Finding a Job

Grand Rapids Public Library

Grands Rapids (Mich.) Public Library

The best job search strategy will greatly depend on the type of job you are interested in. Starting with the Me, a librarian? section of this website will help you navigate the sometimes complicated decision-making process.

The American Library Association has a placement service in conjunction with each annual conference (usually held in June), Midwinter Meeting (usually held in January), and division conference. There are usually several hundreds of jobs posted for approximately three months per conference. Visit the current conference website for more information.

Director and other upper level management positions are often posted nationally. Page, library assistant, and part-time jobs are often posted in-house. This may not mean that you cannot apply, but you may need to fill out an employment application for the library of your choice.

The American Library Association's JobLIST includes both professional and support staff positions in libraries.

In addition, there are several ways to locate libraries:

Use an internet search engine such as Google entering a few key words, such as library, the name of the nearest city, and state.
Look in the phone book or an online directory such as Switchboard.
Contact the American Library Association or other library association.

The most extensive compilation of job listings is the American Library Association's " Guide to employment sources in the library and information professions" by the Office of Human Resource Development and Recruitment. Other excellent sources are Library Job Postings on the Internet by Sarah Johnson and LISJobs.com by Rachel Singer Gordon.

There are many factors to consider when looking for a job. LIScareer.com offers many excellent articles in this area, as well as discussions of preparing for an interview, researching your prospective employer.

Will you fit into the library's organizational culture?
What factors are there to consider per compensation (hours per week, schedule requirements, transportation/parking costs, retirement, health benefits, vacation, reviews/raises, opportunities for promotion, training, membership dues paid, conference attendance, deferred compensation plans, cafeteria plans, cost of living)
Relocating?
How flexible do you need to be for first job?

Finding a Job

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