I've got a new job!!!
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Another disclaimer:
This post contains some extreme versions of my personal opinions and views. They mostly stem from my experience in finding the first professional job. I've exaggerated a little to make it interesting and slightly amusing. If you're not amused, please refer to the sidebar and various other disclaimer posts.
D.H 8/2005
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Yes, it's true. I am now actually employed as a professional LIBRARIAN! "unbelievable," you might say. "Inconceivable!" you may exclaim, but it really is true.
How did I do it? Am I a better librarian than the other 300,000 people with MLS's not working in libraries in this country? Probably not, though I do have a passion for this field that many lack, and I am more tech savvy and motivated than some of the older, dying breed. Am I exceptionally charming and physically attractive? Well, to boost my miniscule ego I'll take that into light-hearted consideration, but realistically the answer is no. The reason I've got a professional job while so many of my fellow MLS-holders do not is.............................drum roll please....................................I was in the right place at the right time.
Granted, that is a very simplistic perspective, but it is a relatively true statement. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been incredibly frustrated in my attempts at "breaking into" this profession. I naively assumed that upon graduation from library school, with eight years of progressively responsible work under my belt, I would have no problem finding a full-time, professional job. Could I have been more wrong?! Through my research I discovered that there are very few "entry level" librarian positions advertised, and the people who usually get these entry level jobs are long-time library professionals.
I have a slightly skewed view of the traditional librarian (a Gormanesque, babyboomer, technophobe, who should have retired at 62 but is hanging onto his/her library job until death; yikes. Did I insult anyone there?). This is an unfair, overgeneralization, and is most definitely downright offensive to some older, progressive, tech savvy, well-read library professionals. If you're offended please see my disclaimer in the sidebar to your right and leave a comment. These people need to retire and let in some young blood. There are veteran librarians applying for and attaining entry-level positions that should be going to young, fresh-minded, progressive folks. I have no doubt that in the one hundred or so jobs I've applied for in the past two years, I've been passed up 80 percent of the time for an older librarian with more professional experience but less gumption, technological skill, and passion.
So, how does a young librarian break through this wall of geriatrics? (whew, another terrible overgeneralization that should get me hog tied and basted) Based on observations and experience, my answer is: Wait for someone to die or retire! Get a para-professional position somewhere, and just wait it out. Good luck!!!
Another disclaimer:
This post contains some extreme versions of my personal opinions and views. They mostly stem from my experience in finding the first professional job. I've exaggerated a little to make it interesting and slightly amusing. If you're not amused, please refer to the sidebar and various other disclaimer posts.
D.H 8/2005
--
Yes, it's true. I am now actually employed as a professional LIBRARIAN! "unbelievable," you might say. "Inconceivable!" you may exclaim, but it really is true.
How did I do it? Am I a better librarian than the other 300,000 people with MLS's not working in libraries in this country? Probably not, though I do have a passion for this field that many lack, and I am more tech savvy and motivated than some of the older, dying breed. Am I exceptionally charming and physically attractive? Well, to boost my miniscule ego I'll take that into light-hearted consideration, but realistically the answer is no. The reason I've got a professional job while so many of my fellow MLS-holders do not is.............................drum roll please....................................I was in the right place at the right time.
Granted, that is a very simplistic perspective, but it is a relatively true statement. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I've been incredibly frustrated in my attempts at "breaking into" this profession. I naively assumed that upon graduation from library school, with eight years of progressively responsible work under my belt, I would have no problem finding a full-time, professional job. Could I have been more wrong?! Through my research I discovered that there are very few "entry level" librarian positions advertised, and the people who usually get these entry level jobs are long-time library professionals.
I have a slightly skewed view of the traditional librarian (a Gormanesque, babyboomer, technophobe, who should have retired at 62 but is hanging onto his/her library job until death; yikes. Did I insult anyone there?). This is an unfair, overgeneralization, and is most definitely downright offensive to some older, progressive, tech savvy, well-read library professionals. If you're offended please see my disclaimer in the sidebar to your right and leave a comment. These people need to retire and let in some young blood. There are veteran librarians applying for and attaining entry-level positions that should be going to young, fresh-minded, progressive folks. I have no doubt that in the one hundred or so jobs I've applied for in the past two years, I've been passed up 80 percent of the time for an older librarian with more professional experience but less gumption, technological skill, and passion.
So, how does a young librarian break through this wall of geriatrics? (whew, another terrible overgeneralization that should get me hog tied and basted) Based on observations and experience, my answer is: Wait for someone to die or retire! Get a para-professional position somewhere, and just wait it out. Good luck!!!
posted by Dan at 4:35 AM
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