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The Library & Information Science Professional's Career Development Center |
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Work Outside the
Box by Christina Bennett McNew |
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Months of unsuccessful job searching for entry-level professional positions can leave many new graduates frustrated. Though we all have classmates and colleagues who easily infiltrated the library world, struggling to find employment is not uncommon. I spent eleven months searching for a full-time position after graduation. The email listserv of ALA’s New Members Round Table regularly has posts from people stuck in a lengthy job search. Though positions for new librarians are out there, quite a few prefer candidates with 3-5 years experience along with other skills and backgrounds. While job searching, I was stunned to learn that a mentor of mine was applying for similar positions. How can new librarians compete with seasoned information experts? A large percentage of advertised positions are for directors and department heads. This makes the competition for entry-level positions even stronger. When the student loan bills begin arriving, it may be time to expand your job search. Don’t wait patiently for the perfect job to magically appear. Consider alternative avenues to kick-start your career. Consider working outside of the box. Finding a Job through a Staffing Agency Working for a staffing agency provides librarians valuable experience. I have worked in three corporate libraries in the past two years as an employee of Infotrieve, which has been a great way to see different approaches to librarianship in action. Staffing agencies partner with organizations to fill positions in a variety of ways. Some companies use agencies to fill temporary/short-term assignments. Others use staffing agencies to screen and hire employees who have the potential for direct hire after a probationary period. Staffing agencies are also used to hire outsourced employees. These hires have full-time permanent positions at a client site but will always receive their pay and benefits through the agency. All of these approaches usually involve formal contracts between the organization needing staff and the agency. All types of libraries use these agencies. Here are a few web links to library staffing companies:
Working for a Vendor Working for a vendor is a great way to learn about cutting edge technology and services. It also builds confidence through constant interaction and networking. Investigate career opportunities with companies that produce library databases, automation systems, and other products. Most vendors post job vacancies directly on their company web site. Working for a Publisher Another possibility to consider is working for a publisher. Areas to explore include academic presses, STM (scientific, technical, and medical) publishers, book publishing companies, and popular presses. Examine your favorite journal or magazine to find out if it’s part of a larger publishing group. Many publishers work with vendors, subscription agents, and sometimes libraries to negotiate contracts. With the explosion of electronic licensing, publishers need employees to negotiate copyright agreements to protect their content. Companies in Your Community Within three companies I’ve worked for, I’ve noticed various departments doing work suited to librarians. Many companies employ staff in records management, medical informatics, company archives, technical writing, and as bibliographers. Although these positions can be difficult to find, they do exist. Often large corporations hire staff through more than one general staffing agency, which is why knowing an internal contact is key. Knowing someone who works for a local company can put you in contact with the right person, department, or staffing agency. He or she may be able to ask around, find out where to send applicants, and possibly put in a good word on your behalf. Making your Move If you take the bold step of accepting a job outside of the traditional “library box,” remain positive. The experience will enhance your interpersonal skills and lead to building valuable contacts within the profession. Remember that you’re in change of your own career and make a change when the move is right for you. Always keep your eyes open and your curriculum vitae up to date so you’ll be prepared when the next promising opportunity presents itself. Christina Bennett McNew graduated with her MLS from Indiana University in 2002. She is an onsite global business manager for Infotrieve Inc. working inside of a corporate library. Christina is active within ALA’s NMRT and SLA’s Indiana chapter. Article published Jan 2005 Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in LIScareer articles are those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the LIScareer editors.
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Page last updated
10/03/2005
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