“I have never been offered a ‘permanent’ position.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ More than 18 months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ I’m unemployed,

√ I’ve been threatened at my job or had to deal with hostility/danger/scary behavior from the public or coworkers

Where do you look for open positions? 

Institutional websites, ALA and similar sites

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level,

√ Requiring at least two years of experience

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Academic library,

√ Archives,

√ Special library

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southwestern US

What’s your region like?

√ Urban area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ Yes, to a specific list of places

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

1) Good pay & benefits 2) Professional work environment 3) Qualified & dedicated co-workers

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

several 100s

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well, Having (and describing) excellent benefits,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance,

√ Other: Staff who are competent & qualified for their jobs

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

1-2 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

ensure my cover letter and resume correlate to the job listing and institution

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email and mail

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

1-2 months

How do you prepare for interviews?

I used to, but I don’t bother to anymore

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened the majority of the time or always
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Happened more than once
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ Happened the majority of the time or always
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Happened once
• Turned down an offer √ Happened once

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

Because something the hiring committee said & did after my first interview made it clear to me that they already had someone local whom they were going to hire & who wasn’t the least bit qualified for the job. (And, when the hiring announcement was made, it turned out I was completely right.)

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

I turned down one job early in my job hunt for many reasons, the top reasons included: they had a wide array of projects they wanted done but with no money budgeted for them; the library director made it clear she was only there for a couple of years passing her time on the way to something better; after visiting for the interview, I didn’t like the city or the library/college where the job was located; I didn’t like the one employee I would have to work with the most (& it was clear no one else already working there could stand her either); I resented the fact that they persistently lied about the other (non-existent) candidates for the job; it was clearly the workplace from hell

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

1) Quit asking for my SSN before you’ve hired me.

2) Get rid of online application services that require ‘creating accounts’ (especially ones that can not be deleted) and that require typing in hours worth of information into ‘fields’ on the computer in addition to uploading a resume when all the relevant information you need is already contained in the resume. I’ve gotten to the point where I prioritize applying for jobs where I can just upload or email or mail my cover letter and resume.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m frustrated,

√ Not out of money yet, but worried, I feel alone in my search

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

A word for employers: if you already know you are going to hire the department head’s ne’er-do-well nephew, or the library director’s alcoholic mistress, or the long time volunteer who isn’t remotely qualified for the job but deserves to be rewarded for all the years of serving up cake and punch during children’s programming, don’t post the job and waste applicants’ time. The 2 most frustrating things about my never-ending job search are: 1) Realizing that most jobs are already filled before they are posted. 2) Realizing that highly qualified candidates are frequently passed over for individuals with little to no qualifications whatsoever.

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ More than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Other: I obtained my first full-time professional position before I graduated, but it was only temporary, grant-funded. And all my jobs have been temporary, grant-funded. I have never been offered a ‘permanent’ position.

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ Full Time

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

No, my Library School was & is less than useless.

#glamJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #lisCareers #lisJobs

“Sometimes who you know hurts the job process.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree,

√ I’m unemployed,

√ I’m underemployed (not enough hours or overqualified for current position),

√ I’ve been threatened at my job or had to deal with hostility/danger/scary behavior from the public or coworkers,

√ Because I’m worried about a possible recession

Where do you look for open positions? 

Archives Gig, LinkedIn, Library Job line, USA jobs, Indeed

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Academic library,

√ Archives,

√ Special library

What part of the world are you in?

√ Western US (including Pacific Northwest)

What’s your region like?

√ Urban area,

√ Suburban area,

√ Rural area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ No,

√ Yes, to a specific list of places

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Flexible, Opportunity to grow, non toxic workplace

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

15 estimate

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well,

√ Having a good reputation,

√ Funding professional development,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Not enough information. Seeing the job ad posted regularly indicating frequent turnover.

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

2-3 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Curate resume/cv to job ad. Write cover letter covering key experiences that fit with resume.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

2 weeks

How do you prepare for interviews?

Reading the job ad, researching the company, reviewing my resume and cover letter. Rehearsing potential examples of experiences.

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Tell me about a time… questions. This is popular right now but it creates a scenario where good story telling is required.

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened once
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Happened once
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ Happened the majority of the time or always
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
• Turned down an offer √ Not Applicable

If you’ve asked for an accommodation, what happened?

Too scared to ask.

If you want to share a great, inspirational, funny, horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

Sometimes who you know hurts the job process. The library/archive world is small. A few times my supervisor suddenly becomes unpopular within this world and because I worked under them I am not considered.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Be honest. If you are probably going to hire an in internal candidate it should be clear. Having positions that don’t require so much experience up front. A masters is expensive and volunteering to get experience required takes a long time (archives and history related jobs specifically).

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m somewhat depressed,

√ I’m frustrated,

√ I’m running out of money,

√ I feel alone in my search

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Trying not to panic. Not obsessing about the process constantly.

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

It’s hard. I’m struggling. I wish I had better advice.

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

2024

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ Volunteer

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

No

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

No

#glamJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #lisCareers #lisJobs

Further Questions: Best Advice for Getting Hired and for People Who Hire

Let’s do a deeper dive into specific hiring questions! About once a month, I get answers from a group of people who hire library and LIS workers. I’d love to hear from you: what should I ask next time? Or, let me know if you’d like to join the pool of people who might answer.

I’m gearing up to take a couple months off, so to tide us over while I’m gone I have a very broad two-part question:

1. What is your most important piece of advice for people looking for LIS work?

2. What is your  most important piece of advice for people who hire LIS workers?

Donna Pierce, Library Director, Krum Public Library:

For the person looking for work – Experience – volunteer for a small library so you have an idea of what really happens!  Work on customer service skills unless you know that whatever you do you won’t be dealing with the public.  (You would be surprised at how few areas don’t require some type of customer service!)  Also, at least in public libraries, look at how your hobbies and interests can translate into programs or services. 

For those hiring – customer service skills, ability to recognize patterns and ask questions (do all the books with a green sticker go in the same area?  Why is this book different?  Is this really where this book belongs?);  plus attention to detail.  If their application has misspellings (my favorite was the person who had an education degree and misspelled “education”!) that is a huge red flag.

Dr. Erica England, First-Year Experience Librarian, Washington State University:

1. Most important for people looking for LIS work: Sell yourself! Even if you don’t think that you have the necessary skills, I guarantee you have done something that can be translated into value. Whether it’s solving problems, learning quickly, or staying calm under pressure — those are all skills that employers are looking for. Don’t downplay your experience just because it doesn’t have a fancy label.

2. Most important for people hiring: The LIS degree matters and is invaluable. Don’t assume that holding a PhD means someone knows how to research effectively. LIS professionals are trained in information literacy, search strategy, and source evaluation — skills that many others lack. Our expertise fills critical gaps in how people find, assess, and use information. That should never be discounted.

Gretchen Corsillo, Director, Rutherford Public Library:

1. My most important piece of advice for people looking for LIS work is to show off why you want the job you’re applying for. I see too many applications come across my desk that are not at all tailored to the role in question, and that is usually an automatic no for me. If you’re invited for an interview, bring specific examples to show what appeals to you and highlight that you’ve done your research about the library. This sends the message that you’re invested in the organization and understand why you’d be a good fit. 

2. My most important piece of advice for people who hire LIS workers is to look at non-library job experience as an asset. I’ve seen a lot of hiring professionals write great candidates off because they’ve transitioned from another field or otherwise had a lot of experience doing something different. Many skills are transferable to library work. Some of my best hires over the years have come from backgrounds in retail, education, etc. While there are many roles that do require specific library experience, it’s important not to discount outside-the-box skills as well. Try to look at the candidate’s background as a whole, rather than just how long they’ve been in the library world. 

Dr. Colleen S. Harris, Dean, Killam Library, Texas A&M International University:

1. What is your most important piece of advice for people looking for LIS work?

Most importantly, where you can do so authentically, connect your interview question answers to your professional experience, lived experience, or what you know from your research about the institution. It grounds your answer in context which is helpful to the committee members who are likely using a set question list and rubric to ensure fairness across candidates. Even if your experience is outside libraries, customer service is customer service, and helping people solve problems is universal. Also, if you have questions, ask (and ALWAYS have questions).

A secondary piece of information, not really advice, is that at least in academic libraries we have very little control over the HR portion of the hiring process which includes important communication. We can set up the interview, but any communication after the in-person interview is not allowed to come from the search chair or even the dean, everything must come from HR. This means that as much as we would like to keep in communication to keep you updated, we are usually (in the various state systems I have worked in over my career) not allowed. Please know if you are not notified about a position closing or not being chosen until wildly late, we would very much prefer to be able to give you such information sooner but are restricted by our institutional processes and policies. I promise, we think it’s as shitty a system as you do–we genuinely value your time and effort.

2. What is your  most important piece of advice for people who hire LIS workers?

I have three: 

(1) Create spaces for kindness where you can. Interviewing is grueling, and the academic all-day interview is a gauntlet of being “on”. Build in time for bathroom/breathing breaks between interview sessions.

(2) Share the interview questions in advance via email with Zoom candidates, and in writing with in-person candidates so they have something to refer to or scribble on during the committee interview session. Especially in the Zoom scenario, receiving those 30-60 minutes prior can allow the committee to see the candidate performance without unnecessary stress shading things. It’s not enough time to heavily prep a question for a candidate to present themselves unrealistically, but it is enough time for the candidate to not feel blindsided and to shake off their nerves. Which leads me to:

(3) Remember that we want candidates to feel as comfortable as possible so they perform to the best of their ability. Whatever we can do to put them at ease gives us a more realistic baseline from which to judge their performance. We should do this as decent humans, but if you need a formal motivator to be kind, there you go!

Jess Herzog, Director of Adult Services, Spartanburg County Public Libraries:

1. What is your most important piece of advice for people looking for LIS work?

Be yourself. I know this can feel very hard in the moment, when you’re about to walk into an interview and you’ve been trying so hard to get a job for months/years on end. But if you embrace yourself and who you are, show your personality and your passions, you won’t go wrong. To me, every hire is a “personality hire”; I can teach you how to use an ILS or set up AV equipment, but I can’t teach you to be skilled at customer service, patient with new tech users, or lighthearted with kids. Those indications come through what I see of your personality, so don’t hide it.

2. What is your most important piece of advice for people who hire LIS workers?

Remember that you are being interviewed too. It is absolutely wild to me how many of us–both people I’ve been on interview panels with and panels I’ve interviewed for–completely ignore this part of the interview process. Sure, it’s hard to get a job right now, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be putting our best feet forward as a collective. We’re representing our libraries, our departments, and our staff to an interviewee, and the way we come across sends a message about the workplace culture. So dress nicely, answer questions honestly and openly, and sell yourself and the library a little bit. It can go a long way.

Celia Rabinowitz ,Assistant Vice-President for Academic Engagement and Director of Mason Library, Keene State College:

What is your most important piece of advice for people looking for LIS work?

I wonder about what seems to be a disconnect between the accounts of job-seeking library degree holders about how many jobs they apply for without success and what hiring managers (at least in academic libraries which is what I pay attention to) report as very thin candidate pools for jobs. It seems increasingly challenging but I encourage job seekers to be as geographically flexible as possible. There are lots of reasons for not being willing or able to move. But if you find positions in places that seem to match you professional and personal needs, it’s worth considering a move. No job has to last forever. Even if you see it as the job that gets you to the next one in the place you’d rather be. I think that is my most important piece of advice these days. But please don’t forget to keep at it, to ask people to read your stuff before you submit it (open invitation for you to send that CV or cover letter to me), and don’t underestimate the value of all your experience.

What is your most important piece of advice for people who hire LIS workers?

Based on what I read from job-seekers I have two pieces of advice. The first is to offer entry-level positions that are truly that. Give newly degreed professionals who may have limited job experience in library or information environments the opportunity to get that first job. If these positions do not require previous experience then offer them that way. If previous experience is preferred, in many hiring situations a committee will be obligated to prioritize those candidates. The second piece of advice is to be sure you understand the notification process that your institution or organization uses to let individuals know who do not progress in the search, or who are not selected in a finalist round. The stories of job-seekers who never receive any communication, even after an in-person interview is troubling. Someone should be responsible for this and I encourage hiring managers or search committee chairs to be sure you know who that is.

Laura Daniels (she/they), Assistant Director, Metadata Production and Acting Director, Cataloging and Metadata Services, Cornell University Library:

What is your most important piece of advice for people looking for LIS work?

Be a little (but not too) picky. Think about where you want to be (the institution itself, and the location) as well as what you want to be doing. Don’t waste time applying for positions you don’t want or for which you are not qualified.

What is your most important piece of advice for people who hire LIS workers?

Hire for capability and potential, not charisma. It’s easy to get distracted by someone who interviews well. Don’t let that get in the way of considering what qualities and qualifications actually matter for the role.

#glamJobs #librarian #librarians #libraries #library #libraryHiring #libraryJobs #libraryWork #lisCareers #lisJobs

“It’s hard lol. There are so many jobs, I don’t know what to focus my time on.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Less than six months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree,

√ Looking for more money,

√ I want to work at a different type of library/institution,

√ Looking for remote/virtual work (or at least hybrid),

√ I’m worried I will be laid off/let go/fired from my current position,

√ I need more flexibility in my schedule (to care for dependents or otherwise)

Where do you look for open positions? 

INALJ, ALA JobLIST, LinkedIn, HigherEd Jobs, college/university career pages.

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level,

√ Requiring at least two years of experience,

√ Supervisory

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Academic library,

√ Library vendor/service provider,

√ Public library,

√ Special library

What part of the world are you in?

√ Midwestern US

What’s your region like?

√ Urban area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ Yes, anywhere

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Pay, reasonable schedule, hybrid or remote work

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

exactly 12 so far

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well,

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits,

√ Having a good reputation,

√ Funding professional development,

√ Prioritizing EDI work,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Requiring large amounts of experience while offering low pay.

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

I spent a lot of time preparing my resume, CV, and cover letter templates. After that, I just make slight changes based on job listing.

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Creating and/or updating resume and CV. Also, creating cover letter templates based on the kind of jobs I want to apply for.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

A couple weeks max.

How do you prepare for interviews?

I look at the job listing and prepare answers for how I can carry out the job duties.

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

“Describe a time a patron was mad at you? What did you do?” I hate this question because I’ve answered a variation of this question too many times for many different jobs and it’s just annoying.

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened the majority of the time or always
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Not Applicable
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ Not Applicable
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
• Turned down an offer √ Not Applicable

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

I turned down an interview a year ago because I was still in grad school and wasn’t prepared to work full time yet.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Review applications and start interviewing faster. Many of us fill out dozens, if not hundreds of applications, we need to know asap if we are rejected or getting an interview. Also, list the pay. You can help yourself as an employer by listing the pay because some people won’t apply and you won’t have to read as many applications.

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m despondent,

√ I’m frustrated,

√ I’m running out of money,

√ I feel alone in my search

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Taking breaks. Talking to my wife.

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

For job hunters, please take a break and enjoy yourself. Also, you may need to take a low paying retail job while you search if you are having money problems. Employers, stop low balling qualified candidates, or anyone. Pay a living wage and people will stay.

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

2025

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ I was actually hired before I graduated

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ Full Time

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

University of Alabama sends out job posts the entire time we are enrolled and I still get the emails after graduation.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us about searching for or finding your first post-graduation position?

It’s hard lol. There are so many jobs, I don’t know what to focus my time on. Even jobs that I am overqualified for, I worry that I won’t get a call back.

#glamJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #lisCareers #lisJobs

“While my school has resources for job hunting because I’m an online student who lives in another state it is often not applicable to me.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Less than six months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree,

√ Looking for more money,

√ I want to work with a different population

Where do you look for open positions? 

LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level,

√ Requiring at least two years of experience

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Public library,

√ School library

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southwestern US

What’s your region like?

√ Suburban area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ Yes, anywhere

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Collection development, chance for growth, and collaborative environment

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

4~

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well,

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits,

√ Introducing me to staff,

√ Having a good reputation,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

a few hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

making sure that know and have access to all vital information

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

a few weeks to a month

How do you prepare for interviews?

run through common and/or relevant interview questions and prepare answers

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

Do you work well under pressure? Why should we hire you?

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ I don’t know
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Happened once
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ I don’t know
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
• Turned down an offer √ Not Applicable

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m optimistic,

√ I’m maintaining

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

2025

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ N/A – hasn’t happened yet

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

While my school has resources for job hunting because I’m an online student who lives in another state it is often not applicable to me.

#GLAMJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #LISCareers #lisJobs

“My campus is being closed.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ Looking for remote/virtual work (or at least hybrid),

√ Other: My campus is being closed. My position has been extended several times over the last year, but will end around May 2026.

Where do you look for open positions? 

LinkedIn, ALA JobList, USAJobs, professional organization websites, corporate websites

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Requiring at least two years of experience,

√ Supervisory,

√ Department Head,

√ Clerk/Library Assistant

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Academic library,

√ Archives,

√ Library vendor/service provider,

√ Special library,

√ Other: non-library companies and organizations

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southeastern US

What’s your region like?

√ Suburban area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ Other: I’d prefer a remote position

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

A good fit to my abilities and skills; a livable wage; congenial co-workers/administration

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

126 (exact)

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well,

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits,

√ Introducing me to staff,

√ Having a good reputation,

√ Funding professional development,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Poorly written job description; skewed wages/experience ratio

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

2 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Research hiring institution; talk to anyone I know there or adjacent; edit resume to fit job description; fill out application; write cover letter; submit.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

1-6 months

How do you prepare for interviews?

More research of the institution; look for anyone I know who has any insight to this particular institution; talk to colleagues in similar positions.

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

“Tell us about a time you faced a problem, and how you dealt with it.”

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened the majority of the time or always
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Happened once
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ I don’t know
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
• Turned down an offer √ Happened more than once

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

Years ago I turned down a couple of offers when I realized they were not where I wanted to be, geographically.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Communicate, communicate, communicate!

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m maintaining,

√ I’m somewhat depressed,

√ I feel alone in my search,

√ Other: I’m procrastinating, knowing that I have my current job for a few more months.

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

1994

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ Less than six months before graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree, but still before I graduated

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Less than six months after graduating

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ Full Time

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

no

#GLAMJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #LISCareers #lisJobs

“No new employee can be expected to walk in the door and fix underlying staff issues right away.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ Less than six months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree,

√ I’m unemployed,

√ Looking for remote/virtual work (or at least hybrid),

√ I need more flexibility in my schedule (to care for dependents or otherwise)

Where do you look for open positions? 

Library & organization websites, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Monster

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Requiring at least two years of experience,

√ Other: Research/reference librarian, Database /Repository Data Librarian, Accesssibility Testing and Patron Support Librarian

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Academic library,

√ Archives,

√ Library vendor/service provider,

√ Public library,

√ Special library,

√ Other: Other data and information centers

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southeastern US

What’s your region like?

√ Urban area,

√ Suburban area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ No

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

Professional growth, pay/benefits, work -life balance

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

Approximately 20

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well,

√ Having (and describing) excellent benefits,

√ Introducing me to staff,

√ Having a good reputation,

√ Funding professional development,

√ Prioritizing EDI work,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance,

√ Other: Having & stating a clear understanding of how I can /will make a difference in the organization – why I am wanted for the position

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

Saying they are all a family = poor work /life balance; a position where responsibilities and time commitment are not referenced clearly OR the position salary doesn’t match the expected employee time /responsibility level

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

At least 3-5 hours

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

Depends on what they want, but generally, I write a cover letter, make sure my resume fits the organization, proofread for typos, prepare anything else requested, practice, possible interview questions and prepare my own questions for that particular organization

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ No preference

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

It depends on the seniority of the position and how many applicants they receive. If they receive less than 50 applications, the process could be finalized within two weeks. If they have more than 200 applicants, the process could take a month or more. The process for filling Director or other administrative positions sometimes takes two, three months, but, if they were not going to move my application through the interview process, I would expect to hear from them sooner rather than later.

How do you prepare for interviews?

Research the organization, review standard interview questions, and prepare my own questions for that particular organization and my goals

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

I don’t mind general scenario questions but I don’t like when I am asked specific scenario questions as if they want someone to come in and solve a problem. Especially when it is a personnel problem or a “personality conflict” question. No new employee can be expected to walk in the door and fix underlying staff issues right away.

I also don’t like being asked what is the least amount I will “take” for the job – as if I am buying something! (I’d rather ask what’s the most they will pay for my knowledge, skills, and experience)

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened the majority of the time or always
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Happened more than once
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ Happened more than once
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Happened once, Not Applicable
• Turned down an offer √ Happened once

If you have ever withdrawn an application, why?

Requirements were added that I did not have

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

A salary range was not in the position listing. The interview process was quick and when the offer was made, the proposed salary was less than I made 20 -25 years ago, for an exempt, salaried position, with minimal benefits.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Communicate!!!

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m maintaining,

√ I’m frustrated,

√ I feel alone in my search

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Umm…what?

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

Job hunting stinks. I was very optimistic last summer and even in the early fall, but by the time I finished my program and took care of some family issues during the winter, the job postings I had been seeing throughout my MLIS program were gone. I haven’t seen many like them – in my area – since. I cannot relocate so I feel like I wasted time and money for three years.

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

2024

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ After graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ N/A – hasn’t happened yet

Did you get support from your library school for your first job hunt (and/or any subsequent ones)?

Not really just a list serve

#GLAMJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #LISCareers #lisJobs

“Librarianship is not a career in which you are ever ‘finished’ training and learning new things”

Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by filling out the survey here.

Current Hiring Practices and Organizational Needs

These questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).

Where do you advertise your job listings?

Job boards for regional and national professional organizations

Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?

When jobs end up on Indeed or other general job boards (including “alt-ac” lists), we do get more unqualified applicants.

Do you include salary in the job ad?

√ Other: We are not allowed by HR to include the salary in the job ad, but we are usually allowed to give a range if people ask directly.

Do you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates? 

√ No

Do you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?

√ No

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)

√ Yes

What is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Doesn’t meet the requirements. We try to keep the “required section” as short as possible and put most things in “preferred” experience, but we still frequently get applications from folks who just don’t have any practical or applied experiences (internships and class projects do count for this!), or who are trying to enter academic libraries after an advanced disciplinary degree program and don’t have any expertise in libraries.

Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)

√ No

Do you provide interview questions before the interview?

√ Other: It’s not an official policy but we’ve been doing it more, according to the discretion of the search committee leader

If you provide interview questions before the interview, how far in advance?

One week

Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?

√ No, but we used to

How much of your interview process is virtual?

√ First round/Initial Screen

Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ Other: This is not allowed by HR at all.

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?

This is often said, but tailor the application to the job ad. If you have tangential experience, show us exactly how it applies to the stated qualifications in the job ad. Especially in the first round when we’re filtering out unqualified applications, we’re more likely to check the box “yes” if you use the phrasing used in the job ad. In the interview, show us examples of the skills we’re looking for – I often advise job seekers to make a list of anecdotes/project examples that correspond to each bullet point on the job ad, and bring it with you to reference.

I want to hire someone who is:

autodidactic

Your Last Recruitment

These are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.

Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?

Music Librarian

When was this position hired?

√ Within the last three months

Approximately how many people applied for this position?

√ 25-75

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

Meets the basic requirements for the job. As this position was an academic liaison librarian position, we received many applications from folks who either had no education/interest in the liaison area, OR from folks with advanced degrees in the liaison area who had no prior experience or demonstrated interest in librarianship.

How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?

We had a smaller pool because of the specificity of the liaison area, which is normal.

Your Workplace

This section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

Are you unionized?

√ No

How many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 3-4

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 2

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are the same number of positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade? 

√ No

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?  

√ Yes

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Why or why not?

The field is evolving and changing, as it always is. Librarianship is not a career in which you are ever “finished” training and learning new things; there are new areas of need emerging that didn’t exist 50 years ago, and former areas of priority in libraries that are no longer as relevant. However, over-reliance on temporary labor and budget crises are a huge threat to all of us.

Demographics

This section asks for information about you specifically.

What part of the world are you in?

√ Mid-Atlantic US

What’s your region like?

√ Suburban area

What type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):

√ Academic Library

What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire?

Catalogers, subject liaisons and instruction librarians, technology librarians, archivists

Are you a librarian?

√ Yes

Are you now or have you ever been:

√ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise),

√ A member of a hiring or search committee

#GLAMJobs #Librarian #librarians #libraries #Library #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #LISCareers #lisJobs

“I had an interviewer ask me how clean my car and my room was on a scale of 1-10 with no explanation.”

Please note: this is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling job searching practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest.

Your Demographics and Search Parameters

How long have you been job hunting?

√ A year to 18 months

Why are you job hunting?  

√ This is the next step after finishing library/archives/other LIS graduate degree,

√ I’m underemployed (not enough hours or overqualified for current position),

√ I’m employed outside of the field and I’d like to be in it,

√ My current job provides insufficient or no benefits (Healthcare or beyond)

Where do you look for open positions? 

LinkedIn, specific career pages (60+ on my list), AMIA listserv, Archivesgig.com

What position level are you looking for?  

√ Entry level,

√ Clerk/Library Assistant

What type(s) of organization are you looking in?

√ Academic library,

√ Archives,

√ Library vendor/service provider,

√ Public library,

√ Special library,

√ Media Archives

What part of the world are you in?

√ Southwestern US

What’s your region like?

√ Urban area

Are you willing/able to move for employment?

√ Yes, to a specific list of places

What are the top three things you’re looking for in a job?

relevance to my career goals as a film archivist, location, room for growth

How many jobs have you applied to during your current search? (Please indicate if it’s an estimate or exact)

80 (exact)

What steps, actions, or attributes are most important for employers to take to sell you on the job? 

√ Pay well,

√ Having a good reputation,

√ Funding professional development,

√ Prioritizing work-life balance

Do you expect to see the salary range listed in a job ad?

√ Yes, and it’s a red flag when it’s not

Other than not listing a salary range, are there other “red flags” that would prevent you from applying to a job?

If it’s a part-time or short-term role with little pay outside of where I’m willing to relocate to, then I don’t apply.

The Process

How much time do you spend preparing an application packet?

1+ hours.

What are the steps you follow to prepare an application packet?

I take notes on the job description, write/rewrite a cover letter tailored to the description, tweak my resume if needed, go through any application questions.

How do you prefer to communicate with potential employers?

√ Email

When would you like potential employers to contact you?

√ To acknowledge my application,

√ To tell me if the search is at the interview stage, even if I have not been selected,

√ Once the position has been filled, even if it’s not me

How long do you expect an organization’s application process to take, from the point you submit your documents to the point of either an offer or rejection?

Depends on the type of institution, but anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months (for an academic library).

How do you prepare for interviews?

I write out answers to potential interview questions and make sure I’ve researched their institution really well and have a good understanding of their collections and structure. I also try to write out as many questions as I can for them.

What are your most hated interview questions, and why?

I hate the vague, “tell me a time when…” questions because I feel like I don’t know what they want from my answer.

During your current search, have you had any of the following experiences:

• Submitted an application and got no response √ Happened more than once
• Had an interview and never heard back √ Not Applicable
• Interviewed for a job where an internal candidate was eventually chosen √ I don’t know
• Asked for an accommodation for a disability √ Not Applicable
• Withdrawn an application before the offer stage √ Not Applicable
• Turned down an offer √ Happened once

If you’ve turned down an offer (or offers), why?

Yes. I turned down an offer for a position that I didn’t feel ready for or qualified for and would’ve had to move across the country for (though they would’ve provided relocation assistance). It didn’t feel like the right job to warrant the move, though I probably would’ve taken the job if it were closer or in a more ideal location.

If you want to share a great, inspirational, funny, horrific or other story about an experience you have had at any stage in the hiring process, please do so here:

I had an interviewer ask me how clean my car and my room was on a scale of 1-10 with no explanation.

What should employers do to make the hiring process better for job hunters?

Be quicker and more informative in the hiring process. Keep the candidate updated if they haven’t been selected. If there are interview questions you can share ahead of time, please do that!

You and Your Well-Being

How are you doing, generally?

√ I’m maintaining,

√ I’m somewhat depressed,

√ I’m despondent,

√ I’m frustrated,

√ Not out of money yet, but worried,

√ I feel alone in my search

What are your job search self-care strategies?

Get lots of sleep. Don’t just stare at LinkedIn all day. Go for a walk.

Do you have any advice or words of support you’d like to share with other job hunters, is there anything you’d like to say to employers, or is there anything else you’d like to say about job hunting?

It feels like it’s an especially hard time right now to find jobs in the LIS field and being rejected from jobs doesn’t always mean you’re lacking as a person. Things will turn around and something good will happen soon.

Do you have any comments for Emily (the survey author) or are there any other questions you think we should add to this survey?

It’s nice to know that there are resources for people looking for jobs in this field. 🙂

Job Hunting Post Graduate School

If you have an MLIS or other graduate level degree in a LIS field, what year did you graduate? (Or what year do you anticipate graduating?)

2024

When did you start your first job search for a “professional” position (or other position that utilized your degree)?

√ After graduating with my MLIS/other LIS degree

In relation to your graduation, when did you find your first “professional” position?

√ Hasn’t happened yet – I’m still looking

What kind of work was your first post-graduation professional position?

√ N/A – hasn’t happened yet

#GLAMJobs #librarians #libraries #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #LISCareers #lisJobs

“we have qualified candidates apply and some who are less qualified”

Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by filling out the survey here.

Current Hiring Practices and Organizational Needs

These questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).

Where do you advertise your job listings?

RAILS Library Job board, ILA job board, Indeed

Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?

Yes

Do you include salary in the job ad?

√ Yes

Do you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates? 

√ No

Do you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?

√ Yes

Does your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)

√ Other: We require experience working with the public, but not necessarily in public libraries.

What is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?

Experience for the position

Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)

√ No

Do you provide interview questions before the interview?

√ Yes

If you provide interview questions before the interview, how far in advance?

2-4 days

How much of your interview process is virtual?

√ Other: Depends on the situation. If we have out of state candidates, we offer virtual to all our candidates.

Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?

√ No

What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?

A good cover letter.

I want to hire someone who is:

engaged.

Your Last Recruitment

These are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.

Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?

Public Services Assistant Manager

When was this position hired?

√ Within the last three months

Approximately how many people applied for this position?

√ 25 or fewer

Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?

√ 25% or less

And how would you define “hirable”?

Qualified and interested in this position

How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?

Same – we have qualified candidates apply and some who are less qualified.

Your Workplace

This section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.

How many staff members are at your library/organization?

√ 10-50

Are you unionized?

√ No

How many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 2

How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?

√ 2

Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?

√ There are fewer positions

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade? 

√ Yes

Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?  

√ I don’t know

Is librarianship a dying profession?

√ No

Demographics

This section asks for information about you specifically.

What part of the world are you in?

√ Midwestern US

What’s your region like?

√ Urban area

What type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):

√ Public Library

What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire?

Adult and children’s librarians.

Are you a librarian?

√ Yes

Are you now or have you ever been:

√ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise),

√ A member of a hiring or search committee

#1 #14 #25 #35 #books #GLAMJobs #Librarian #librarians #libraries #Library #libraryHiring #libraryInterview #libraryJobs #libraryWork #LISCareers #lisJobs