Public Librarians discussion
Thinking about becoming a librarian
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Hello Emily!I just finished my MLIS. I work in a public library as a library assistant III now. I hope to obtain a librarian position soon.
I would recommend that you take a variety of courses in library school. Of course, you will take courses in children's literature as well. Also, try to get some experience in a library or obtain an internship during library school. Look forward to hearing from you!
Can you get a job as a page, or spend a few hours a month volunteering at a nearby library? A little experience goes a long way!I finished my MLS at UW-Madison in 2001 and have worked in public libraries ever since. It's a lot of fun and every day is different.
As an author, I'm always searching for exciting, under-sensationalized careers. What about Librarians?Any surprising moments?
Thanks,
Pat
A daily bloodbath, Pat. Here is
a post from our library blog
on librarians in fiction, and
another one
, in which we are duly sensationalized. Or check out Jason Shiga's graphic novel 'Bookhunter,' which is basically the Dirty Harry version of librarianship.
Thanks David, but since joining the group, I'm really feeling the career for my female character. Thanks for the recommendations. I pick one up.Pat
www.patsimmons.net
Hi Emily!Being a librarian is one of the best things I ever did for myself. I absolutely love it and can unreservedly recommend it. An MLIS is incredibly useful even if you decide not to become a librarian later. It's a uniquely transferable degree. Check this out http://www.usnews.com/articles/busine...
Best wishes!
Tara
Thank you for all the responses!!That's interesting that public libraries pay less than schools, i would have assumed it was the other way around. I have already come to terms with the fact that no matter what I do I'm not going to have a high paying job (child development is the lowest paying undergrad degree at my school...haha)
I would love to know where everyone went to school! I keep hearing that you need to get an MLS from an ALA accredited school. Is that true?? unfortunately there are only two in CA!
It's true that most jobs require an ALA accredited education, so it's really only useful to get that degree as opposed to another which is usually much less costly. There are few ALA accredited schools in the entire country, so if you're not geographically flexible, then a distance learning program, such as Madison or University of Illinois LEAP program might help.
I went to Dominican, the only game in the Chicagoland area. It had its ups and downs, but the important thing to consider is that when you finish it is your ticket in to the profession. That and working part time (in your chosen type of library) while you earn your degree.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
I have a MS from University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. I was in the LEEP program -- it's a fabulous online program and I highly recommend it for someone who is working, has a family, or both:
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/leep/
http://www.lis.uiuc.edu/programs/leep/
Since you are based in California, you might want to look at the San Jose State University online program. I think you will get in state tuition. As someone who went to an out of state school, trust me, it makes a big difference.
If you think you might like to work in a school, be sure to look at the Media Specialist track. In the two states where I have lived, unless you already have a teaching degree, it is very difficult to get a job in a school with an MLS as opposed to an MLS with a Media Specialists Certificate. 
I'm also from California looking into a Library studies degree. Looks like San Jose state or UCLA... any thoughts?
Advice from a 20-year career in public libraries:Go to an ALA accredited school.
Work in a library and get experience so that you can speak to some realities when you interview. See if you even like it.
Use internships while working on your MLS degree to see if you like working where you have not--for instance, my internships were ways for me to know that an academic setting was not a good fit for me, though I had expected I would like it. I had already worked in public libraries.
Interviews and hiring are competitive. You will face competition from people who have changed careers, have lots of work experience, good education, lots of enthusiasm, and who are bilingual. It is a good job and lots of people want it. What makes you stand out?
Not sure there is a great future in school libraries, esp in California--budget cuts cut libraries and librarians, at least in public schools. I'm not sure how much respect you get for what you do, either.
There's always a need for children's librarians in public libraries. It is considered a very important part of the public library's mission--ironically more often that it is for school libraries.
Public library positions will give you the opportunity to go into management in a few years. Starting out you might not be thinking of this, but you will in ten years. That opportunity is not there for school librarians. By the time you are ready to go into management (which means more money, responsibility, different tasks, a way to meaningfully shape policy)you may be sick of the day to day grind as a regular children's librarian anyway. Think long-term, not just about the first job.
Good luck. It's a great job. I love it.
I already posted this on other group discussion boards, but I thought perhaps I would get some good insight here!
I'm not actually i librarian, i just joined this group in the hope of talking to some librarians about their experiences with their career and getting to where they are.
I'm an undergrad getting a degree in child development and thinking about becoming either a childrens librarian at a public library or a school librarian.
I'd love to hear any stories or advice!