Seeing it from the other side

It wasn’t so long ago that I was striving to find a job at a library, but already I’m on the other end of the process.  I am part of a screening committee at work to hire a new library assistant, and yesterday we began interviewing candidates.  I can’t help but feel bad for all of the applicants we rejected, and it’s even harder to interview people in person when you know only one of them will get the job.  I still remember what it was like to hope so much to be hired, only to find out someone else was chosen instead.

Certainly I know that I have nothing to feel guilty about.  My job is to help determine the best person for the job.  There’s no reason the rest of the applicants won’t find something that will fit them even better somewhere else.  And finally, we’re being a lot more courteous in handling the process than many of my past would-be employers have been.  And I could tell some stories, there!

Still, it’s impossible not to empathize with every one of them–even the ones I only “meet” on paper.  Especially because I know exactly how hard it is to get an entry level job in the library field right now.

It’s like going to the animal shelter.  I can’t pick them all, but I sure want to!

Hooray! A job at last!

After doing various temp jobs in various states for…well, let’s just say for way too long, I finally have a library job.  Earlier today, I accepted a library assistant position at a community college library in the area.  I start there on June 3, which also happens to be Bryan’s and my anniversary, so I should get extra presents.  At least, that’s going to be my argument.

Here’s hoping I’ve retired the “Job search” category once and for all!

Interviews and kittens.

Well, I’m still working as a file clerk, but just this week I’ve had two different job interviews for libraries.  One was this afternoon.  It’s too soon to get optimistic, but I think today’s interview went pretty well.  I should hear back from either of them sometime next week.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed for good news!

Also, yesterday my husband and I adopted a kitten.  He’s seven weeks old and we’ve named him Bamf.  Yes, my husband is a comic book fan.  He’s incredibly furry and cute.  And so is the kitten.

Working, but not at a library–or is it?

I’ve started a long-term (12 weeks) temp position at a bank here in Omaha, and while it’s not at a library I think I’m getting a little practice in, anyway. I work in file retention, ordering files, checking them out to people, sending them back to the warehouse, and pulling and reshelving the in-house files.

At the very least, I’m keeping sharp on filing things according to alphabetical and numerical order. I’m also getting better at tracking down hard-to-find items and checking on overdue ones.

If only I could call myself a bank librarian, I’d be set. Oh, well–at least I’ve got a paycheck coming in while I wait for a library interview.

Falling into the entry-level gap.

This is an interesting article by Rachel Holt and Adrienne L. Strock that appeared in Library Journal a couple of years ago. It describes the entry-level gap problem that has been causing new library science graduates (including myself) heartburn over the last few years. A quote:

“The evidence strongly suggests that new librarians are neither sought nor considered for even entry-level librarian positions. The evidence also suggests that the jobs that new professionals need to gain vital experience are the very jobs being cut or greatly reduced. This population is being squeezed from both sides. They cannot find viable jobs to apply for nor can they get hired when they do apply. The threat to librarianship is clear: many qualified individuals will abandon the profession if the situation does not improve.”

I have a small advantage, though, in that I have a little experience working in a public library earlier this year. It was only for a few months, but it’s still more than many of my less-fortunate colleagues have. I still remember getting blown off even for volunteer library work, so getting that job was truly a blessing for me. I don’t know if that will be enough, but it’s certainly better than nothing at all.

From distance education to distance job search.

I know from personal experience that looking for entry-level library work is a difficult process, especially with the library job market being what it is right now. I have to say, though, that it’s even worse when you’re on the brink of moving to a new location!

Bryan and I are in the middle of a back-and-forth with a church in Omaha where he will (in theory) be starting his first call as an associate pastor. I, of course, am trying to get as much of a head start as possible in looking for library work in the area. I learned the hard way some time ago that libraries can take a terribly long time to get in touch with applicants (which generally isn’t their fault, as I recognize the sheer amount of red tape and other roadblocks involved), and I know that applying as early as possible is the best strategy. I’ve been combing all kinds of job sites and library web pages for possiblities and applying for just about everything I’m qualified for–or that I’m about to be qualified for. So far I’ve had one rejection and one “apply again when you’re settled,” which isn’t helping my anxiety!

Fortunately, I’m also following up my secondary job specialty, data entry. I figure that even if I can’t find a library job right away, I can at least earn income in the meantime. Not to mention the not-unlikely possibility that I’ll need a second (part-time) job to supplement the income from my (likely part-time) library position.

Ah, well. I’m staying as optimistic–and patient–as possible. After, all impatience can at least wait until I officially have my degree!