any librarians here?

i'm currently working in a law firm library and i'm realizing it's time to move on. i was just wondering if there are any librarians here who might have some leads for me. ideally i'd like to move to an academic or public library setting. i'm also looking for any tips on how to make myself more attractive to academics or publics since i'm coming from the legal setting. thanks!

Re: any librarians here?

I work in a public library and the first thing I'd suggest is getting on the Civil Service list for Nassau County. Click on "announcements"

Definitely update your resume and emphasize priority to customer service.

Hiring has been slow and I don't know if you're looking for full time or part time, but maybe you can send your resume to the various libraries you might find something.

nassau libraries

hope this helps. good luck!

Re: any librarians here?

I'm actually gathering information for the Nassau County list now, and it is taking me a much longer time than expected. But agreed, from talking to other public librarians, you pretty much have to be on the list to get hire at a public library in Nassau.

NYC public libraries (there are 3, Brooklyn, Queens, and New York Public Library which covers Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island) have much easier hiring practices. You submit a resume, and if they are hiring, the HR departments call you for an interview. Then they place you at a branch suited to your skills. In your case, the Business Library at Brooklyn Heights or the Science and Industry libraries at NYPL would be good places to start. I do know that all systems are doing very little hiring right now, and NYPL let quite a few people go. Brooklyn offered early retirement and isn't planning on replacing the staff that took it. So public libraries may not be an easy switch at the moment.

I have no experience in the academic library world, so I'm afraid I can't help you there. Good luck!

Re: any librarians here?

I'm school media, so not too much help, but I'm pretty sure the civil service test is this year for public (I think every other year?) - but you don't need it for PT (at least that's what my district's librarians tell me)

are you subscribed to any listservs? I know I send job info to Queens College's (my MLS school) library listserv if I get any leads.


I would also make a list of all higher education institutes in the area and start sending resumes.

Re: any librarians here?

I'm not a librarian, but I work in higher ed. You can also check out the Chronicle for Higher Education, or www.higheredjobs.com for some listings.

Re: any librarians here?

Your knowledge of the legal field would make you a great asset to a public library. If you worked at a reference desk, you would be the go-to person for any legal questions. I would emphasize what legal databases and publications you consider yourself skilled at using because that could set you apart from many other reference librarians who only have a basic knowledge of legal sources.

And like the others have said, in Nassau County you have to fill out an application to get on the civil service list. In Suffolk county you have to take a multiple choice test. You can't get called for a full time position in either county without being on these lists.

Message edited 8/31/2009 11:55:56 PM.

Re: any librarians here?

Okay, I'll add to the original poster's question if that is okay. I have not seen a public library listing on the Nassau Civil Service website in quite awhile, I think last Spring, but I still have the form from that time and figured I should gather my information. When do they post this? Sorry to ask here, but the actual Civil Service Dept. wasn't much help.

Re: any librarians here?

Re: any librarians here?

Message edited 9/2/2009 3:59:43 PM.