Best Careers 2009: Librarian

Are You Kidding Me?

I was studying library science at Pratt Institute and even the professors told us how difficult it was going to be to find a job In this age of Google, so I decided to save myself from school loan debt and dropped out. Shame on US News for publishing this misleading article.

Kelly of NY @ Nov 04, 2009 11:17:40 AM

Forget Librarianship!

Amen to what Benard Strong said about the field of librarianship. I finished the Master's program at L.S.U. after he did, but the place operated like the Junior League.

Library schools have closed all over the United States, so where is the real demand for librarians?

Sunny Eisenhower of LA @ Nov 02, 2009 10:09:26 AM

No Future in Librarianship

Any librarian who has worked in a factory or a warehouse knows the "future of librarianship" is an oxymoron. The program I completed in 1971 at Louisiana State University was mediocre. Since then, computers and Google have eliminated the demand for working librarians (i.e., those without connections).

Benard Strong of MD @ Oct 31, 2009 14:59:22 PM

Librarians

Volunteer at a public, academic, or school library before you decide to go to an ALA accredited graduate program. If you like helping people it's a good profession. If you want recognition, be highly regarded, good salaries, or job security look elsewhere. If the titles of information architect, information specialist, information scientist, or medical information specialist interest you, study something else or the specific area of information you're interested in.

Jun of VA @ Oct 29, 2009 14:22:42 PM

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Xfasqrjj of AZ @ Oct 27, 2009 12:18:24 PM

Former librarian

After six years as a male school librarian I left the profession back in 1968. During every year in the profession there was the constant worry about the school board cutting the library budget and making the job a part-time duty for a teacher. Also I applied for a loan to buy a house and was told by the bank that I wasn't paid enough to qualify for a poverty loan. From the comments I have read here from school librarians, the respect for the profession and the financial rewards haven't change much. After leaving the profession I went back to graduate school and into the corporate world as an international manager where I have been well rewarded for many years.

For over 40 years I have missed the opportunity to help children learn and to build an exciting and stimulating library environment for children and adults.

Now I am retired and would love to work in a school library again, not as a volunteer, which eliminates a librarian's job, but as a practicing librarian in a rural school district. Problem is no one wants a 68 year old man as a librarian, or for that matter, anything else professional.

Jim R of WA @ Oct 23, 2009 15:43:59 PM

Information Scientist

Don't let the name 'librarianship' limit your creativity - in today's interconnected world, with a Masters in Information science or librarianship, you are academically qualifited to be a knowledge manager or an expert in knowledge management (with experience). I have just turned over 30 and work in the UK as a medical information specialist. The library profession is well regarded and there are many different jobs available. Information Architect, Information Specialist, Information Scientist etc. Enter special libraries then enhance your specialism by doing another postgrad diploma in the field eg. law degree if you are a legal librarian or public health if you are a medical librarian. It's the same everywere, it's not how the profession defines you, it's how you see your profession with passion. Life long learning is the key, since when you are told you can stop learning? I don't see any problem in embarking on further qualifications or studies after acquiring one masters. Make your own luck, set tangible goals and believe in yourself!

Vivian @ Oct 14, 2009 03:05:50 AM

My library is booming!

I have worked in a Silicon Valley public library for 10 years. I have only seen traffic increase in the library each year, especially the last couple of years. The library keeps getting busier and busier, especially since times are hard. People cannot afford to buy books like they used to. Some people have chosen to get rid of home internet service because it is too expensive, so they come to the library to get free wireless and fast connection speeds. People can check out DVDs for free, borrow music cds and audiobooks for free, download e-books and audiobooks for FREE. The library has also become a place for people to job hunt. There are so many resources, classes being taught at libraries to help people find jobs. Libraries offer free family entertainment. Storytimes and family events are PACKED. Jobs in public libraries are competitive right now, but if you're good at what you do, your job is pretty secure. The library I work at is highly valued in the community and is well-regarded by citizens in surrounding cities. I don't have any concerns about this library going anywhere but up in the future. I am sorry that the former post from AZ sounded so gloomy. It is certainly not like that for public libraries in the Bay Area.

E.m.u. of CA @ Oct 09, 2009 23:37:48 PM