[Publib] Public Library Employment

[James Casey]

Angela:

 

In addition to encouraging one to obtain an MLS degree (not required for
most School Media Specialist jobs), the best advice I could give to
someone who has worked with public school districts is to demonstrate an
ability to work with a full range of patrons - from youngsters on up to
retirees - and to show a willingness to work evening and weekend hours.
While school libraries are generally open only during the hours when
school is in session (8 AM to 3 PM on Monday through Friday) and not at
all during the Summer Months, public libraries are open 12 months per
year, often have service 7 days per week and invariably are open evening
hours as well.   In fact, kids who need a library for their homework,
have to go to the public library on late afternoons, evenings and
weekends.  If you enjoy working with kids and are willing to work long
hours at service desks, you might fit in rather well as a public
librarian.  Such isn't always the case, however.  I recall once trying
to get a school librarian to consider keeping her middle school library
open until 6 PM since our public library didn't have the money to put a
branch into that village (5 miles away from the only public library
facility in the County).  She replied that she didn't want to "work like
a drudge" - that is to say, a public librarian - and put in the hours
required even to keep her facility open until 6 PM on weekdays..  

 

Before changing the school media specialist work for public library job,
consider whether you really want to work evening shifts until 9 PM and
put in a few Saturdays and Sundays every month.

 

James B. Casey  --- My own views

Director of the Oak Lawn Public Library

ALA Council Member - Candidate for Re-Election

 

 

 

________________________________

From: publib-bounces at webjunction.org
[mailto:publib-bounces at webjunction.org] On Behalf Of Angela Williams
Sent: Monday, April 23, 2007 2:09 PM
To: publib at webjunction.org
Subject: [Publib] Public Library Employment

 

Hello Publibbers

Currently I"m working as a media specialist but would like to work in a
public library. Can anyone give me any advice as to how to get a job in
the public library sector? Interview tips?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

Angela Williams

Media Specialist

McKissick Elementary School

Easley, SC



Angela Williams
spartangirl68 at yahoo.com

  

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