Librarians, can you give me some advice?

[Aurora63]

I'm thinking about going back to school to get my MLS. I'm currently an elementary school teacher, which I am getting burned out at, but I was a school media specialist for a year, and I loved it. Plus I love doing research, and reading, and working in a more or less "quiet" place, so I think this career would be a good fit for me.

I just want to know what the positives and negatives are to this career. I'm sure it's not all roses! Can you tell me a little about one day in your work life? This could be from school librarians, public librarians, or librarians in any capacity...think I want to get out of the school system, though, but I want to hear all sides of it. Like I said, I'm pretty confident that this is the right move for me, but I'd like to hear more about it from people who've done it.

Thanks for all your help!

 

[SunFloridaDisney]

I don't have any advice, but I do know there is a librarians thread on here somewhere, if you try searching, you may want to post there

 

[Pigeon]

Time for reading? I'm an academic librarian and let's just say I don't spend all day sitting around reading.

I do love my job. I'm expected to publish in the refereed literature, serve in local and national organizations, teach, create web pages, work the reference desk (which means weekends, evenings and many holidays), and serve on tons of committees. My primary responsibility is for collection development.

These days the job has a huge component that is all about computers and technology. I like that, but if you don't, being a librarian might not be much fun. It is also a very rapidly changing field. As more and more resources go electronic, we spend a lot of time putting up research guides to help remote users.

The big downside is the pay. Frankly, it is pretty lousy.

I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Librarian here!

I am a children's librarian in a public library. I got my MLS back in 2003, but only been working in the field for about 16 months. I like what I do, but at the same time, I am not "jumping for joy" about my prospects in the field. But I am still quite new and have not met the right people or made the right connections yet. I been working for a library temp agency, and right now there isn't much to offer me that isn't an hour's plus commute to an urban area! I am just really worried the field doesn't have much staying power, or most libraries will hire low-paid workers ("paraprofessionals") to do the same job. And the low pay will never change, that's for sure!

I want to get more into cataloging/technical or database work, but I just can't seem to get anywhere in that yet. I have a BS in computers which I hoped would help, but so far, no employer cares! Oh well! Like every field, it's all about meeting the right people to get ahead. Other librarians here on the DIS have had far more success than me!

My daily routine involves staffing the children's desk and answering any questions. Many questions are book recommendations for certain grades. I also get report questions, like a child is doing a report on music during the Civil War (we had a bunch of those recently!). Other things I do is shelve books, or prepare paperwork for the summer reading program. I also do interlibrary loans, which I actually like doing. I also have unfortunately dealt with crazy homeless people and "overmedicated" people. Ackkk!

As for media specialists, I went to grad school with MANY teachers getting their MLS. They all wanted out of the daily grind of the classroom, and into the library instead! Seemed like a good fit for them and they all seemed happy with their choice.

Even though my career isn't thriving at this time , I still say go for it! Sounds like a great match for you!