r/librarians

I found out an hour ago that the Page position I interviewed for was offered to another candidate. That was my third time applying for to be a Page at that specific library. Jokes on me that I applied for a Clerk role at that same library today. The director is probably sick of getting applications from me. My friends keep telling me to try and try again but I'm beginning to lose hope.

I've applied to DOZENS of entry-level positions at libraries for months while volunteering. Same for bookstores. I've had 3 interviews, all rejected. I am beginning to feel jaded, like there's no space for me in this field or that there is something wrong with me. I thought my interviews went well but I'm doubting myself now.

I know I'm competing with MLIS grads for these roles but I refuse to get my MLIS immediately without having any professional experience. I don't want to spend the money and be in the same job market with still no experience.

Also specify if you did MSc or MA and how heavy, low or non existent the statistics was.

I am interested in studying in the UK. I heard US MLIS might be easier but I don't plan on going there.

We send our weeded books to Better World Books and I'm surprised at the titles they want including nonfiction written in the 1990s that we are weeding because the information is outdated. I hear stories of AI companies buying massive amounts of books to scan and feed into their models and I worry this is the destiny of these books and what it means for the quality of these AI models' "education."

P.S. Why does my post have to include flair in order to post it? 😒

So, I have been deciding which bachelor's degree to pursue for my MLIS. After a long time of research, I think I've found a few programs that I'm interested in, but I wanted to ask for advice first. Here are some programs that I thought about:

-Bachelor of Science in Technical Communication – User Experience (Arizona State University)

-Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering (Arizona State University)

-Bachelor of Science in Digital Strategy and Audience Engagement (Arizona State University)

-B.S. Computing Applications (Texas Tech University)

-B.S. Computer Information Systems (University of Houston)

I'm not sure which to choose, as I want one that could help the most with an MLIS. I also want something that can give me the most opportunities for jobs outside of library science. Anyone got any suggestions on which would be the best path to choose?

I’m going to try really hard to not get emotional, but I’m at my wits end. in 2020 I decided to go back to school to get my MLIS with a focus on archives because I was working in a museum. After a lot of burnout I made a decision to use my compliance experience from MLIS work in museums to switch to Human Resources in 2025. unfortunately I got laid off in January of this year and cannot find a single job since then. I have even tried getting back into librarianship by applying for all the entry level roles at my local library and I can’t find anything. I know the job market is abysmal and even worse for those of us vying for public service-type roles, but can anyone give me advice on remote or even in-person roles I can apply for that would easily scoop up someone with a MLIS degree? am I qualified for anything or do I need to suck it up and work at mcdonalds for a bit?

help!!!

Hey there - instructional librarian here at a community college. I've encountered a student (female, freshman) who decided to give me a nickname (a derivative of my first name) during a recent, casual info lit session. I laughed the first time, and ignored it the second time, but yesterday the brat passed me with a couple of her friends and called me by the nickname again, mockingly. I ignored it, but I'm starting to get annoyed (which is probably what she wants). We have a student code of conduct at our campus, but it's rarely enforced unless the student behavior is egregious (i.e., threatening or violent). Any words of advice?

EDIT: Thanks everyone, for your input! I haven't seen the girl since, so I haven't had the chance to put any of these suggestions into action.

hi! i have an interview next week for a part time clerk position at my local library, i’m SUPER excited, and i was wondering if anyone has any tips! my biggest question is what sort of outfit i should wear, obviously something professional but anything specific would be great

another concern i have as well is if colored hair is generally allowed for a part time position, or if i’ll have to dye my hair back to a natural color?

I recently started a new job as a teen librarian! I have been give the opportunity to update the space and decorate as I see fit!

We have a teen corner sign but it is outdated, but I’m struggling what to replace it with.

The space is quite literally a corner, so I was hoping to use the bit of wall space that I have, or have something on top of the bookshelves.

Anyone have any advice?

Ty!

Hello everyone. I am writing to get your insight into a potential career change.

I have been working for 6 years at a non profit that is college focused as an Office Coordinator. During my time there, I have realized I would love to work as a librarian at a high school.

Right now I am at a crossroads as I want to pursue this career however I know library job experience is indispensable for securing a job at a library.

With that being said, what do y’all recommend?

P.S.
I have taken a couple courses at a local community college that are meant for library technicians, giving me some experience with the Dewey System and more.

Hi! I’m based in Australia and have a keen interest in family history and contextual history. Just wondering what job would that suit?

I’ve looked into genealogy courses but they don’t seem to really exist in Australia/aren’t recognised? Is there any countries where that is a proper university degree with job prospects? Or am I looking in the wrong place… I’d love to work in a place like NAA or a museum/gallery (or similar overseas).

I’ve also thought about Anthropology but no one’s been able to explain to me what that actual entails and the sort of job prospects out there that aren’t niche/extremely hard to get into.

Is it worth me studying either of those? Or both?
I just don’t wanna be stuck doing a job I don’t enjoy for the rest of my life and this is a field that I find interesting.

I’ve wanted to be a historian/archivist for as long as I can remember…

Does anyone have any experience/ideas/advice? Where would I start?

I’m a newly admitted MLIS student for next fall! I’m in my 40s and already an established lawyer in my field but I’m curious what the coursework is like. It’s been a while since I’ve been in school, though I joke I basically do homework (reading, writing, research, etc) for a living.

Are there midterms and finals? Regular homework? I’m doing asynchronous work and I’m wondering what to expect workload wise and for courses in general.

Hey all. I'm looking for some career advice. I am nearing the end of my MLIS. I have specialised in records and archives, so I will be accredited as a librarian and an archivist. I have been working as an archival assistant in a religious archive for 6 months so far. I also plan on starting some remote bibliographic description volunteering this month.

The thing that I'm most interested in is rare books and special collections. I enjoy archiving and get to work with rare and heritage material a lot. However, I live regionally, so a remote/hybrid job would be nice.

I guess I'm looking for people's opinions what sort of librarian would have the best chance of working remotely. I'm thinking a research or metadata librarian? I'd also love tips on what I should do for my placement, and just any other advice for making myself more hireable in such a competition market.

Thanks for taking the time!

I am currently in my final year of LIS bachelor degree. I was thinking to get a MLIS degree in abroad.
But Should i keep on going for LIS or should i choose a different degree if i have to come in a foreign country considering their educational system is gazillion times better than my country. I have seen some of my seniors to choose a different degree like MBA, or media and communication....etc

Dear Experts, Can you give me your advice considering choosing LIS and that being said
Does LIS have a great value in USA, Canada or Europe?
Does LIS graduates get their jobs in their field or people with other degree also steal our job?
Do we have to work in only Libraries or is there any door open?