Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Opening - Prince William County - Librarian I

Prince William County
Librarian I - (Youth Services)
Closing Date: 05/30/2008

Position No: 945054
Department: Library
Location: Manassas, VA
Grade: 13
Salary: $41,853.50 - $66,965.60 / Year
Closing Date: 5/30/2008
Entry Salary Range: $41,853.50 - $53,991.08 / Year Permanent Full Time

Why You should work for Prince William County
Frequently Asked Questions
Prince William County Library

Introduction:
The Prince William Public Library System is seeking a dynamic professional to join the Youth Services staff at Bull Run Regional Library. If you enjoy working with children and are looking for a position that is exciting, rewarding, challenging and closer to home, apply today to join the Prince William team.

Duties:
* Full-time position available (37.5 hours weekly) located at Bull Run Regional Library. * Provide information and reference services by phone and in person utilizing on-line databases and library materials; * Develop, plan, select materials and provide programs for youth such as storytimes, craft programs, readers' advisory, and school visits. * Maintain knowledge of current titles and public interests. * Assist with in-house collection maintenance and special projects. * Schedule will include daytime hours, one night per week, and Saturdays in rotation with other staff members.

Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibilities:
* General professional knowledge of library policies, procedures, materials and practices, including information tools and searching techniques, service talks and other public relations methods;* General knowledge of standard office equipment to include personal computer and applicable software;* Ability to evaluate library service problems and participate in obtaining resolutions;* Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and library patrons;* Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

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

Special Requirements:
N/A

Preferences:
* Knowledge of children's and/or young adult reference sources, on-line reference service, reader's advisory, and programming skills.

Click Here to Apply

Were we dupped?

According to a post by the Annoyed Librarian, we all were duped into thinking that there would be plenty of librarian positions out there for the taking, especially when the older ones retired. Do you think that ALA and the library schools duped eager students just for money? Of is the Annoyed Librarian wrong? Read this article and let me know.

As for my own experience, there were a lot of positions around the D.C. area when I was looking. I applied to a ton of them, but was only interviewed for two. The others tossed my application because I didn't have my degree in hand. Would they consider me now?

I'm now in a position where they hired me because I was fresh out of school, eager to learn and to please. I was the only person they didn't meet in person (phone interview and video conference) but I was hired. I am head of youth services in this small branch, with one assistant, so I am confident that I will be able to compete well when I need to move on. But you need to get that first job to feel this way. And it was nerve-wracking to think that the job market wasn't as advertised to me by my school and by ALA. I hunted everyday for openings, practiced interview questions, read and re-read my resume until my eyes strained. I don't know what you can do differently, there isn't much.

My advice, though, is to apply as early as 8-6 months before you NEED the job, because we are talking about government agencies here. It took 8 months for them to even call me for a library assistant job back in Texas. Hiring freezes are a reality, so be prepared.

So anyway, read the article. Form your own opinion. Proceed with caution.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Job Opening at D.C. Public Library

District of Columbia Public Library
Librarian, YA

Responsibilities: Under the general supervision of the Chief, Young Adult Division the incumbent provides reference and advisory services to young adult customers; guides library customers inthe use of the Library's on-line public access catalog as well as in wide range of print and other electronic and web-based reference resources; advises readers onthe relevance, and quality of particular titles from the circulating collections in meeting customer's informational needs, shares with colleagues of the Division in collection building activities as assigned; creates reference aides (e.g., bibliographies, pathfinders, guides, indexes) to assist library customers to gain greater access to specific and desired contents of the Library's YA collections; plans and executes high-interest programs, such as authors books talks and signings to meet both student and adult interests. performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications: CS-9: A Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school is required. CS-11: A minimum of one year's experience at the CS-9 grade level in the 1410 Librarian series or equivalent experience. In addition, education and/or experience that have provided broad knowledge of young adult services and programs are especially desirable. All applicants must present a combination of experience, education, skill, self-development, and expertise that demonstrates the capacity to perform the duties of the position.

Salary and Benefits: CS-9 $41,923 - $53,983 per annum CS-11 $50,510 - $65,126 per annum

Application Process: Submit D.C. Government Employment Application Form and resume to the Human Resources Department, Room 423, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001 or email to hr.dcpl@dc.gov. For more information and to obtain an application, go to www.dclibrary.org - Posted April 23, 2008.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Blantant Berry: The Vanishing Librarians

For the past several years, many have said that now is the time to be a librarian, that the profession is greying. There are a lot of opportunities out there for new librarians, and I was encouraged by that news.

But now, after reading an article in Library Journal, that may be changing with technology. All of these new jobs may not be needed as the library turns into a Barnes & Noble, where clerks rely on the computer for help in any subject. Professional librarians may only be able to find work with corporations such as Amazon or B&N, making lists for them for the online content.

Here is the article about "deskilling." Read it and let me know what you think!

Blantant Berry: The Vanishing Librarians
The Library Becomes a Dehumanized Supermarket or a Chaotic Bookstore
By John N. Berry III
Library Journal 02/15/2008

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Montgomery County, MD Hiring Freeze

Just an FYI for those seeking a librarian position in Montgomery County, Maryland:

"Effective January 7, 2008, hiring has been suspended for County government vacant positions. A very limited number of jobs in public safety and direct front line service positions are exempt from the hiring freeze. Additionally, departments may request an exemption to fill positions based on other critical or emergency needs. The vacancies displayed here, therefore, may not be processed or filled if they do not meet these criteria. Please check the web site in the next few days for additional information.

Thank You.

Joseph Adler, Director"

--taken from http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/content/ohr/career/

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Loudoun County - Extended Close Date

This position is now OPEN UNTIL FILLED:

LIBRARIAN - TEEN
Recruitment #08-S245-193



Date Opened: 1/4/2008 8:00:00 AM
Closing Date: Open until filled
Hiring Range: $37,314 - $50,374
Department: LIBRARY SERVICES
Job Type: Open and Competitive
Full/Part-Time:

Full-Time
Eligible For: Full Benefits
Reg/Temp:

Regular

JOB DESCRIPTION

Are you a librarian ready for an exciting challenge? Do you relate well with teens and enjoy teen literature? Do you have dozens of surprisingly wonderful ideas that you can’t wait to implement? Yes? We may have the job of your dreams with the Loudoun County Public Library. This person will devise innovative, enriching programs that will interest teens. They will work with other system teen staff on the Summer Reading Program, Teen Tech Week, and Teen Read Week. They will assist in coordinating the award winning “After Hours” Teen Center program, work with teen volunteers, assist teens with electronic resources and assist patrons of all ages at the reference desk. Ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and creative team player with excellent communication skills and dedication to customer service. Schedule will vary, including weekends and evenings.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school and must obtain certification as a professional librarian by the Commonwealth of Virginia within 6 months of hire. Prefer library experience.


Click HERE to apply.

Alexandria Position - Extended Closing Date

Librarian I - Reference/Photographs Librarian - 20 Hours/week - 1 position

Duties:
Works with other Staff members in assisting patrons with reference inquiries. Maintains Photograph Collection and makes accessible to library users. Creates web exhibits and strives to improve access to library collections. Works to raise profile of Special Collections Branch by highlighting holdings.

Skills & Abilities:
Applicant should posses a good working knowledge of current reference standards and practices. Familiarity with genealogy, American and Virginia history is helpful. Knowledge of and experience with organizing and maintaining images is preferred. Ability to use MS Word, Excel and Access a plus. The successful applicant needs an understanding of and/or experience with building and using relational databases, graphic file formats and resolutions and what situations require a particular format.

Schedule:
20 hours per week. T 1 - 9pm, Th 9 am - 5 pm, F 11 am - 6 pm. Will have to work Saturdays in rotation.

Location:
Local History/Special Collections, Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria

Salary:
$19.40 per hour. Pro-rated annual and sick leave.

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school. Applicant must posses or obtain a license to practice as a registered professional librarian issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Contact:

Send/FAX resume to:
Complete on-line application and send/FAX resume to: George K. Combs Special Collections 717 Queen St. Alexandria VA 22314 FAX 703.706.3912 Please FAX/send cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Closing Date: Feb. 8th, 2008 Apply Online


Friday, January 25, 2008

Modern librarians are hip, tech-saavy

My mom sent me an article from the Grand Rapids Press in Michigan, about librarians. It's a great read. Here is the LINK. It was written by Morgan Jarema.

1st day on the job

Started my 1st day at the library today! It was great! Even the 40 minute drive wasn't bad. All I need are some books on CD and I'm set!

Basically, there are 6 people who work at this library, and I am one of only 2 librarians. I can't wait to dig into the program stuff, and there is a lot of it. The summer reading program schedule is due the 8th!!

I have an assistant, who is wonderful. She seems really happy to have someone here who can do all of the decisions and tedious stuff so she can enjoy what she does. She sent me about a million e-mails so far to catch me up on the system's plans for SRP and Teen Tech Week. It's gonna be great!

As soon as I have a working camera, I will put up some photos of the library so you can see where I work. And don't worry, I plan on keeping this blog up-to-date with job opportunities in the area, and any helpful tips I can give or find!

So here is happy hunting in the job world! Hope you are as lucky as I seem to be!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Prince George County Job Fair

It's a new year and time for a new career! Attend our Job Fair and learn about our opportunities for Librarians!

Friday, January 25, 2008
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Oxon Hill Branch Library
Meeting Room
6200 Oxon Hill Road
Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Unable to attend our Job Fair? Contact us for an Employment Application at:

Voice 301-699-3500 x 229;
TTY 301-808-2061; or
email HumanResources@pgcmls.info.

Position Title: Librarian I (eligibility list effective for six months)
Location: Various Locations throughout the Library System in Prince George's County, Maryland

Hours: Full (40 hours/week) and Part-time (20 and 30 hours/week). All schedules include a combination of daytime, evening and Saturday hours.

If you are within a semester of finishing your Master's Degree in Library Science you may still be considered for a librarian position!

Visit our web site for more information, http://www.pgcmls.info/

Gabrielle Tibbs
Human Resources Specialist - Staffing
Prince George's County Memorial Library System
6532 Adelphi Road, Hyattsville, MD 20782
Voice 301-699-3500 x 230,
TTY 301-808-2061,
Fax 301-927-6516

Thursday, January 17, 2008

New blog...

I have started a new blog that will chronicle my time as the Lovettsville Children's Librarian. It's called Storytime in Lovettsville. It is a place for me to store and share my storytime and programming adventures, and where local residents can go to see what is happening at the library for their children. So stop by and leave a comment! It would be great to hear from you!!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Fairfax County Public Library called...

Yesterday somebody called from the Fairfax County Public Library, requesting an interview for a Children's Librarian position that I applied for back in December. I was turned down for two other jobs from this county because I didn't have my degree in hand, which bummed me out majorly because this is the county that I wanted to work in due to it's proximity to Ken's work in Arlington.

They wanted an interview for next Tuesday, and I entertained the idea. If I took the interview, I would have to put our house search on hold because this job is in a totally different location that would be difficult to drive to from where we were looking. It's a children's position, which I really wanted teen or both teen and children. Also, after having visiting Lovettsville, I had a really good vibe from there, that it was a place I could work well with. Putting the house search on hold and having to research this position stressed me out so I said forget it. I am fine where I'm at, and I want to move out of this hotel. If it turns out that the commute is wearing on me, I can always transfer to a more southern branch in the system, closer to my home. Our lease is only for a year, so I could always move to a different system if I want to later. Why not give this job a chance?

So now that I have made the decision, applied for a townhome, I am feeling much better. I hope we get accepted and can move in this weekend. That would be great! Then, I can report to work next Thursday!! YEA!!

So, if you plan on applying to Fairfax County, be sure that you have graduated already. Their HR analysts will toss your resume if you haven't yet, regardless if you are about to. I was less than a month away from my degree, but no go. Even the woman who called about the interview lamented that their HR people do that.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Teen Librarian - Loudoun County Virginia

LIBRARIAN - TEEN
Recruitment #08-S245-193



Date Opened: 1/4/2008 8:00:00 AM
Closing Date: 1/18/2008 11:59:00 PM
Hiring Range: $37,314 - $50,374
Department: LIBRARY SERVICES
Job Type: Open and Competitive
Full/Part-Time:

Full-Time
Eligible For: Full Benefits
Reg/Temp:

Regular

Are you a librarian ready for an exciting challenge? Do you relate well with teens and enjoy teen literature? Do you have dozens of surprisingly wonderful ideas that you can’t wait to implement? Yes? We may have the job of your dreams with the Loudoun County Public Library. This person will devise innovative, enriching programs that will interest teens. They will work with other system teen staff on the Summer Reading Program, Teen Tech Week, and Teen Read Week. They will assist in coordinating the award winning “After Hours” Teen Center program, work with teen volunteers, assist teens with electronic resources and assist patrons of all ages at the reference desk. Ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic and creative team player with excellent communication skills and dedication to customer service. Schedule will vary, including weekends and evenings.

Requires a Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school and must obtain certification as a professional librarian by the Commonwealth of Virginia within 6 months of hire. Prefer library experience.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:


Fill out the Application NOW using the Internet. apply online
If you have questions about how to apply online, you may contact us by phone at (703) 777-0213 or e-mail us at HR@loudoun.gov.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Alexandria Librarian I Position

Librarian I - Reference/Photographs Librarian - 20 Hours/week - 1 position

Duties:
Works with other Staff members in assisting patrons with reference inquiries. Maintains Photograph Collection and makes accessible to library users. Creates web exhibits and strives to improve access to library collections. Works to raise profile of Special Collections Branch by highlighting holdings.

Skills & Abilities:

Applicant should posses a good working knowledge of current reference standards and practices. Familiarity with genealogy, American and Virginia history is helpful. Knowledge of and experience with organizing and maintaining images is preferred. Ability to use MS Word, Excel and Access a plus. The successful applicant needs an understanding of and/or experience with building and using relational databases, graphic file formats and resolutions and what situations require a particular format.

Schedule:
20 hours per week. T 1 - 9pm, Th 9 am - 5 pm, F 11 am - 6 pm. Will have to work Saturdays in rotation.

Location:

Local History/Special Collections, Barrett Library, 717 Queen St., Alexandria

Salary:
$19.40 per hour. Pro-rated annual and sick leave.

Qualifications:
Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited library school. Applicant must posses or obtain a license to practice as a registered professional librarian issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Contact:

Send/FAX resume to:
Complete on-line application and send/FAX resume to: George K. Combs Special Collections 717 Queen St. Alexandria VA 22314 FAX 703.706.3912 Please FAX/send cover letter, resume and three professional references.

Closing Date: Jan. 25th, 2008

Sunday, January 13, 2008

DC_Kidlit

Joined a Yahoo book group today, called DC_Kidlit. It is a book club for adults who enjoy discussing children's literature. The book club meets once a month in the Washington D.C. area.

The book club is open to librarians, teachers, authors, illustrators, parents, and anyone who would like to discuss children's books. The club's selections will feature a variety of book genres.

This Yahoo group is for planning, organizing and communicating about upcoming meetings and books.

Visit this LINK to get an invitation to the group.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

45 Minute Drive!!

We took a drive up to Lovettsville today, just so we could gauge the length of my commute. It took about 45-50 minutes to get there, and from everyone around here says, that's an average commute. The drive up is picturesque, with rolling hills and fenced pastures. The town of Lovettsville is small but homey, with a nice feel to it. We went by the library, which is about 4,500 sq. ft. It was quiet, with most people outside enjoying the unusual January weather. The branch manager was in today, Chuck, so we finally got to meet in person, after a phone interview and a video conference. I also met Kathy, who works the circulation desk. It was great to meet them, and to see where I will be working.

After meeting them, Ken and I headed over to the community center where there was a book sale going on. There I met my assistant, Barbara, and her daughter, and picked up some great books. Chuck bought me a Lovettsville, Virginia t-shirt too, as a welcome gift. It was a great day.

I start work on the 24th, with an orientation in Sterling, VA. Then I head up to Lovettsville the next day.

I just wish I had a place to live. We are still in an efficiency, crammed into one room and both cars. I know the dog hates it, and it's starting to get to me as well. We've been looking for a place to rent for over a week, and have beened passed over on the one application we put in because the other couple applying didn't have a dog. It was a great place too. Oh well. I'm not going to let it stress me out.