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
My nine year old stated that she wants to be a librarian...
...i'll be introducing other career possibilities, of course. She's already asking to look up definitions on the internet instead of pulling out a dictionary, so what does that tell ya? :)
Vanessa
of MN
@
Oct 08, 2009 01:05:44 AM
Career Changer
I'm disgusted with this field. I put time and money into my MLS. I worked for some 15+ years in an organization servicing attorneys and other professionals.
The organization wants to outsource us or make is a "self-service" library to save funds.
Every where I look, libraries are being shuttered. ARticles like this do a disservice to folks who think they should study library science and they send people running into a field where there are no jobs...particularly in a recession!
I've applied and been accepted into a program for a Masters in Speech Language Pathology. I want to be needed and I want to be in a field that has flexible employment. I won't miss the mess associated with being a librarian.
Donna
of MN
@
Oct 07, 2009 18:25:30 PM
You don't know what you are talking about
Public libraries are closing right and left. Most schools have gotten rid of librarians altogether. Libraries have self-check out machines and are getting rid of the Dewey system for more "self-service" options. (Read: lack of staff to handle these functions). Additionally, the public thinks it can do it's own searching using Google. Determining the quality of the information that turns up doesn't seem to be of great concern either.
Libraries are expensive dinosaurs. They used to be classed as 1st tier services, but now have dropped so far down the list of what institutions, cities, businesses can afford to maintain they are among the first to get whacked at budget time.
Rose
of AZ
@
Oct 06, 2009 18:54:48 PM
Hard to find jobs
I agree - jobs are scarce
samantha
of MD
@
Sep 28, 2009 11:55:38 AM
2 Tips
From what I've seen, success in the library world is comprised of two factors: Networking and Specialization.
1. Networking - It's not what you know, it's who you know.
As an undergrad or grad, connect with professionals in your area. If you can't find a job as a librarian (as many are seeing nowadays), volunteer. Join professional organizations such as the ALA and attend conferences. Get to know your professors. Successful librarianship is a career!
2. Specialization
So everyone has a library degree...how do you stand out? In case you were wondering, the library world isn't the only area facing this problem. Technology careers have been fighting this battle for decades. If you want to secure your own place, you have to have the best knowledge in that area. Get another master's degree or obtain an undergraduate degree in a different field. Any specialized knowledge will give you a step up in the job market.
And remember: librarians don't enter the profession for the money. If you expect to get paid a mint, you may want to reconsider your career choice.
The future of librarianship as it is now looks a little grim. I will not lie about that. But, chances are fairly strong that the library world will never die out, it will just change in nature. Invest your time developing a specialization. Besides, if library work just won't come to you, you always have a backup.
Sarah
of NE
@
Sep 25, 2009 00:11:42 AM
no jobs, wasteful degree
I completed my MLIS 2 years ago and the only thing I ever could land was a contingent librarian position. The degree is not worth the time or money, and in all honesty, I wish I had pursued my first goal of law school or public health. There are not any jobs and if there are, politics are playing a bigger role than anything else. Take my advice, go to school for something else. Librarians are a dying breed
Lisa
of KY
@
Sep 22, 2009 14:21:40 PM
No jobs out there for new graduates
I agree with John. I am beginning to think it was a waste to get a MSLS degree. Not only could I not find a paying internship while in library school, now it's been almost a year since graduation and I still cannot find even a part-time job. I thought having a Master's degree meant something but apparently I was wrong. After years and years of college (and thousands of dollars in college fees) I am still stuck at a dead-end job. It is extremely frustrating.
Jim R of WA @ Oct 23, 2009 15:43:59 PM
Vivian @ Oct 14, 2009 03:05:50 AM
E.m.u. of CA @ Oct 09, 2009 23:37:48 PM
Vanessa of MN @ Oct 08, 2009 01:05:44 AM
Donna of MN @ Oct 07, 2009 18:25:30 PM
Rose of AZ @ Oct 06, 2009 18:54:48 PM
samantha of MD @ Sep 28, 2009 11:55:38 AM
Sarah of NE @ Sep 25, 2009 00:11:42 AM
Lisa of KY @ Sep 22, 2009 14:21:40 PM
Amanda of NJ @ Sep 16, 2009 08:59:22 AM
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