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Information Careers

Information Careers. LS 501: Introduction to Library & Information Studies. Revised Summer 2006, 2010, 2011. C.2003, Deborah J. Grimes. Working Conditions for Librarians. Significant amount of time at desks & computer terminals (eyestrain, headaches, CTS)

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Information Careers

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  1. Information Careers LS 501: Introduction to Library & Information Studies Revised Summer 2006, 2010, 2011 C.2003, Deborah J. Grimes

  2. Working Conditions for Librarians • Significant amount of time at desks & computer terminals (eyestrain, headaches, CTS) • Variety of library users need assistance requires and patience and good “reference interview” skills • Smaller libraries -- more breadth in daily tasks and responsibilities; larger libraries -- more depth in daily tasks and responsibilities • School librarians -- same weekday schedule and holidays as students • Special librarians -- same schedule and holidays as business/industry (but may work longer hours during peak periods) • Public and academic librarians -- often work weekends, evenings, holidays • Some physical work necessary in most positions; some tedium and details; much bureaucracy (at organization level) but autonomy (at individual level) • More than 20% librarians work part-time • Rapid technological change at the present

  3. Degree Requirements for Librarians • Professional positions generally require Master’s degree in librarianship, library science, library studies, information studies, etc. • Minimum requirement for some positions may be Master’s in any field with 18 hours in library studies; school library positions vary and sometimes require teaching certification. • Special librarians and subject bibliographers often need additional graduate or professional degree -- or no library degree at all! • Ph.D. is often required for library educators, top administrative jobs in colleges, universities, or large library systems.

  4. Is the MLS a legitimate credential? • Cottam points out that exceptions to the “rule” do not challenge the MLS as a legitimate credential and that the few who wish to do library work without the credential do not threaten the profession. • But what is the public perception of the work and the job of a librarian? Do credentials help explain librarians’ roles to the public? • Other librarians consider it legitimate and a minimum qualification (and who hires & reviews applications?). • MLS considered to be minimum qualification for most academic libraries (see ACRL minimum competencies and statement on MLS) • MLS affects promotion and rank, particularly at academic institutions with faculty status for librarians • When considering jobs and positions: what really matters are the requirements of the library and/or institution with the job • P.S. Only one Librarian of Congress has had a library degree (L. Quincy Mumford, BS, Columbia University, 1929)

  5. Currently 159,900 librarians at work Job Outlook for Librarians,Occupational Outlook Handbook , 2010-11 ed. • Employment is expected to grow as quickly as average rate in other jobs through 2018 (about 8%), but retirement of large numbers of librarians will lead to need for replacements. • More than 3 in 5 librarians are aged 45 or older and will become eligible for retirement in the next 10 years. • OTOH, systems librarians will be needed, along with librarians who can use technology to meet user needs. • There will be more competition for jobs in large metropolitan areas and less competition in rural areas. • 59% jobs will be in public and private educational institutions; 27% will be with local governments

  6. “The Boomer Brain Drain: The Last of a Generation” SO WHAT?! Published in Library Journal (May 1, 2000), pp. 38-43, by Evan St.Lifer (AVL) Why, then are recent grads still finding boomers holding onto their jobs?

  7. How to Locate Library Jobs • UA SLIS Placement Materials • Chronicle of Higher Education (Academe Today at http://www.chronicle.com • ALA online (plus placement center at conferences) • Library Journal (print and online) • ALLA -- http://allanet.org/www/employment.htm • APLS -- http://www.apls.state.al.us/webpages/news/jobs.htm • Libraryjobs -- http://www.libraryjobpostings.org/ • Special libraries -- http://www.ibiblio.org/slanews/jobs/jobs.html • Lib Jobs -- http://www.libjobs.com/ • UIUC Library School site -- http://alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/gslis/resources/jobs.html • Local newspapers, school boards, listservs, etc.

  8. Salaries for Librarians

  9. Number of Placements and Full-Time Salaries of 2009 US Graduates (by Region) Why the differences? From ALA Annual Survey, pub.in Library Journal, October 1, 2010

  10. Alabama Graduates/Employed, 2008* From ALA Annual Survey, pub.in Library Journal, October 2, 2010 *Probably due to number responding – So please respond when you get the survey!

  11. Salaries for Librarians “In fact a few simple mathematical calculations reveal that if reference librarians were paid at market rates for all the roles they play, they would have salaries well over $200,000." Will Manley in The Truth About Reference Librarians, McFarland, 1996, p. 30. • Occupational Outlook Handbook , updated 12/09 (http://www.bls.govocc/print/ocos069.htm) • OOH Earnings in 2008 • Median earnings = $52,530 • Middle 50% = $42,240 and $65,300 • Lowest 10% < $33,190 • Highest 10% > $81,130 • Median annual earnings where most librarians are employed • Elementary/secondary schools = $54,050 • Junior Colleges = $55,250 • Colleges & universities = $55,180 • Local government = $54,650 • Other information services = $40,000

  12. Salaries/Placements for Librarians • Annual Salary Survey in Library Journal (October issue) • Salaries increased fastest in MW and esp. SW, chiefly in academic and vendor positions • Average starting salary LIS grads in 2008 gained by 1.5% to $42,215 • But unemployment was reported 7.8% higher (with length of search averaging 5 months) with grads down 7% • Hiring freezes, mandated furloughs, budgets • More placements outside libraries than previous years (41%) • Gender gap and glass ceiling increases, esp. minority women • 22.8% in part-time positions • 44.6% graduates returned to their current jobs • Location matters -- higher average salaries in West ($50,343 or 16% higher); placements decreased in SE by 10% with 8.5% unemployment

  13. Advancement in the Field • Experience • Additional education, degree, training • Publications, presentations (especially academic librarians) • Special skills (especially computer skills), foreign language abilities • Willingness to relocate • Networking

  14. Where else can your MLS take you? • Information specialist for government officials or city management • Associate Product Manager, eBay (Nancy Firchow) • Librarian, Johnson Publishing Company, Chicago • Librarian, Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences • Digital Librarian, Anti-Defamation League, NYC • Librarian, The Freedom Forum, Washington, DC • Project Manager, Zimmerman Associates, Washington, DC (digitizing historical collection of US Mint) • Library school professor (with doctorate) • Tribal libraries and educational programs • “Answer Lady,” Facts for Fiction (verifying info. for authors) • Archivists, curators, museum technicians • Information industry jobs (publishers, jobbers, systems vendors, etc.) • Information brokers • Information architect

  15. Let’s Revisit: Is Librarianship a Profession? • Characteristics of a profession (mostly from Goode) • Autonomy -- individual choice in standards of excellence; judged by peers not outsiders; accountability • Professional associations • Higher incomes than other workers • Prolonged specialized training • Code of ethics • Body of knowledge, ongoing research attached to learning and philosophy in the field • Service orientation (client’s needs more imp. Than self-interest)

  16. Let’s Revisit: Is Librarianship a Profession? • Continued: Characteristics of a profession (mostly from Goode) • Making sacrifices (pro bono work, risking life or other things) • Time and money is spent on recruiting superior candidates and better training. • Elite members know what to do (ethics, service, lobbying, curricula, fund-raising, research, image). • Public must believe and be aware that there is a specialized body of knowledge. • ‘Backstage’ activities more important than what the public sees.

  17. Is Librarianship a Profession? • Continued: Characteristics of a profession (mostly from Goode) • Rise to administrative levels later in careers • Understanding of client’s needs rather than wants (puts their good first); decisions are made by the professional and not by the client • Little competition -- distinct function? • Hierarchy within the field (Robbins) • Degree to which perceived as public good (i.e. high social value) Trade Continuum Profession

  18. What Do You Think? CLASS EXERCISE: Is the MLS DOA?

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