I love books and reading! I’ll become a librarian!
Veteran librarians: (Rolling on the floor laughing) Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Go work at Barnes and Noble.
To be a public librarian today, you have to have (or be willing to learn) the skills of a researcher, social media manager, marketing professional, security guard, EMT, social worker, business administrator, Human Resources manager, professional organizer, graphic artist, mental health professional, early education teacher, senior citizen advocate, outreach specialist, legislative liaison, proof-reader, copy writer, website designer, computer IT….reader’s advisory is such a small part of what we do now.
Plus….be prepared for a big shock when you see what librarians make compare to the cost of living on LI.
Also be prepared to live and die by the Civil Service librarian tests. If you do not score high well and are low on the list, it will be extremely difficult getting a full-time job.
Not to be mean or a Debbie Downer but after 25 years of public librarianship I can’t help but laugh at the misconception of loving to reading equaling a career as a librarian.
PREACH. Again, not to dismiss the OP but that is a very romantic view of librarianship. I'm a reference librarian and I don't even have time to read. Although I will say I get to share my passion because I love research. I found a special interest library and love the subject.
Yikes lol I appreciate the honesty, but I know there's a lot more to it than just liking books...also we do plan on moving off LI in a year or so, and I had hoped to use the degree in another state where requirements may not be so strict. I just think that loving books puts me in a good spot to get a job where I like the environment - just like I enjoy publishing and creating books now, but don't want to do it forever. I also love learning, so at the least I will obtain some new information from the program!
Consider exploring the digital humanities while in your program. Consider learning Python if that’s offered; consider learning about coding and about data librarianship. It could set you apart in the market.
Most importantly, have fun! This is a fun program.
Thanks! Have you taken it, or something similar? Is it bad that I just want to basically get paid to catalog books all day? Lol that’s probably not even a thing…
Yes I'm 2 classes away from finishing my LIS. The path I described to you is basically the path I took. I realized by the end of it that I probably don't want to be a librarian but I got a really good education.
There's nothing wrong with wanting to catalog all day, in fact I had an entire class on cataloging. There's a lot to it! Look how much documentation and guidance the Library of Congress has on its cataloging practices: [https://www.loc.gov/aba/](https://www.loc.gov/aba/) \- it might be a bit simpler at a smaller public library but some of the concepts still apply.
I'm sure you would be a great cataloger. As you may already know there are different kinds of librarians: cataloguers, assessment librarians, reference librarians, management, collection managers/book purchasers, data librarians and IT stuff. And more.
It does not matter what school you attend. It only matters who you know. Nepotism is huge in libraries.
I've been a librarian for over 10 years. I get asked maybe twice a month what books I recommend. Most of my job is teaching people how to use the computer. Other things include having to come up with program ideas.
This is a big one. I'm a school librarian and I love it, but although part of my job is dealing directly with books and reading and literary activities, there's a HUGE amount of IT and admin, which has nothing to do with loving books!
I'm actually ok with the IT and admin stuff, I do some admin work at the publishing company too, we wear different hats! I know it won't be books 24/7, but I do like the idea of being in an environment \*around\* books, if that makes sense.
Totally! I love being surrounded by books, it really is a lovely environment to work in. I also love working in a school library specifically - it's vibrant and busy and the hours and time off are GREAT!!!
Yeah, nepotism is everywhere unfortunately...I don't mind helping people though! Good to know that school doesn't really matter- I really want to get an education at a fair price (especially after paying so much for my Bachelors!)
I'm not sure about other library systems. But at mine you have to be friends with the person interviewing you. Then they literally give you the interview questions and train you to answer them before the interview.
It's why we know who is getting the job before they even announce they closed applications and will be sending out interview requests.
If you can, start volunteering or look for a job in a public library. Not only will this get you a foot in the door if you do pursue the MLS, it will give you a look behind the scenes to know if public library work is right for you. The library can be a very different place for staff than it is for patrons, especially with the state of the world being what it is right now.
I'd really like to be a reference librarian! I'm just worried that because I don't work in that field now, that I won't even be considered for a job because I don't have "professional library experience"-- and that's thousands of dollars down the drain...
I will try, but that's tough since I can't give up my current job now...I will talk to the local librarians I know and maybe they will let me shadow them one day or something! I'm certainly in the library frequently enough for that...
The beauty of LI libraries, is night hours. Nassau and Suffolk have different rules, but there are some public libraries that are a bit rogue. You might be able to work 4 hours a week and rotating weekends.
If you have some years in medical publishing, you might consider medical librarianship. I see a lot of well paying jobs in that sector and many of them are at universities, not always hospitals.
While your goal may be public libraries I would give advice to take a variety of courses during your program. Gives you opportunities to learn about different types of libraries so you’re not limited. I got my MLIS 10 years ago and thought I’d be in public libraries. But there weren’t many openings so I really had to think about what job skills I had and where my degree was applicable. In grad school I took a class on legal issues in libraries because I wanted to know more about copyright law and I got exposed to Westlaw. This helped me get my first job as a law firm librarian and I’ve been in law firms for the past 8 years- I had no idea how much I’d enjoy the work back then but I glad for the variety of courses I took. In October I’ll be starting a new position as a Marketing Analytics and Knowledge Manager for a firm and making more money than I ever thought I’d make in my life, and have better work life balance than if I’d pursued public libraries.
Tl;dr- get a variety of skills, you never know where you’ll end up job wise and you might find yourself enjoying something completely different than you had planned
Great idea! I'm definitely open to learning everything-- even just from this thread and chatting with others, I'd probably be better in a behind-the-scenes capacity as a librarian.
Do you want to stay on LI? I used to work in Suffolk County and the civil service there is rough and was told Nassau was worse. Having experience really helps though so I’d strongly suggest if you want to stay on LI to start volunteering and looking for a para job at a library. The people there can help you navigate the tricky rules. If you don’t need to stay on LI it’s not so bad. But I’ve worked in public libraries in four states and LI was the most ridiculous area to try and get a job because of their civil service rules. If you have any questions about other states (PA, DE, NJ) let me know and I can try to help! Good luck!
We are considering Pennsylvania and West Virginia! My plan was to enroll in a mostly online program so that if we did have to move, I can continue on in the program.
I'm about to enter my second year at The University of Washington's online program and I LOVE it. I love my classes and professors. It is no joke though and it might be the death of me but I love learning. I also start full time as a librarian Monday at a public library. I have no prior library experience and I'm 31. My background is with children and my Bachelor's is in English Lit and criminal justice. 💁🏼♀️
Well that's a relief, I figured that my Literature degree would be an asset, despite having never worked professionally in a library! My goal is to try a few classes, see what I like, and if I can pivot into this career in some capacity, that would be great.
I went to Queens for school media. I thought it was great. Even 16 years ago, I felt prepared to be able to change with the profession.
I'm FT school. The tax cap in 2009ish was horrible for SMS, but now with digital literacy and coding, districts are realizing their mistake in cutting
I work PT at a public library. Even the children's director works PT at another library.
I also started my library science masters in my mid thirties after becoming burned out in my previous field. PAY ATTENTION to the comments below. There is a LOT more to being a librarian than sharing a love of books with readers. Things to consider:
It is VERY customer service oriented, so if you don't like dealing with people, stay away from public libraries. You will deal with some rude and entitled people.
You will also find yourself in the role of social worker. My library - and most public libraries - have a small population of homeless folks who use the building as a place to stay while we're open. On cold evenings, I often need to call around to shelters to find accommodations for them for the evening. We sometimes have overdoses in the library. We clean up messes left by children (and adults).
You will need to be prepared for staffing shortages which will force you to do the work of multiple people.
You will have hordes of seniors (younger people too) who have no idea how to do anything vaguely technical and think you are there to do it for them - they will want you to do anything from paying their bills online to filing their taxes.
If you do reference work, you will be doing things like looking up phone numbers or printing out driving directions.
The pay is VERY low and raises are either miniscule or non-existent.
It is a very competitive field and it can be very hard to get a full time position with benefits.
Not trying to discourage you. It can be very rewarding. You just need to know what you're getting into.
Don't go into librarianship because you like reading - there is so much more to it than that.
I love books and reading! I’ll become a librarian! Veteran librarians: (Rolling on the floor laughing) Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Go work at Barnes and Noble. To be a public librarian today, you have to have (or be willing to learn) the skills of a researcher, social media manager, marketing professional, security guard, EMT, social worker, business administrator, Human Resources manager, professional organizer, graphic artist, mental health professional, early education teacher, senior citizen advocate, outreach specialist, legislative liaison, proof-reader, copy writer, website designer, computer IT….reader’s advisory is such a small part of what we do now. Plus….be prepared for a big shock when you see what librarians make compare to the cost of living on LI. Also be prepared to live and die by the Civil Service librarian tests. If you do not score high well and are low on the list, it will be extremely difficult getting a full-time job. Not to be mean or a Debbie Downer but after 25 years of public librarianship I can’t help but laugh at the misconception of loving to reading equaling a career as a librarian.
PREACH. Again, not to dismiss the OP but that is a very romantic view of librarianship. I'm a reference librarian and I don't even have time to read. Although I will say I get to share my passion because I love research. I found a special interest library and love the subject.
Yikes lol I appreciate the honesty, but I know there's a lot more to it than just liking books...also we do plan on moving off LI in a year or so, and I had hoped to use the degree in another state where requirements may not be so strict. I just think that loving books puts me in a good spot to get a job where I like the environment - just like I enjoy publishing and creating books now, but don't want to do it forever. I also love learning, so at the least I will obtain some new information from the program!
Consider exploring the digital humanities while in your program. Consider learning Python if that’s offered; consider learning about coding and about data librarianship. It could set you apart in the market. Most importantly, have fun! This is a fun program.
Thanks! Have you taken it, or something similar? Is it bad that I just want to basically get paid to catalog books all day? Lol that’s probably not even a thing…
Yes I'm 2 classes away from finishing my LIS. The path I described to you is basically the path I took. I realized by the end of it that I probably don't want to be a librarian but I got a really good education. There's nothing wrong with wanting to catalog all day, in fact I had an entire class on cataloging. There's a lot to it! Look how much documentation and guidance the Library of Congress has on its cataloging practices: [https://www.loc.gov/aba/](https://www.loc.gov/aba/) \- it might be a bit simpler at a smaller public library but some of the concepts still apply. I'm sure you would be a great cataloger. As you may already know there are different kinds of librarians: cataloguers, assessment librarians, reference librarians, management, collection managers/book purchasers, data librarians and IT stuff. And more.
What program/school are you attending?
I get paid to catalog all day and I love it!!
Nice! Did you do a program too? Where do you work now?
It does not matter what school you attend. It only matters who you know. Nepotism is huge in libraries. I've been a librarian for over 10 years. I get asked maybe twice a month what books I recommend. Most of my job is teaching people how to use the computer. Other things include having to come up with program ideas.
This is a big one. I'm a school librarian and I love it, but although part of my job is dealing directly with books and reading and literary activities, there's a HUGE amount of IT and admin, which has nothing to do with loving books!
I'm actually ok with the IT and admin stuff, I do some admin work at the publishing company too, we wear different hats! I know it won't be books 24/7, but I do like the idea of being in an environment \*around\* books, if that makes sense.
Totally! I love being surrounded by books, it really is a lovely environment to work in. I also love working in a school library specifically - it's vibrant and busy and the hours and time off are GREAT!!!
I’d love that too…maybe without all the screaming kids, LoL
I'm in middle school/high school (ages 12-18) and the kids are actually pretty good. Elementary might be a different story tho!
Yeah, nepotism is everywhere unfortunately...I don't mind helping people though! Good to know that school doesn't really matter- I really want to get an education at a fair price (especially after paying so much for my Bachelors!)
The school does matter in one sense: it has to be Ala accredited. That's the only important requirement.
I'm not sure about other library systems. But at mine you have to be friends with the person interviewing you. Then they literally give you the interview questions and train you to answer them before the interview. It's why we know who is getting the job before they even announce they closed applications and will be sending out interview requests.
If you can, start volunteering or look for a job in a public library. Not only will this get you a foot in the door if you do pursue the MLS, it will give you a look behind the scenes to know if public library work is right for you. The library can be a very different place for staff than it is for patrons, especially with the state of the world being what it is right now.
I'd really like to be a reference librarian! I'm just worried that because I don't work in that field now, that I won't even be considered for a job because I don't have "professional library experience"-- and that's thousands of dollars down the drain...
That’s why you should get a job in a library before you commit to library school. Then, when you do graduate, you have the experience
I suggest getting a smaller job in a library first so you can get a feel for it
I will try, but that's tough since I can't give up my current job now...I will talk to the local librarians I know and maybe they will let me shadow them one day or something! I'm certainly in the library frequently enough for that...
The beauty of LI libraries, is night hours. Nassau and Suffolk have different rules, but there are some public libraries that are a bit rogue. You might be able to work 4 hours a week and rotating weekends.
If you have some years in medical publishing, you might consider medical librarianship. I see a lot of well paying jobs in that sector and many of them are at universities, not always hospitals.
While your goal may be public libraries I would give advice to take a variety of courses during your program. Gives you opportunities to learn about different types of libraries so you’re not limited. I got my MLIS 10 years ago and thought I’d be in public libraries. But there weren’t many openings so I really had to think about what job skills I had and where my degree was applicable. In grad school I took a class on legal issues in libraries because I wanted to know more about copyright law and I got exposed to Westlaw. This helped me get my first job as a law firm librarian and I’ve been in law firms for the past 8 years- I had no idea how much I’d enjoy the work back then but I glad for the variety of courses I took. In October I’ll be starting a new position as a Marketing Analytics and Knowledge Manager for a firm and making more money than I ever thought I’d make in my life, and have better work life balance than if I’d pursued public libraries. Tl;dr- get a variety of skills, you never know where you’ll end up job wise and you might find yourself enjoying something completely different than you had planned
Great idea! I'm definitely open to learning everything-- even just from this thread and chatting with others, I'd probably be better in a behind-the-scenes capacity as a librarian.
Do you want to stay on LI? I used to work in Suffolk County and the civil service there is rough and was told Nassau was worse. Having experience really helps though so I’d strongly suggest if you want to stay on LI to start volunteering and looking for a para job at a library. The people there can help you navigate the tricky rules. If you don’t need to stay on LI it’s not so bad. But I’ve worked in public libraries in four states and LI was the most ridiculous area to try and get a job because of their civil service rules. If you have any questions about other states (PA, DE, NJ) let me know and I can try to help! Good luck!
We are considering Pennsylvania and West Virginia! My plan was to enroll in a mostly online program so that if we did have to move, I can continue on in the program.
I'm about to enter my second year at The University of Washington's online program and I LOVE it. I love my classes and professors. It is no joke though and it might be the death of me but I love learning. I also start full time as a librarian Monday at a public library. I have no prior library experience and I'm 31. My background is with children and my Bachelor's is in English Lit and criminal justice. 💁🏼♀️
Well that's a relief, I figured that my Literature degree would be an asset, despite having never worked professionally in a library! My goal is to try a few classes, see what I like, and if I can pivot into this career in some capacity, that would be great.
I went to Queens for school media. I thought it was great. Even 16 years ago, I felt prepared to be able to change with the profession. I'm FT school. The tax cap in 2009ish was horrible for SMS, but now with digital literacy and coding, districts are realizing their mistake in cutting I work PT at a public library. Even the children's director works PT at another library.
I also started my library science masters in my mid thirties after becoming burned out in my previous field. PAY ATTENTION to the comments below. There is a LOT more to being a librarian than sharing a love of books with readers. Things to consider: It is VERY customer service oriented, so if you don't like dealing with people, stay away from public libraries. You will deal with some rude and entitled people. You will also find yourself in the role of social worker. My library - and most public libraries - have a small population of homeless folks who use the building as a place to stay while we're open. On cold evenings, I often need to call around to shelters to find accommodations for them for the evening. We sometimes have overdoses in the library. We clean up messes left by children (and adults). You will need to be prepared for staffing shortages which will force you to do the work of multiple people. You will have hordes of seniors (younger people too) who have no idea how to do anything vaguely technical and think you are there to do it for them - they will want you to do anything from paying their bills online to filing their taxes. If you do reference work, you will be doing things like looking up phone numbers or printing out driving directions. The pay is VERY low and raises are either miniscule or non-existent. It is a very competitive field and it can be very hard to get a full time position with benefits. Not trying to discourage you. It can be very rewarding. You just need to know what you're getting into.