[Publib] RE: Hard job search

[Shawna Thorup]

I work in a state without a "library school," where MLS holders for ANY job are hard to find.  I've noticed that job seekers don't do their basic homework about the economic reality of the geographic region in which the library is located.  I have seen numerous applicants apply from other regions, in particular the coasts, where the cost of living is much higher, yet they expect a comparable salary offering here to what is offered there.  Where the cost of living is lower, the pay is lower.  However, applicants can't seem to get over the "sticker shock" long enough to grab the brass ring.

On a related side note, in my opinion ALA has made it way too difficult for employers to search for job seekers in their online environment.  The employer has to first purchase an online ad, and then purchase an additional placement service in order to search resumes.  I just got back from mid-winter where I was looking to recruit, but had no luck getting access to job seekers.  I'm old school and miss those 3-ring binders of resumes.

Shawna Thorup
Assistant Director
Fayetteville Public Library
401 W. Mountain St.
Fayetteville, AR  72701
 
phone: 479.571.2222 x4301
fax: 479.571.0222
 
www.faylib.org
 
Our mission is to strengthen our community and empower our citizens through free and public access to knowledge.
 
Fayetteville Public Library: Library Journal's 2005 Library of the Year