Misadventures of the Monster Librarian

The last time I was job hunting was 2012, and while that wasn't that long ago, it seems it. I am a firm believer that you should update your resume every 4-6 months, including every speaking engagement, lecture, paper published, etc., so that when you are ready to job hunt you won't be stuck scratching your head about the details of what you've done since * insert year here . On the other hand it's the cover letters--I've sent out at least 25-30 since I began my job search in September--that are giving me grief. I found some interesting articles this weekend and thought I would pass them along in case you are too! 12 Great Cover Letter Examples for 2017 31 Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter Examples

Though I love my job I still read library job postings for a two reasons: 1. I am in the midst of re-writing our job descriptions, as they're outdated. 2. I update my resume every 6 months--I swear I'm not going anywhere!--I find it both a great way to make sure it is always fresh and want to make sure it's updated for the occasional times I've been asked to bring it to a meeting or presentation. Reading job postings always helps me refresh the language of my resume. And ok, if we're being honest, I'm curious about what's out there too! I also remember that feeling of desperation, dashing all over the internet to find job postings when I was hunting for the right fit, so if I can share anything that might help others, why not?! A bunch of library jobs posted via The Library Network, MI A bunch of library jobs posted via INALJ Michigan , updated 11/13 Director, Detroit Public Library FRIENDS of the Library Foundation , MI Director, Crawford Count...

The Huron County Community Library has 2 Youth Programming Clerk positions available for immediate hire.  The positions are at separate locations (Greenwich and Willard), 25 hpw, $7.95 - $9.00 depending on experience.  Candidates with teen programming experience especially desirable.  We are a member of SEO, using the ILS Symphony WorkFlows. Resumes received prior to November 15 will be given first consideration, please send to director@huroncolib.org Laura Lee Wilson, MLIS Library Director Huron County Community Library 6 West Emerald Street Willard, OH 44890 PH: 419-933-2544 FX: 419-933-4783 llwilson@huroncolib.org

I remember how hard it was finding library jobs when I was looking; feel like I spent entire afternoons just finding postings, hence why I like to pass along postings every once in a while. These are all in Connecticut: Adult Services Assistant, Case Memorial Director of Library Services, PT, Aldrich Free Public PT Library Assistant, Farmington Children's Services Dept. Head, Ridgefield

Library Director – Petoskey (MI) District Library Petoskey, Michigan has been a destination for generations. Make it your destination, too! The Petoskey District Library ’s new Library Director will be a critical contributor to the Petoskey arts and cultural community. The successful candidate will lead a committed, talented staff and active, vital Friends of the Library bringing innovation and creativity in generating new and effective library programs and services for the 14,568 residents of the City of Petoskey, Bear Creek Township, and Resort Township. Building on a new strategic plan outlining core values, the Director, with a five-member Board of Trustees, a $1.2 million budget, and a stunning, new Library (2004), will work to implement goals including, but not limited to, building relationships with surrounding townships, expanding library hours, and developing the talents of a dedicated team of library staff. Petoskey, MI , known for the famous “Petos...

Crown Point Community Library , with its two locations in Lake County, Indiana, serves 42,000 residents and is governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees.  Thirty-nine staff with a $1.6 million annual budget provide excellent library service. In 2010, the Library passed a successful $12 million bond issue and the “new” Crown Point Library opened in 2012. This position requires an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain and retain an Indiana Librarian Certificate 1; and ten years progressively responsible library experience (or six years library experience including three years of supervisory experience). The community of Crown Point offers excellent public schools, strong neighborhoods, and affordable housing. Please visit Crown Point Community Library Announcement for complete information and the supplemental links to learn more about the Library, Crown Point, and Lake County. The starting salary range is $62,000 to $74,000 (with p...

Webster City, IA – Kendall Young Library, Teen Librarian Kendall Young Library is seeking an enthusiastic, creative, tech-savvy, service-oriented Teen Librarian to join our staff.  The Teen Librarian plans and coordinates teen programming (grades 6-12) and is responsible for teen collection development.  Additionally, this position provides reference services for adults and teens; helps patrons use our digital and physical resources; and handles publicity for the library. Qualifications:  Bachelor’s Degree required.  Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) preferred.  New graduates and currently enrolled master’s students encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Preference will be given to applications received by June 1 . For more information about the position and how to apply, visit the Jobs section of the Kendall Young Library website.   And becaus...

Librarian – Youth Services Columbus Metropolitan Library The Librarian is r esponsible for providing specialized training and programming functions, collection analysis, Readers’ Advisory and in-depth reference services.  Provides training and guidance to other Public Services staff including the use of electronic resources and reference tools. Responsibilities: The Librarian is responsible of providing a high level of customer service and assists customers through various aspects of utilizing the Library, including expert level reference service in person, over the phone, by email, instant messaging, etc. Promotes behaviors and activities supporting early literacy skills and the advancement of reading. Creates displays and merchandises materials. Keeps abreast of developments within the profession, provides ongoing training on current trends, best practices and new technologies.  Maintains personal skills to assure quality of service in areas of Lib...

Passing along a job opportunity for you Midwesterners: The Bremen Public Library is looking for a Director for their Britannica Library Branch.  Go here and click on the Director position available tab for full posting. Good luck!

I remember how hard I searched for jobs when I was coming out of grad school, so that's why I've been periodically sharing what passes through my inbox. Young Minds Program Leader job opening at The Columbus Metropolitan Library THE POSITION: The Young Minds Program Leader has the opportunity to help address community needs identified in the library’s Young Minds strategy, our top priority. Building a foundation for a successful life is the outcome we strive to attain for the children we serve, and the work we do every day reflects this aspiration. This position is responsible for key areas in our Youth Services program that support our goals of preparing children, their parents and caregivers for kindergarten (Ready for Kindergarten); increasing school-age literacy and reading proficiency (Third Grade Reading – Ohio’s state mandated initiative; Summer Reading Club) and supporting high school graduation success (Homework Help). Columbus Metropolit...

This posting came to us from the State Library of Ohio, thought I would shareL "The State Library of Ohio is seeking an outgoing & enthusiastic Government Information Library Consultant.  This successful applicant will be a member of the team-oriented Library Development Department.  This position will coordinate and maintain all aspects of the Government Documents program at the State Library, Ohio’s only full regional federal depository, as well as assist Ohio libraries and librarians to understand and effectively leverage government information and data.  Deadline to apply is March 7 , 2014.  Learn More or Apply at http://bit.ly/1fU5HnP (Shorter URL) The State of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, religion, age, disability or military status in employment or the provision of services."

I'm finally beginning the process of hiring for our Children's Librarian position. I am both excited and stressed about the process; glad to hire someone that will definitely lighten my load and be a colleague to shoot ideas around with; stressed about the daunting process before me: going through resumes and cover letters, winnowing down candidates, doing the actual interviews, calling references. There are other things on the horizon that I want to write about...soon soon, but until then.

Tis' the season to be applying for jobs in the Library world of Ohio, especially as OPERS is changing and lots of the old 'uns are retiring, so do your self a favor and read this HuffPost article about what to avoid using in your resume. Some of the words: 1. Creative 2. Organizational 3. Effective 4. Motivated 5. Extensive experience 6. Track record 7. Innovative 8. Responsible 9. Analytical 10. Problem solving

I follow job postings, even though I am not looking, and it's kind of a joke with us library young 'uns, how many of the recent posts are for Directors and Assistant Directors. I'm sure OPERs (The Ohio Public Employees Retirement System) changing their retirement benefits effective in January 2013 has nothing to do with it. Anyway, if you're looking to bump up in the library world check out the Ohio Library Council's job listings here.

Yesterday and today were absolutely full with trying to order books. Because the former director left nearly 6 months ago and assumed there would be a replacement by the end of the summer, he only ordered through August releases--I started October 1st. What people outside libraries don't realize is that librarians generally will order months in advance, so all the work I did over the last two days was just catch up. Just ordered books with September and October release dates. Haven't even touched DVDs or audio yet. Fortunately in small town libraries we don't order a ton of those things, so I'm not too worried. Other highlights: Met with the former director for an hour and a half yesterday, which was so great as far as hearing how he did some things; have a bit of a hand off, so to speak. Started making calls to others in the community to start building/rekindle some of our outreach efforts with a local college, the local school system, and nearby pre-school. Spok...

The library closed at 5pm. I finished my work meeting at 7:30pm. I am about to go home. I am so tired, mentally drained, but happy. Two more days until the weekend.

Unpacking and getting geared up for my first day as a Library Director! I still can't believe it. So excited and terrified! Anyway, while I wrap my brain around this change, thought I would share a book review for The Grapes of Wrath. “The Dust Bowl of the 1930s lasted about a decade. Its primary area of impact was on the southern Plains. The northern Plains were not so badly affected, but nonetheless, the drought, windblown dust and agricultural decline were no strangers to the north. In fact the agricultural devastation helped to lengthen the Depression whose effects were felt worldwide. The movement of people on the Plains was also profound.” –“Modern American Poetry” page . Dust Bowl pics Set during the Dust Bowl, published in 1939, John Steinbeck's, The Grapes of Wrath, won the 1940 Pulitzer Prize (and was made into a movie later that year!); his novel paints a portrait of both the fictional Joad Family in their exodus from Oklahoma, and also an overview of the ...

Now that I've told all my family and friends, and it's been posted on Facebook, and my boss told the director and my coworkers, I can finally share my good news! I accepted a new position as a Library Director!! The shake-down: I interviewed for this position back in May! It is in a small, rural community It is flat, farmy Midwest corn country out there There is another full time librarian and a very small staff of part-timers The city is 3 hours west of my current job, so that means I'll be moving over the next few weeks (poor Hemingway--he's just starting to love our apartment) I am getting my new apartment next weekend--it has shag carpet, NO LIE!! I will be getting area rugs to put over top of that! First order of business: interview and hire another full time librarian to replace someone who just left; order childrens, teen, adult books for the fall!! I am so sad to be moving away from my Bro A3, sis-in-law Dayna, and my niece, but am glad that at least my...

Saw this posting on my alumni listserv, thought this job sounded cool, worth sharing: Barron Hilton Archivist for Flight and Space Exploration  (Assistant or Associate Professor) Purdue University Libraries seeks an energetic and user-centered professional archivist to manage and develop the Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives of the Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center into an internationally renowned resource documenting and preserving the history of flight and space exploration. Barron Hilton Archivist for Flight and Space Exploration (Assistant or Associate Professor) Purdue University Libraries seeks an energetic and user-centered professional archivist to manage and develop the Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives of the Karnes Archives and Special Collections Research Center into an internationally renowned resource documenting and preserving the history of flight and space exploration. The Hilton Archivist is r...

Got an email from the town library--where I have recently applied (for an Intermitten Sub position)--to set up an interview. Librarian M wanted me to have an interview this weekend, but I will be back in Michigan for my friend Stac's (and Jay's) wedding. I tried to set up an interview for next weekend when I am back, but then the Librarian will be on vacay. Apparently we are going to play a little email tag until we can pick a date. Librarian M (at Town Library) said that there is no rush as the budget for this position might not even kick in until July 1st. That is good. Getting this email was very encouraging. I have been thinking about library life a lot lately. Thinking of what I would be doing back in Library Land; preparing for Summer Reading, getting into that last-minute-what-needs-to-be-done-mode, as school winds down and parents and kids prepare to rush into the library, like waves onto a shore. It is not that I regret my decision to leave library life for farming, it...