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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 4/17/2008
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Location: NY
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Hi!
I must say, I really enjoy reading the LISjobs Message Boards. I have learned a lot from opinions and insights.
I am approaching the end of the MLIS program and will graduate in August.
I originally thought I wanted to become a school librarian, however, after working in school library for almost a year, I realized it was not the right choice for me. I felt like the school librarian's role wasn't valued and that the library was just a drop off place for teachers.
I think I would enjoy becoming an academic science librarian (if I could find a job) since I feel it would be mentally a stimulating environment to work in and would enjoy working on a college campus. Also, I hold a B.S. in a science discipline. However, I don't feel like I would be making the difference that I would like. I really want to impact people's lives.
I have started exploring becoming a youth services librarian. The youth services librarians I have talked to all hold a passion for working with the public and youth.
A little more background about me...B.S. in a science, 6 years as an officer in the Navy, 3 years of volunteer experience with youth (birth to teenagers) while I was a stay at home dad.
Has anyone worked for both academic and public libraries? I would enjoy how you would compare and contrast the settings (though I know every individual library within each setting is unique). I have to make a choice pretty soon for a summer internship. Thanks!
M
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Location: Lake Villa, IL
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I haven't worked the "academic" end, but it occurs to me that you might want to "split the difference" and consider community colleges. The collections are seldom very deep (there's no real research being done), but often deeper than at a public library and w/o much fiction. Plus you'd get to work with at least some younger people and a lot of very bright people who are not research oriented.
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I worked in an academic science library for 5 years as a student assistant while I got my degree. The librarians who worked in the library seemed like they spent most of their time purchasing books for the library. When I received a reference question I couldn't answer, I'd call one of them out and they'd help the patron... but honestly they were usually back in their offices, so you may be right that you may not feel completely satisfied with that job.
I did an internship in a public library with the young adult librarian. I think this could be a really rewarding job, but it all seems to depend on the director and your coworkers. Some libraries still don't want teens in the library because they're too loud or whatever. I've seen librarians kick teens out of the library for doing the same thing I have seen adult patrons do over and over. Like I said though, if you're in a library that really supports YAs, then it can be a great job and you can really help teens find a safe place to be after school, get them interested in reading and learning, and help them succeed in school.
If you're interested in making a difference, what about a librarian position in a correctional facility or juvenile detention center?
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Rank: Advanced Member
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I'm surprised that people don't think of college and university libraries as vibrant environments. I think it's a great place to work, especially if you like working with people. Science librarians are very much in demand, and you could look for a college with a strong science program or with a small science library where you'd get to develop relationships with students and faculty.
My experience has not been that reference librarians spend their time at their desk buying books. Researching reference questions, prepping for instruction classes, and creating online tools... that's how I see my colleagues spending their office time, when they're not teaching or working at the desk.
In terms of making a difference: that's up to each of us to decide, but I find tremendous satisfaction in helping undergraduates learn how to research or find important information they need. I'm not sure librarians anywhere are saving lives, but I think there's a good amount of opportunity for doing good in the college setting.
Plus academic jobs pay better. I'm guessing better benefits and more vacation time too.
If you're graduating in August, now is the time to apply. Start looking for those science jobs, and you might be pleasantly surprised.
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Science_lib wrote:I think I would enjoy becoming an academic science librarian (if I could find a job) since I feel it would be mentally a stimulating environment to work in and would enjoy working on a college campus. Also, I hold a B.S. in a science discipline. However, I don't feel like I would be making the difference that I would like. I really want to impact people's lives. What do you mean by or expect for "impact"? I feel very much that I have great impact on the instruction and research activities of faculty, staff, and students.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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SaraD wrote:I worked in an academic science library for 5 years as a student assistant while I got my degree. The librarians who worked in the library seemed like they spent most of their time purchasing books for the library. When I received a reference question I couldn't answer, I'd call one of them out and they'd help the patron... but honestly they were usually back in their offices, so you may be right that you may not feel completely satisfied with that job. Not all academic libraries operate in this manner. The subject specialists in my library are responsible for collection development, instruction, and reference activities. Collection development receives our smallest amount of effort as we use approval plans for the bulk of our ordering. We spend much more time interacting with the users in various activities.
Brian C. Gray Head of Reference & Engineering Librarian Kelvin Smith Library Case Western Reserve University http://blog.case.edu/bcg8bcg8@case.edu
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Rank: Newbie
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Joined: 4/17/2008
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Location: NY
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Hi!
Thanks everyone for the responses. I enjoyed reading them all.
Sara, I realize that all libraries are different and it is great to hear an insiders view of one library. All of the librarians I have talked to in every type of library really love their jobs. What type of library do you work in (if you don't mind sharing)?
Bob, I will definitely check out community colleges. When I was in high school and after I graduated, the community college was a great place of learning for me.
Brian, I take back my "impact" statement. I realize that all librarians can impact the community that they serve. What I initially meant is I wanted to make a difference in people's personal lives. For example, a teacher can have a long lasting personal impact on some students' lives. The teacher can inspire a student for life. I know because I had some teachers like that. I was exploring becoming a youth services librarian in the inner city because I felt like I could make the most difference there in lives of others. However, I realize that I can impact people's lives no matter what I do. I had an advisor in college who has mentored for me for 14 years. I only interacted with him a few times as a student but we kept in touch.
Joan, I surely will start applying and see what happens.
Now I am going to focus on what I would actually like to do in a job, what would make me feel fulfilled. I think if I feel fulfilled in what I do, then I can impact whatever type of community of users I serve.
Thanks again!
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