specifically:
    • One would hope the applicant would be just as concerned about and express equal concern for the safety of others (peers, users/clients, etc.)
    • Applicants should be told what the interviewing process is overall and talk about the evolution of changes and returning to the workplace so the exchange is realistic.
    • Organizations should be clear that the questions asked of the applicants are identical for all applicants – therefore – conditions should not cause some applicants to have more of an advantage, etc.
    • Committee chairs or Human Resources (HR) should take care to speak of applicants equally so committees or hiring teams are not prejudiced against applicants asking for changes in the process or venue.

2. HR should review their entire process to offer options or scenarios of interviewing for the entire process – lunch included. This should include:

  • How many interviewing team members are required to participate? Can there be a temporary number for fewer people to allow for easier scheduling, identification of venues, size of table or area at lunch? etc.
  • Should there be a requirement of service protocols such as vaccinations status (allowing people unvaccinated to participate but wear a mask, etc.? of team members? tour guides? lunch companions? applicants?)
  • HR should create a menu of options for applicants to determine what IS possible? or specifically what is the comfort level?
  • HR should create a discussion structure for applicants so answers to questions about venue, etc. to make sure no one violates HIPAA rights of applicants, team members, etc.

Issues

There may well be problems finding a public food venue that conforms to needs such as health or vaccination status of waitstaff, etc. the presence of outdoors service? is it too hard to plan for weather permitting or the weather at all? That is, obviously an interview in Minnesota in the dead of winter may prohibit the outdoors event. 

What happens if an applicant makes comments that are counter to the processes/beliefs/values of the organization…about vaccinations? protocols? and how is this handled with interviewing team members? management?

Recommendations

Determine the reason for all aspects of the interview process and any possible issues due to wellness.

  • What is the “reason for lunch” before deciding if or how it will be changed or included. That is, is this the time peers and subordinates might observe peer or service interactions? Are there limited chances for others with applicants? Once the reasons for lunch are determined teams should discuss – is it really needed? is there another way to to handle things such as
    • No lunch at all…provide lunch for applicant but alone or with one other person, etc.
    • Box lunch it at the primary interview venue to allow for the organization to control the timing, those involved, etc.
    • Plan a light reception that allows for people to come or not, interact or not, distance as needed, etc. 
  • Can the teaching or presentation or program given by applicants be given to the same team or does an audience need to be brought it?
  • Can tours of spaces be prior to opening or after closing?

Processes should be clearly communicated to applicants so they will understand what the organization did/does and will do such as:

  • The PPE used for teaching or program presentation for staff is in place needed (or – in addition – youth programs or tech classes do not have an “up-close” interaction component “at this time.”)
  • Public and staff interactions take place – if desired – with PPE used as users or staff decide/offer. (Clear barriers, safe distancing, etc.)

Finally, each organization should have a summary of how they DID operate during the pandemic to inform not only potential staff but also patrons/clients as well as ongoing changes they might have made. This summary should also have content on what might cause the organization to move to certain levels or stages of advanced protection again as well as how the organization performs – now institutionalized – daily health and wellness protocols. 

If you’re a job hunter I have a survey for you! Will you please fill it out?

If you’re someone who hires LIS workers, the current survey is still open. There’s also a mini survey on cover letters.

And if you’re in either or neither of the above categories but you have your own personal professional website, here’s a survey for you!

Other ways to share your thoughts:

If you have a question to ask people who hire library workers, or if you’d like to be part of the group that answers them, shoot me an email at hiringlibrariansATgmail.

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by | March 23, 2023 · 10:00 am

Author’s Corner: Professional Development for Librarians

Welcome back to Author’s Corner! This series features excerpts or guest posts from authors of books about LIS careers. 

In this installment, we hear from Mary H. Moen and Sarah A. Buchanan, the editors of a book about keeping our skills sharp and our knowledge up to date. In addition to the stated benefit of a continuing education course, Moen and Buchanan point out some of the additional benefits for our career development. 

If you’re interested in reading beyond this post, the citation for the book is:

Moen, M. H. & Buchanan, S. A. (Eds.). (2020). Leading Professional Development: Growing Librarians for the Digital Age. Libraries Unlimited. 

Continuing education for library professionals is a shared endeavor of professional organizations, graduate schools, and employer libraries. Continuing education programs today have diverse characteristics and are ever-evolving as online learning networks, in-person workshops, study abroad immersions, service-learning coursework, digital badges, and combinations thereof. 

Skills Development: Where to Turn

Library professionals seeking to enhance their skills can choose from many source providers who specialize in teaching information literacy and/or serving one’s community through public programming. A set of papers engaging with recent initiatives was grouped for presentation in Denver, Colorado at the February 2018 ALISE Annual Conference – a key national venue for library education research (that was till then co-located with the ALA Midwinter Meeting). There, one of our audience members was Dr. Blanche Woolls who expressed her appreciation for the “necessary” research having been done about the initiatives’ educational contributions, and also her interest in seeing a “good, practical book on providing professional development.” Dr. Woolls provided steadfast guidance – and expert indexing – to our resulting editorial collaboration on Leading Professional Development (2020). Together we recruited authors and reviewers, ensured reviewer comments were addressed by authors, witnessed the emergence of new ideas, and contributed a preface reflecting thematically on the chapters in the current learning environment. When we returned page proofs on Wednesday, March 11, 2020 to our Editorial Project Manager, the global pandemic was just encroaching and soon it would redefine libraries the world over. Yet rereading the book in 2022-23 at the gracious invitation of Emily Weak now offers us many useful reminders of what specific learning activities might best serve one’s changing needs in our changing times – e.g., we have each recently graduated students whose entire MLIS education was completed online, and have taught others in both in-person and hybrid modalities. Each program or course offers everyone – student and teacher alike – a chance to incorporate the new “tips, ideas, and proven solutions” (Catherine Hakala-Ausperk in Public Libraries magazine 60.5, 2021) that are generously presented by the chapter authors.

Lifelong Learning Resources

In addition to choices in modality, new professionals can choose from providers for their learning experiences that may be based in universities like ours, in state and municipal workforce departments, and/or in professional societies. The introductory chapter establishes how the library profession sustains itself through the twin avenues of career development and outward-facing engagement. Its overview of the book demonstrates how each program, detailed further in an individual chapter, successfully engages the learner by “networking” them into community resources – including fellow professionals at all career levels – and encouraging learners’ continued engagement with pressing social and cultural issues. Four trends – digital technologies, practical tips, building community, and experiential learning – that are examined across the subsequent chapters facilitate productive transformations between the theory and practices of lifelong learning that we see as so central to modern librarianship. Today we appreciate the insights still to be gained from wider participation in such programs: both as presented and in the evolutions that have occurred since their writing and which are sure to continue. Given the ALA’s cumulative estimate that over 350,000 people work in paid library positions (per 2018 statistics), there is sufficient demand along each of the dimensions of modality, provider, and topic preference for many programs, including those discussed in the book, to be sustained and continue meeting future needs. We see a role for every kind of learner and provider in bettering both the world of libraries and the worlds they serve.

Dr. Moen is faculty in the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, University of Rhode Island. She has been a school librarian and program director of the Media Smart Libraries program at URI: https://mediasmartlibraries.uri.edu/home.html . 

Dr. Buchanan is faculty in the iSchool, University of Missouri. She has been a librarian and archivist and advises the Public Broadcasting Preservation Fellowship at MU: https://education.missouri.edu/information-science-learning-technologies/2020/09/18/digitization-station/ .

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