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.