The experience of searching for jobs gave me the idea for a method to optimize my searches and cut down the time spent on finding jobs to apply to. I believe it would be good to share with others, as sharing knowledge is important to librarians. At the very least it allows job seekers to find job posts 1 to 3 days faster than those provided by individual university libraries with MLS/MLIS programs (e.g www.ischool.utexas.edu). But before I share the links to find positions I have one suggestion that should be considered: start an RSS feed. There are several out there, websites like google.com/reader [update, no longer available] or you can even use a program located on your computer such as Microsoft Outlook. For the information mentioned below, I refer to Google’s Reader for my personal experience.
With an RSS feed, I was able to receive posts from about 20 websites (most daily, some less frequently), organized by a folder for each website used, and able to quickly scan with my eyes a brief description of location and job title. Since I already limited the results to entry-level librarian positions that were full-time, most of the results were relevant. To gain further information I would open a post to see if I was interested in the position or instantly mark it as read and move onto more important posts. Although this method does provide some duplication (which occurs from several websites listing the same job announcement- usually a day or more apart from my personal observation) it is still worth the time to create one location where anyone can look over 50+ employment opportunities a day.
If this sounds like a good idea to you then I will give you some more tips before I list the major national links for job announcements for librarian positions. The first suggestion is to stop and think locally. Does your county/parish have a listserv that you can join? A listserv is one of the fastest ways (other than networking) to get information because it is usually individuals that work in the organization/company that posts the listing.
The second suggestion is to ask the school that you graduated from or search online using special keywords. Each state should have a website that lists pages for library opportunities (try the website Library Job Postings on the Internet, this offers individual states, type of position, or even those in other countries like Canada or the UK). The best keywords I have found are: library, librarian, job, employment, and location of a state or city. Remember that you can use Google to find results but you may find more results if you try a series of combinations. Or you could use the links posted below that I find the most helpful. For those of you in Michigan, this should be a great help. Otherwise, don't forget local universities or colleges, library associations, and talking to your local librarian.
Last but not least, remember you are not alone. In my graduating class it took most 4 to 12 months to find a position, whether that be by networking, a stellar cover letter and/or resume, qualifications, or just good timing.
*Just a reminder- when applying to positions remember to go to the company's/library's website to check to see when the application is due. Twice I have found postings where the due date was incorrect. And when you're ready check out my interviewing post.(Updated post 01/17/13).
Update 05/20/15- A more competitive alternative to ALA or the Job Posting list I linked above, check out the I Need A Library Job website, choose by state or Country!
Update 05/20/15- A more competitive alternative to ALA or the Job Posting list I linked above, check out the I Need A Library Job website, choose by state or Country!
Michigan Websites
Though it might not be the first place librarians think to post, it is worth the effort for the daily “Job Scout” that you can personalize for yourself.
Nothing is more local than a newspaper, for the state of Michigan. * (from now on any link with a “*” symbol will mean that it has RSS capabilities)
Not updated daily, but can be followed by Twitter and contains posts that may not be found elsewhere.
The Library Network (TLN)
May have the same postings as MLA but provides job-posting information in pdf format and lists deadlines (contains libraries from southeast Michigan, the links at the bottom do not work for other job listing links).
National Websites
INALJ.com
I Need A Library Job is a great resource, organized by a librarians/information professionals "Information professionals working to help find & share jobs & job hunting advice!" Don't let this be your only resource, but maybe it could be your first resource.
Indeed.com
I Need A Library Job is a great resource, organized by a librarians/information professionals "Information professionals working to help find & share jobs & job hunting advice!" Don't let this be your only resource, but maybe it could be your first resource.
Indeed.com
The reason I list this first is because Indeed takes job postings from newspapers, journals, organizations, and job posting boards all at the same time. It may be easier to limit search after your first attempt, until you become familiar with the website.* And e-mail.
Works the same as Indeed.com but slightly different. It's just a matter of opinion which is better.
Federal Librarian positions. You must sign up and create an account, but it is worth the effort. Once you have an account, it's pretty simple to apply to further postings. It may require you to also create an account through Army Civilian Service
Search by: national, state, or city location; job category, keywords, specific salary amounts, or when the ads were posted. Great for finding public jobs that operate by city or county government. Not to be overlooked. Share this link and USAJobs.gov with others.
“A pioneer in the online recruiting space with over 5,000 users nationwide, GovernmentJobs.com began developing their applications in 1998. Headquartered in El Segundo, CA., GovernmentJobs.com is the only government sector job board created from the world’s foremost fully integrated recruitment, selection and applicant tracking system called NEOGOV Insight designed specifically for public sector employers. (www.neogov.com).”
Click on the link above for recently added positions or click “View all Job Listings” for more.*
Librarian positions mostly for firms. Be careful to narrow search if you only have an MLS/MLIS as several positions require a J.D. as well. Able to create an account and post Resume.* And Twitter and e-mail.
For those in the San Francisco Bay area or those who would like to move there.* And Twitter and e-mail.
For those hard to find Healthcare or medical librarian jobs. Do not forget to put librarian as a requirement or you will receive irrelevant posts. Can create an account and post resume, does help when applying to some positions.*
Search for College or University level positions, not just for library positions. If you sign up and create an account, you can have e-mails sent to you with “My Job Agent”.
Allows you to easily narrow your search to only what you want and most provide a button to click to “Apply to This Job”.* Also has e-mail and Twitter.
Helpful if you do not have a subscription or don’t get the chance to read through the entire journal.*
Medical Library Association (MLA) (added 01/17/13)
"This section of MLANET is available to individuals seeking employment and to institutions seeking qualified individuals to fill vacant positions. For information about placing an ad with MLA, see our "Submitting a Job Ad" page for rates, deadlines, and so on." (wording directly from website as of 01/17/13).
Oregon State Library Jobline (added 01/17/13)
Weekly job source from Oregon State Library
Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA) (added 01/17/13)
"PNLA draws its membership primarily from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Washington". However, Oregon, California, New York, and others states may appear on this listing.
Special Library Association
Weekly job source from Oregon State Library
Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA) (added 01/17/13)
"PNLA draws its membership primarily from Alaska, Alberta, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, and Washington". However, Oregon, California, New York, and others states may appear on this listing.
Special Library Association
Very limited posting, but you can post a resume for review.*
And if this is not enough:
Find another regional chapter of ALA: (added 01/17/13)
| Guam | Virgin Islands |
Here is another source that suggests, 10 Uncommon Job Hunt Tactics that Work by Terrance Williams on New Grad Life blog. (Updated on 11/03/2011).
*any link with a “*” symbol will mean that it has RSS capabilities.
