Lovettsville Branch Library

I've accepted a job at the Lovettsville Branch Library, in Virginia!! I start on January 24th!! Yea me!! Check out their website HERE! I'll be the Youth Specialist there, working with children and teens. It's a great opportunity for me, especially as my first job after graduation. I'm a bit nervous because I haven't really done much in children's services, just the courses I have taken and the subbing I have done for different departments in San Antonio. So any tips and advice would be welcome. Also, any great sites for a new children's librarian would be welcome.

Thanks to everyone for your support!! I'll be posting more as time goes on!

Graduation pictures, as promised

Here are the pictures from graduation, last weekend:

ABOVE - This is a pic of two of my professors, Evelyn Curry and Mary Anne Kitchens, and myself. I had Curry for Reference and Kitchens for Public Library and Collection Development. It was cool to meet with them after all the online stuff during school.

BELOW - This is a shot my husband caught as the graduates came into the gym. They had great seats for this. Too bad my camera sucked otherwise I would have more to show.

2nd Interview!!

Loudoun County Library System called yesterday for a 2nd interview by video conference!! So, Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at a FedEx Kinko's, I will be meeting with them!! Isn't that great! This is for the 4,000 sq. ft. library in Lovettsville, VA, where I will be working with children of all ages, as well as helping out in other areas as needed. It sounds like a great opportunity for me!

Now I need to prepare for this interview, beyond what I did the last time. I want to research their library, spend some time on their site, using it. I want to look up the census information of their area, and beef up on my children's and teens stuff.

If anyone has any advice for a second interview, please comment. I need all the help I can get!!

I will post more later!!

12 hours until graduation!!

Well, I have left San Antonio for graduation, then North for Christmas, then on to D.C. We are staying at an R.V. park with my parents near TWU. Picked up the tickets for the ceremony, ironed my outfit, picked up my cap and gown. I can't wait until tomorrow. I just hope the weather is better than today. Rainy and grey and cold. Fun.

On the job front, I am taking a break from applying/looking for the weekend. Too much going on. I just hope I hear on some of the other applications I have put in. I need to make a list of what I have applied for on here, like a stats box on the side.

Jobs applied for
Interviews I've had
Jobs I've been turned down for

I'll have to count them up next week.

Well, have a good night. I'll post pictures of graduation soon!!

Had my 2nd phone interview...

Yeah for me! Had my 2nd phone interview this morning with Rappahannock Regional Library. It sounds like a great opportunity for me, as their Youth Librarian. Having had this one and one last week, I wanted to add some important questions to the interview possibilities, so that you and I can remember them in the future:

• What does the library bill of rights mean to you? What does it mean for the youth you serve?
• Have you worked with a team? What was your role? What was one positive and one negative experience as part of that team?
• Name some books for each age group that are your favorites and why.
• Name some books for children and teens that should ALWAYS be one the shelf.
• What is an ideal transaction at the desk?

And remember to have some questions for them. A co-worker gave me a great one the other day:

• What would be a challenge for an employee at this branch? (The first interview responded that I would have to be a jack of all trades. The second responded that I would be exhausted because of how busy they are.)
• Be sure to ask their open hours as well, how the schedule would work out. Also, the number of employees there because if one person calls in, does that mean you HAVE to go in?

Just some thoughts to ponder.

To Do List...

I've been so busy with dealing with the house and finishing up my coursework that I have to keep a list here of some positions I still need to apply for.

DCPL Children's Librarian
DCPL Adult Librarian
CIA Librarian Position
Prince George Librarian I position

I also need to register for the ALA Midwinter conference so that I can go and do the job interview circuit there. I hope there will be a few D.C. area employers there that I can speak with. We'll see.

Librarian Position with the CIA

Librarian

Work Schedule: Full time

GS Salary: $52,000-$92,000

Location: Washington, D.C., metropolitan area

Librarians are the U.S. Intelligence Community experts in researching, exploiting, and managing a variety information sources. The Open Source Center is seeking trained, innovative, customer-service oriented applicants to join the CIA Library. The CIA regularly provides current information to the President of the United States and senior government officials, and Librarians regularly play an essential role by researching the critical information needs of our various offices.

Librarians also have opportunities to relocate within other Agency offices, serving as research/resource experts for their particular needs. Our Library maintains strong working relationships with the Library of Congress, other Intelligence Community libraries, as well as with selected academic institutions and other resources. Librarians must have strong communication, presentation, and to determine appropriate information resources to meet customer requirements. Work may include research, serials management, cataloging, collection development, instruction on library services, acquisition of hardcopy and electronic information resources, and customer service.

Positions are in the metropolitan Washington, DC area. In addition to salary and benefits, Librarians may qualify for the Central Agency's Corporate Language Hiring Bonus Program and may receive additional language incentive pay and awards under the CIA's Corporate Language Program. Librarians may also have the opportunity for further librarian, language and area studies, as well as other relevant training.

Minimum requirements include a Master's degree in Library or Information Science, excellent communications skills, strong critical thinking/analytic skills, and well-developed research skills. Candidates with reading and research ability in critical foreign languages are strongly desired. All applicants must pass a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and a security background investigation. U.S. citizenship is required. To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants generally must not have used illegal drugs within the last 12 months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to 12 months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.

Interviews will be held the weeks of 7 and 14 January 2008 in the Philadelphia area. To be considered for an interview, please e-mail Sharon at sharonda@ucia.com and apply to the Librarian job posting on the CIA website: http://www.cia.gov/ no later than 19 December 2007.

Great practice interview for children's services

Found this interview at http://www.job-interview.net/sample/Librarysamp.htm



Practice Interview

1. How does your education and experience qualify you for the position of Children's Librarian? Focus on the aspects of your education and experience that apply to this position especially your experience working with children.


2. Why did you choose a career as a Librarian?


3. Tell us about your training in working with children. Address academic and job training.


4. What steps would you take in developing a summer reading program for elementary school children?


5. What programs or activities have you developed to encourage children to read?


6. As the Children's Librarian, how would you go about strengthening our library's relationship with local schools?


7. How would you handle a disruptive child during a story session?


8. An irate parent comes to your desk complaining that her child's jacket was stolen while the child visited the library with her class. What will you do?


9. What training or education have you undertaken to increase your contribution as a Children's Librarian?


10. Do you have anything to add? Summarize by emphasize your qualifications as they apply to this job. Also cover anything you missed from your opening.

This has helped me a lot. It made me think about what I did in my coursework as well as on the job.

Got a call today!!!

A few weeks ago I applied at the Central Rappahannock Regional Library system for a Youth Services position. It was filled when I did so and a woman from their HR department actually called to let me know. I thought that was great. It's better than not knowing!

So today, while I was packing up my house (yep, I'm in the middle of a move, trying to graduate, AND am looking for meaningful employment) this same woman called and left a message saying that the position was still open and that she wanted to speak with me further!! Isn't that great! I'm am so excited about it. So I hope to speak with her tomorrow. I'm going to have to carry my information around with me while doing errands in case she calls. Tomorrow is going to be busy!!

Also, wish me luck on my phone interview with Loudoun County! I've been preping all night. Being fresh out of school (almost) makes me feel so inadequate sometimes, since I don't have much experience working in the children's or teen departments. I've never coordinated large things there, only in reference. I have to lean on my coursework more for this. With a positive attitude I know I will do well tomorrow!

Student Blog from Library Journal

Check out this blog from Library Journal, covering issues relevant to library school students, especially the job search.



Student Affairs

Great article from Library Journal...

There is a great article on the Library Journal website about searching for librarian jobs. It has some good advice for those of us just starting out. Thanks to Adam for sending me the link!

A Formula for Success by Duke C. Darkwolf 11/15/2007

Let me know what you think!!

Nothing new...

Everyday I go through the links on the right checking for any new job openings. It only takes a few minutes to do so, but it's frustrating to not see any new positions. For example, Arlington has had an opening for a Librarian II for Youth Services open for a while. If one of their I's could just step up, then their job would be up for grabs!! Maybe they don't have any I's for the job. Arlington would be a good place to work. My husband works in Arlington and their system has money. That area is very wealthy, which is why we'll be living elsewhere! Too expensive for what we want (small garage and back yard).

Another Prince William Opening

Librarian I (Selection Services)

Position No: 922037
Department: Library
Location: Woodbridge, VA
Grade: 13
Salary: $41,853.50 - $66,965.60 / Year
Closing Date: 12/11/2007
Entry Salary Range: $41,853.50 - $53,991.08 / Year
Permanent Full Time

Duties: Regular full-time position (37.5 hours weekly), Monday through Friday. Selects adult non-fiction print materials for four full service and six neighborhood libraries. Responds to patron and staff collection inquires and suggestions. Works with cataloging staff to identify the best call number for problematic items. Evaluates items for weeding, replacement or transfer. Trains branch collection maintenance staff in weeding and collection issues and guidelines. Assists branch staff with weeding duties resulting from special projects. Meets with publisher representatives as appropriate. Works the Information Desk at a full-service library three hours per week.

Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibilities: General professional knowledge of library policies, procedures, materials and practices, including: materials selection and collection development, information tools and searching techniques; service talks and other public relations methods; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and library patrons.

Education and Experience: Requires a Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college/university. (This is an entry-level professional librarian position).

Special Requirements: N/A

Preferences: Knowledge or experience with public library adult selection principles and practices, including print, non-print and web based resources used in collection development; public library experience desirable.

Prince William County Opening Librarian I

Librarian I

Position No: 898023
Department: Library
Location: Manassas, VA
Grade: 13
Salary: $21.46 - $34.34 / Hour
Closing Date: 12/7/2007
Entry Salary Range: $21.46 - $27.69 / Hour
Permanent Part Time

Duties: Part-time position at Central Community Library located in Manassas, Virginia (15 hours weekly). Duties include providing information and reference services on the adult and children's information desk. Scheduling flexibility imperative. Schedule will include one evening a week, some daytime hours and Sundays (mid-September-first week in June).

Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibilities: General professional knowledge of library policies, procedures, materials and practices, including: information tools and searching techniques; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and library patrons.

Education and Experience: Requires a Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited college/university. (This is an entry-level professional librarian position).

Special Requirements: N/A

Preferences: Successful candidate should have experience with reference sources, on-line information retrieval, and reader’s advisory.

Phone Interview

Got a call earlier this week for a phone interview!! It is for a Youth Services Librarian for the Loundon County Public Library in Virginia. I have to do some prep. before then, going over the questions they are sending (which I will post later so you all have an idea of what to expect), and I have to prepare a story time, reading to them over the phone. I think I'll put together a winter themed storytime for preschoolers, with two or three books and some songs and rhymes. We'll see. So, wish me luck!! I'll let you know how it goes!!

Job listservs...

Here is the info I promised about the listservs from local accredited schools near D.C.

Catholic University offers a job listserv for students, alumni, and all job seekers. I will post this in the links area to the right as well. This link will take you to the directions page on how to subscribe.

Catholic University Job Listserv

The University of Maryland also has a listserv but it states that it is for "students, faculty, staff, and alumni." In case you are any of these, the link to the listserv page is below.

University of Maryland Listserv

Alexandria Part-Time Lib. I opening...

Alexandria Library has an opening for a Part-time (25 hrs. per week) Librarian in their Local History/Special Collections department. Information is below:

Duties: Answers reference questions using traditional, electronic, and Internet sources in an efficient and courteous manner. Assists patrons in using the collection to answer local and Virginia history questions. Helps patrons with genealogical inquiries and databases. Creates internet exhibits for the library web page showcasing materials found in the Special Collections Branch. Works with archival resources. Interprets policies and procedures of the library for the public. Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of reference sources; ability to instruct patrons using various technologies. Ability to work in-depth with patrons on historical and genealogical subjects. Ability to assist a diverse population of patrons in a calm and courteous manner. Ability to work well with others as well as independently. Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations.

Schedule: 25 hours per week Monday 9am - 4 pm; Tuesday 9am - 4 pm, Wednesday 1pm - 9 pm, Friday 9 am - 4 pm. Each day includes a one hour meal period. Saturdays in rotation with other staff members.

Location: Local History/Special Collections, Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria
Salary: $19.40 - $21.389 per hour, doq. Eligible for prorated annual and sick leave, health insurance, retirement, life insurance and disability insurance.

Qualifications: M.L.S. degree from an ALA accredited library school, or completion of course work towards a master’s degree from an ALA accredited library school will be considered. Virginia certification or Virginia provisional certification is required within six months of hire date. Knowledge of Virginia and American history preferred. Interest in genealogy a plus.

Contact:
Send/FAX resume to:Send resume and library application to: George Combs Special Collections/Local History Branch Manager 717 Queen St. Alexandria, VA 22314 703.838.4577 x213 703.706.3912 (Fax)

Apply online as well HERE

Open until Friday, November 23, 2007 at 6 p.m.

A bit too late...

I was so excited, there was a voicemail message from the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, in regards to my application. It's 47 miles away from where my husband currently works, but we could live in between, no problem. I called her back, left another message. She finally got a hold of me just to tell me that it was already filled. Kind of a bummer. I am happy that she called to tell me that because I hate not knowing.

On the up side of things, she is going to keep my application for future professional openings and asked that I contact her when I get into the area in case she has any part-time or sub positions available.

She also mentioned checking out Catholic University and the University of Maryland since they are the only ALA accredited library schools in the area and may offer career help or job listings. She wasn't sure if this was only offered to their students or if they had a website open to everyone. My school has a listserv that sends out job announcements. But you have to be a student or an alum. I'll check the schools out and post back later if anything pans out.

How do I find jobs in Charles County???

Okay, I have looked at the library's page for Charles County. Nothing about jobs there. I have gone to the county's page. Nothing there either. I have chatted online with a Maryland librarian through the AskNow system, but they were not from there and had no clue either. I have e-mailed the library's reference department but have not received a response!!



So, can anyone tell me how to get a job in Charles County, Maryland, with the library??? That is the county that my husband wants to live in, but they only have three libraries. I going to have to call them instead of trying to find answers online. It's just so late every time I remember!! Argh!!

Attention MLS Students!!!

Was making the usual rounds of the library systems around D.C. and found a new opening!! Check out the Prince George's County Memorial Library System to see the opening for a Librarian I!! What is even better is that they put a statement on the page about accepting MLS students in their last semester!! How perfect is that?? I haven't applied for anything is this county yet so it was really cool to find this today. Pretty much the highlight of my day!!

Not Forwarded...

What the heck does "Not Forwarded" mean? I have recently applied for a Young Adult Librarian position and the application status reads "Not Forwarded."

I called the analyst at the HR department, left a message. A couple of days later I left another message. Then I e-mailed the HR department. Finally I received a response. The analyst told me that the library is looking for previous experience, especially since they received a lot of resumes. I replied, reminding him that I have 2.5 years of experience in an urban library, in reference, children's, and teen departments.

So, he forwarded it on to the library, so that they could answer my question. What to know why it was discarded? I don't have my MLS, yet. I am a month away from graduation, so I do not qualify. They don't have a policy like my current job has to hire within six months of graduation. It's all or nothing. That really bites 'cause the position sounded perfect!! It also sucks because I applied, before knowing this, to another position with their system, for a part-time young adult librarian. Oh well, I'll re-apply after December 10th!!

Job hunting around D.C.

Welcome to my blog where you will find out about my hunt for a librarian position in and around the D.C. area. I'm about to graduate from a library school in Texas and will be heading out after Christmas, to the D.C area. I will be adding links, job opportunities, tips, and more about how to get employed! I'll also be adding my personal triumphs and disasters so that you may benefit from my experience! So stay tuned for more to come!!