You can suggest that you will be at ALA or other conferences, but the ball is not really in your court. The organization will want to set up the interviews on their timeline and convenience.

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Brian C. Gray
Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian
Kelvin Smith Library
Case Western Reserve University
http://blog.case.edu/bcg8
bcg8@case.edu

Apparently I'm going to contradict the conventional wisdom (again), but let me put it this way: if you are spending money to travel for interviews, try to consolidate & visit more than one library at a time. Last month, I flew across the country to have a second interview for one job, and while I was there, I arranged informal informational interviews with two other libraries which had positions open for which I had applied. Those two jobs had not closed yet, but I contacted the HR people listed in the ads & let them know I would be in town and would like to meet someone, if possible. Both places were pleased to make the arrangements, and one of those jobs worked out. So, I did spend some out of pocket money, but in this case I knew that I wanted to return to an area where I had lived before, got to visit with a lot of old friends, and got to learn more about two jobs in a somewhat less stressful setting than a formal interview. I also understand travel expenses which are directly related to finding a new job are tax deductible, so there is some small benefit there. Attending a conference in the state where you want to be seems like a good way to consolidate & speak to people from more than one library in a single trip.

Also, keep in mind that public libraries are much less likely to have the funds available to help support travel expenses for interviewees than academic or special libraries.

Relatively few public libraries (IMO) have the funds to fly someone in for an interview ... unless they are very, very interested. This is to say, don't expect it but know that if you've got the experience and a really good cover letter (or maybe a web link) there is always a chance.

if you're in the state already just stay. The cost of a few nights in a hotel, meals, rental car can't be more than that of a ticket.

Keep in mind that you may have some issues if you get two offers. I have been in the situation where, if you turn down a job, they will refuse to pay the costs of the interview. I, personally, think that's somewhat cheeseparing, but that's how it is.

Public libraries normally don't pay but...I once interviewed, at my own expense, for a public library job across the country. The way they did the interview was that I went in front of a board for an hour and was told to "Go back to my hotel and wait" and , if they chose to continue with the interview they would call me. In that event they called later an hour later and told me "No thanks. Have a nice trip home." The director felt bad for me having come 3000 miles for a hour's interview and actually reimbursed me anyway so that was nice.

Really, you, as an applicant have no control over the interview except to decide if you're going to take it or not. The rest is in their court entirely.