Librarians

Any newly minted librarians on here? I'm pursuing the Masters in Library Science and wanted to get some opinions on the process. What school did you attend? Was it hard to find a job? How do you like working in the field?

Re: Librarians

i'm not a new librarian, i got my mls in 2002 from the university of maryland. at that time, it was hard to find a job b/c i'd never worked in a library before (except college work study) and my full-time job while i went to school was unrelated. but i did eventually get a job as a law librarian. i like being a librarian, but i'd prefer my next job not be in a law firm. it's just not the right environment for me. good luck in your studies!

Re: Librarians

I'm fairly new (4 years). I went to Queens College and LOVED it there! The program is challenging, but so worth it!

I am a certified school librarian (I was a HS teacher for 9 years before that). It did seem hard to find a job if you didn't have experience, but you know the drill hard to get experience. Many library students work clerk jobs, which I guess helps. I was a leave replacement for the better part of two years and then found my current job. Unfortunately the future for school librarians is not bright. A few school districts wiped out their elementary library programs this year (N Babylon?, Valley Stream and others) MANY districts excessed librarians (or did not replace retirees) and have one librarian covering multiple buildings (that would be me next year!). I would think that this might be temporary, but Mesa, AZ and LA, CA got rid of certified librarians altogether - GONE!


That being said, I do love my job, but the fear of the position being eliminated makes me want to go back to my previous certification in a core subject - for security. But it does keep me on my toes. I'm constantly trying to be the best librarian possible, bringing in new ideas and materials, so that my school sees my value.