Working Knowledge
A Monthly Column about Life on the Job
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By Elisa F. Topper
American Libraries Columnist
Elisa F. Topper is a career consultant in the Chicago area. Contact her at working@ala.org.
Column for September 2003
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I have served as an administrator in a public library for the past 15 years, after working my way up from an entry-level reference librarian position. Over the years, the stress from working long hours, dealing with personnel issues, and wading through many levels of bureaucracy have taken a toll, and I have decided I'd like to return to my first love—reference. Is it possible to take deliberate steps down the career ladder? Am I unrealistic in thinking that I can easily go back?
Tired at the Top
The best advice I can give is a quote from Confucius: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Give yourself points for recognizing that your job is no longer enjoyable; many people never do and end up staying in positions that become “work” rather than the core of a satisfying career.
In the past, the general rule was that success came from climbing that career ladder. But recently we have seen corporate executives, presidential advisors, and others give up key positions in order to achieve another kind of success: a well-balanced life incorporating work they love. I commend you on wanting to find this balance. A few words of advice as you look to move to a different rung on the library-career ladder:
•Your years as an administrator may not be viewed as actual reference experience. Refresh your skills and build current experience with a part-time evening or weekend reference position.
•You'll need to convince potential employers that you could be content working in a lesser position. Be prepared to answer questions about the difference in salary and why you're making the change.
•For a personal account of such a transition, see Julie C. Blake's “The (D)evolution of a Director” (AL, Oct. 2002, p. 62-63).
•Be patient and, meanwhile, stay active in your local library organizations, especially those that promote reference services.
I have held various positions in public libraries throughout the years, moving up from paraprofessional to professional librarian. I am now trying to make a career shift toward employment in a school library. Here's my dilemma: My former employer, when asked to give references, will only provide “yes” or “no” answers to questions regarding the dates of my employment and whether I would be hired again. How do I work around this?
Need a Few More Good Words
When it comes to what references say about you, the rule of “less is more” does not apply. You are smart to want to avoid using as a reference someone who can only verify dates and similar facts about your employment; even if your performance was exemplary and your former employer is just following company policy, it can still look suspicious to a prospective employer. But your reference pool may be larger than you think: Consider asking former library-school professors, current or former coworkers, your current immediate supervisor, and colleagues in professional or volunteer organizations—in short, anyone who knows your work and is willing to vouch for your skills. Once you have permission from your references, be sure they have copies of your current résumé and information about the job you're applying for; that will give them the chance to prepare a few notes before any potential employer comes calling.
READER RESPONSE
For the most part I agreed with your column on dressing for job-hunting, but the most important thing a potential employee can wear is a smile. I realize that job interviews are stressful for many people, but a smile can light up an interview. It can show an eagerness and enthusiasm that comes with a personality. Positive, confident people can accomplish so much and are welcome additions to our staff.
Christine Lind Hage
Director, Clinton-Macomb (Mich.) Public Library
(c) Copyright 2003 American Library Association
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