A kind reader sent this in a couple of weeks ago, but I'm just getting around to it. My more relaxed approach to the AL hasn't slowed down the email any, so I'm even more behind than usual. Still, I wanted to post it before the application deadline so everyone would be able to apply for it.
This was forwarded to me from some ALA listserv, and I just had to post because it had all the requisite elements for a library job that sucks. The ad's also available here.
Requires an MLS? Check.
Temporary? Check.
Part-time? Check.
Not even a real job? Check.
Waste no time in diving into the pool of librarians over at California State University, East Bay. I shudder to think what they'd look like in swimsuits.
"The University Libraries of California State University, East Bay is establishing a pool of librarians (Assistant Librarian rank) for temporary, part-time employment for the 2008/2009 academic year (July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009)."
So much for that librarian shortage. Wouldn't it be exciting to almost possibly have a temporary part-time library job? The possibly non-existent job might not seem that great, but you'd get to possibly not work for CSU-EB, and that would at least look good on the resume.
They want people to teach courses and provide "quality reference service." You can tell they're really serious about "quality" by the way they go about hiring people, because we all know the way to guarantee "quality" services is to rely upon a shifting group of temporary part-time people who most likely have bad pay and no benefits and no commitment to the organization. That says "quality" like nothing else. It says a lot about the quality of the library as well.
But just because it's a sucky job doesn't mean they don't want good people.
"Qualifications:
Graduate degree from an ALA-accredited institution; familiarity with the principles of information literacy; recent teaching experience and/or education in teaching methods; recent experience and/or education in the provision of academic reference services; excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to work collegially in a diverse, fast-paced environment; a strong service commitment; a willingness and ability to serve students from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds. Preference will be given to candidates with recent professional experience in reference or instruction in an academic setting. Preference will also be given to candidates able to work regular shifts on nights and week-ends, and who are able to work at our Concord campus if needed."
They don't expect much, do they? Excellent communication skills. Experience. Flexibility. Etc. It makes the librarian shortage lie all the more bold. If there are people with all these qualifications and experience, and they're any good, they should be able to get full-time jobs if they want them. Obviously they have no librarian shortage in East Bay. They're so thronged with librarians out there that they put the extras in pools just in case one of their real librarians doesn't feel like working some day.
You still have a couple of weeks to dive in to the East Bay librarian pool, so don't delay. If you don't apply to be a part of their pool, you know you'll regret missing that great opportunity for the rest of your life.
Showing posts with label Library Jobs that Suck. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Library Jobs that Suck. Show all posts
Monday, May 12, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Is This or Is This Not a Library Job that Sucks?
A reader sent in this job ad to me for an "Evening Librarian, Part-Time." That's the title of the job. One can actually be a Librarian of the Evening down in Smyrna, GA for the tidy sum of $10-12/hour. Pretty exciting stuff! The job is available today, so apply now.
Ordinarily, this job would meet all the qualifications of a library job that sucks. It's a librarian position. It's part time. And the pay is pathetic. The question for this one is: is this really a librarian position? It doesn't require an MLS, but only "Enrollment in MLS program." Traditionally, librarian positions require an MLS, so according to that definition this can't be a librarian position. We all know the general public thinks everyone who works in a library is a "librarian," but one would expect people in libraries to know the difference, even in Georgia. Of course there's the library in Wisconsin that reclassified and cut the pay of its librarians because their work wasn't professional enough to warrant needing an MLS, but then kept the MLS as a requirement of the reclassified, less professional positions. However, it seems pretty clear that nobody running that library is capable of coherent thought, so we shouldn't make too much of that.
There are other oddities about this ad as well. It claims to be looking for a librarian (though not one with an MLS), but doesn't have a library, only a Learning Resource Center. That might explain why the ad doesn't know what the term "librarian" applies to in the profession. Why isn't it just looking for a Evening Learning Resource Centerian, Part-time? It's also listed as an "academic" library position. They have some academic libraries down in Georgia. There's Emory, the U. of Georgia, Georgia Tech, etc. I've heard of them. I hadn't heard of the Medix School, but it turns out to be a medical and dental assistant training school, though they also teach the "cosmetology arts and sciences" and have a new program in "welding technology." Does this count as academic? I don't think so, but we all know what an elitist I am.
This fraudulent ad might not be for a library job that sucks per se, but it does seem to represent one more step in the deprofessionalization of librarians. In olden days a librarian position required an MLS, but now heaven knows, anything goes.
Ordinarily, this job would meet all the qualifications of a library job that sucks. It's a librarian position. It's part time. And the pay is pathetic. The question for this one is: is this really a librarian position? It doesn't require an MLS, but only "Enrollment in MLS program." Traditionally, librarian positions require an MLS, so according to that definition this can't be a librarian position. We all know the general public thinks everyone who works in a library is a "librarian," but one would expect people in libraries to know the difference, even in Georgia. Of course there's the library in Wisconsin that reclassified and cut the pay of its librarians because their work wasn't professional enough to warrant needing an MLS, but then kept the MLS as a requirement of the reclassified, less professional positions. However, it seems pretty clear that nobody running that library is capable of coherent thought, so we shouldn't make too much of that.
There are other oddities about this ad as well. It claims to be looking for a librarian (though not one with an MLS), but doesn't have a library, only a Learning Resource Center. That might explain why the ad doesn't know what the term "librarian" applies to in the profession. Why isn't it just looking for a Evening Learning Resource Centerian, Part-time? It's also listed as an "academic" library position. They have some academic libraries down in Georgia. There's Emory, the U. of Georgia, Georgia Tech, etc. I've heard of them. I hadn't heard of the Medix School, but it turns out to be a medical and dental assistant training school, though they also teach the "cosmetology arts and sciences" and have a new program in "welding technology." Does this count as academic? I don't think so, but we all know what an elitist I am.
This fraudulent ad might not be for a library job that sucks per se, but it does seem to represent one more step in the deprofessionalization of librarians. In olden days a librarian position required an MLS, but now heaven knows, anything goes.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Library Jobs That Suck #4
There's an exciting opportunity in Wisconsin for anyone who wants to work in a library with a demoralized staff and a director who likes to demote or drive off librarians.
Wouldn't you just love to apply to be the new Customer Services Lead Librarian at the Marathon County Public Library in lovely Wausau, Wisconsin? I knew you would. Doesn't this sound like a fantastic job:
"The Marathon County Public Library is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Customer Services Lead Librarian. This is a leadership position focusing on constantly improving the customer-library experience throughout the Library system. The ideal candidate advocates for [sic], researches, creates, develops, and executes innovative approaches, services, and products to meet diverse community and diverse customer needs using creativity and entrepreneurial leadership for the Library’s system. This position works directly with library staff to improve their customer service and responsiveness skills."
I only had to read through that advertisement once to say, "Wow! This job is HOT!" They're looking for highly qualified people. I'm highly qualified. They want people to service some customers. I'm great at servicing customers. That's how I paid my way through library school! And they have that great long sentence explaining everything the lucky candidate would get to do. The lucky candidate could advocate innovative approaches or execute innovative products, really just anything, as long as its "innovative." And all of us would probably like to work with that persnickety staff to improve their responsiveness skills. That staff must really suck if the library is advertising how unresponsive they are. Someone needs to go in and light a fire under their bottoms! Also, who wouldn't want to work for a library with a mission"to attract customers to discovery and fun through exploration and entertainment." Ooohh, ahhh, discovery and fun through exploration and entertainment! That sure beats this mission: "The Commonwealth requires the education of the people as the safeguard of order and liberty." Because it's fun! And entertaining! And about servicing customers! Yay!!!
And it would also be fun to work in such a well known library. Oh sure, I know plenty of you work in well known libraries such as the New York Public or Widener or something. But how often do you get to opportunity to work in an increasingly nationally recognized public library in a small place in Wisconsin? Not often. But this library is famous, or at least it should be among librarians. See the news stories here, here, and of course here. Perhaps not everyone reads the Wausau Daily Herald (and why would you?), but everyone reads the AL, at least everyone who's reading this right now.
So if you want to work in a "customer service"-oriented job (and from what I hear every librarian should want to do that because that's what we're all about!), then go ahead and apply to the Marathon County Public Library. There you can work in an "innovative" environment where the director demotes librarians and cuts their pay and where whatever formerly professional staff are left will resent you until they can find other jobs. And when the last of them go, you can hire some even lower-paid and less competent people to take their place. Yay! And you can improve their "responsiveness skills." Yay!
This is like a dream job, isn't it? The deadline is March 24, so hurry up with that application! Tell 'em the AL sent you and your application goes to the top of the pile.
Wouldn't you just love to apply to be the new Customer Services Lead Librarian at the Marathon County Public Library in lovely Wausau, Wisconsin? I knew you would. Doesn't this sound like a fantastic job:
"The Marathon County Public Library is seeking a highly qualified individual for the position of Customer Services Lead Librarian. This is a leadership position focusing on constantly improving the customer-library experience throughout the Library system. The ideal candidate advocates for [sic], researches, creates, develops, and executes innovative approaches, services, and products to meet diverse community and diverse customer needs using creativity and entrepreneurial leadership for the Library’s system. This position works directly with library staff to improve their customer service and responsiveness skills."
I only had to read through that advertisement once to say, "Wow! This job is HOT!" They're looking for highly qualified people. I'm highly qualified. They want people to service some customers. I'm great at servicing customers. That's how I paid my way through library school! And they have that great long sentence explaining everything the lucky candidate would get to do. The lucky candidate could advocate innovative approaches or execute innovative products, really just anything, as long as its "innovative." And all of us would probably like to work with that persnickety staff to improve their responsiveness skills. That staff must really suck if the library is advertising how unresponsive they are. Someone needs to go in and light a fire under their bottoms! Also, who wouldn't want to work for a library with a mission"to attract customers to discovery and fun through exploration and entertainment." Ooohh, ahhh, discovery and fun through exploration and entertainment! That sure beats this mission: "The Commonwealth requires the education of the people as the safeguard of order and liberty." Because it's fun! And entertaining! And about servicing customers! Yay!!!
And it would also be fun to work in such a well known library. Oh sure, I know plenty of you work in well known libraries such as the New York Public or Widener or something. But how often do you get to opportunity to work in an increasingly nationally recognized public library in a small place in Wisconsin? Not often. But this library is famous, or at least it should be among librarians. See the news stories here, here, and of course here. Perhaps not everyone reads the Wausau Daily Herald (and why would you?), but everyone reads the AL, at least everyone who's reading this right now.
So if you want to work in a "customer service"-oriented job (and from what I hear every librarian should want to do that because that's what we're all about!), then go ahead and apply to the Marathon County Public Library. There you can work in an "innovative" environment where the director demotes librarians and cuts their pay and where whatever formerly professional staff are left will resent you until they can find other jobs. And when the last of them go, you can hire some even lower-paid and less competent people to take their place. Yay! And you can improve their "responsiveness skills." Yay!
This is like a dream job, isn't it? The deadline is March 24, so hurry up with that application! Tell 'em the AL sent you and your application goes to the top of the pile.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Another Granite State Opportunity
Before I say anything else, I just want to say that I love my readers, cranky critics and all. For those of you who read the AL through a feed reader and never check the comments, I can only say you don't know what you're missing. A blog post is a small, frail thing, but the vigorous discussion it might provoke can change or enlighten a mind.
Okay, now it's time to stop being so sappy and talk about library jobs that suck.
I haven't posted an official Library Job that Sucks in a long time, and I haven't even mentioned a sucky job in almost a year. I went back and checked, and the last one was December of last year, and it was in New Hampshire of all places. Now I'm returning to the scene of the crime. You'd think a state with no income tax wouldn't be so annoying.
The official Library Jobs that Suck category is restricted to jobs that REALLY suck, that suck way more than most library jobs. The library jobs that suck the most are the ones that are temporary and that don't really exist. If you're advertising to build a "pool" of candidates that might get some temporary "professional" library work, then you're advertising for a library job that sucks and you should be ashamed of yourself. And there are sucky library jobs that won't make the list, like the one in the ad a kind reader sent in for this library in upstate New York looking for a public library director for $18-20,000 a year. Maybe the cost of living is cheap, but considering they want an MLS and expect the person to work for a living, it sucks.
This ad seems like it's for a library job that sucks, once more in the Granite State. The Lane Memorial Library in Hampton, NH is looking for a library director. No, that's not quite accurate. They're looking for a temporary library director, to serve for 2-6 months (without benefits, of course). Who the hell looks for a temporary library director? What is the problem here? Is the library director off on maternity leave or something? Can't they get by for a brief period without a director, or with an interim director? Presumably they don't have a director now, because the job starts immediately. Isn't that motivation enough to hire a permanent director? This is advertised nationally, but something tells me it's for an internal candidate. Who else would apply for this position?
Though this might be temporary, the duties aren't light. Here are some of the duties:
"o Develop and maintain the library’s strategic plan, outlining immediate and long range goals, together with the Library’s Board of Trustees."
And how exactly is someone there for 2-6 months going to set any long range goals?
"o Responsible for recommending and writing needed policies and procedures, which incorporate library best practice. Implement adopted policies."
How many policies and procedures to they hope to get out of this temporary person? Don't they think the permanent person, if they ever stoop to hiring one, will just change them anyway?
"o Responsible for all staff supervision and supervision of department heads. Will oversee Interviewing, recommending for hire, training, scheduling, and evaluating all library staff."
Oh, yeah, lots of interviewing and training will be going on, I'm sure. With this sort of temporary commitment to the library, why would anyone else apply? And I bet a temp director could put off those evaluations indefinitely.
"o Prepare and propose to Trustees the annual operating budget for the Library. Administer the accepted budget."
And be quick about it, because you don't have long.
"o Prepare financial and narrative reports for distribution at monthly Board meetings."
Fortunately you'll only have to do this 2-6 times.
"o Write grant proposals and pursue other fundraising opportunities to actualize library goals."
Sure, write the proposal, but you won't be around to get the grant. And it's a good thing fundraising doesn't take any time and you don't have to cultivate donors or anything. Two months should do it.
"o Determine community interests and develop responsive new programs and services, incorporating new technologies to enhance service delivery whenever possible."
You'll be expected to determine community interests the first day, then develop some programs the next.
"o Oversee library public relations, including writing press releases, outreach, and marketing services."
If the library is only interested in hiring temp directors, maybe they shouldn't relate to the public very much.
"o Participate in daily library functions (circulation, reference, etc.), as needed."
When you're not working with donors or servicing the library board.
And for a very short temp position, they sure don't want much. The only qualifications are "a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited college or university and five to seven years of professional library experience, with three years in an administrative capacity, ... a thorough knowledge of municipal government and applicable RSA’s, modern library principles and best practices; experience with teambuilding and human resource management; the ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff for optimal public service delivery; a strong understanding of information technology and its application in public libraries; the ability to demonstrate courtesy and tact in all interactions with community members; the ability to develop and manage budgets; the ability to work effectively with town employees, the Friends, the Board of Trustees, and other elected town officials; and have good communication, public relations, and presentation skills."
That doesn't seem like much to ask for a 2-6 month temporary position with no benefits. Sign me up, baby! I bet librarians with those qualifications are just lining up outside this library begging for interviews.
They claim to offer a "Competitive Salary, commensurate with Experience." I just bet it'll be competitive-- with all the other temporary library director positions in New Hampshire. The ad says "Starting as soon as possible." They don't want you for long, but they want you to start soon, so it seems obvious that consideration of their employees isn't something you'll find there. Good luck on the application. If you tell them the AL sent you, your application moves to the top of the queue. Based on this ad, if anyone at all worthwhile applies, their application just might be the queue.
Oh, and have a happy Thanksgiving. I'll be giving thanks and gobbling turkey and all that sort of stuff, and I hope you will be, too.
Okay, now it's time to stop being so sappy and talk about library jobs that suck.
I haven't posted an official Library Job that Sucks in a long time, and I haven't even mentioned a sucky job in almost a year. I went back and checked, and the last one was December of last year, and it was in New Hampshire of all places. Now I'm returning to the scene of the crime. You'd think a state with no income tax wouldn't be so annoying.
The official Library Jobs that Suck category is restricted to jobs that REALLY suck, that suck way more than most library jobs. The library jobs that suck the most are the ones that are temporary and that don't really exist. If you're advertising to build a "pool" of candidates that might get some temporary "professional" library work, then you're advertising for a library job that sucks and you should be ashamed of yourself. And there are sucky library jobs that won't make the list, like the one in the ad a kind reader sent in for this library in upstate New York looking for a public library director for $18-20,000 a year. Maybe the cost of living is cheap, but considering they want an MLS and expect the person to work for a living, it sucks.
This ad seems like it's for a library job that sucks, once more in the Granite State. The Lane Memorial Library in Hampton, NH is looking for a library director. No, that's not quite accurate. They're looking for a temporary library director, to serve for 2-6 months (without benefits, of course). Who the hell looks for a temporary library director? What is the problem here? Is the library director off on maternity leave or something? Can't they get by for a brief period without a director, or with an interim director? Presumably they don't have a director now, because the job starts immediately. Isn't that motivation enough to hire a permanent director? This is advertised nationally, but something tells me it's for an internal candidate. Who else would apply for this position?
Though this might be temporary, the duties aren't light. Here are some of the duties:
"o Develop and maintain the library’s strategic plan, outlining immediate and long range goals, together with the Library’s Board of Trustees."
And how exactly is someone there for 2-6 months going to set any long range goals?
"o Responsible for recommending and writing needed policies and procedures, which incorporate library best practice. Implement adopted policies."
How many policies and procedures to they hope to get out of this temporary person? Don't they think the permanent person, if they ever stoop to hiring one, will just change them anyway?
"o Responsible for all staff supervision and supervision of department heads. Will oversee Interviewing, recommending for hire, training, scheduling, and evaluating all library staff."
Oh, yeah, lots of interviewing and training will be going on, I'm sure. With this sort of temporary commitment to the library, why would anyone else apply? And I bet a temp director could put off those evaluations indefinitely.
"o Prepare and propose to Trustees the annual operating budget for the Library. Administer the accepted budget."
And be quick about it, because you don't have long.
"o Prepare financial and narrative reports for distribution at monthly Board meetings."
Fortunately you'll only have to do this 2-6 times.
"o Write grant proposals and pursue other fundraising opportunities to actualize library goals."
Sure, write the proposal, but you won't be around to get the grant. And it's a good thing fundraising doesn't take any time and you don't have to cultivate donors or anything. Two months should do it.
"o Determine community interests and develop responsive new programs and services, incorporating new technologies to enhance service delivery whenever possible."
You'll be expected to determine community interests the first day, then develop some programs the next.
"o Oversee library public relations, including writing press releases, outreach, and marketing services."
If the library is only interested in hiring temp directors, maybe they shouldn't relate to the public very much.
"o Participate in daily library functions (circulation, reference, etc.), as needed."
When you're not working with donors or servicing the library board.
And for a very short temp position, they sure don't want much. The only qualifications are "a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited college or university and five to seven years of professional library experience, with three years in an administrative capacity, ... a thorough knowledge of municipal government and applicable RSA’s, modern library principles and best practices; experience with teambuilding and human resource management; the ability to recruit, train, and motivate staff for optimal public service delivery; a strong understanding of information technology and its application in public libraries; the ability to demonstrate courtesy and tact in all interactions with community members; the ability to develop and manage budgets; the ability to work effectively with town employees, the Friends, the Board of Trustees, and other elected town officials; and have good communication, public relations, and presentation skills."
That doesn't seem like much to ask for a 2-6 month temporary position with no benefits. Sign me up, baby! I bet librarians with those qualifications are just lining up outside this library begging for interviews.
They claim to offer a "Competitive Salary, commensurate with Experience." I just bet it'll be competitive-- with all the other temporary library director positions in New Hampshire. The ad says "Starting as soon as possible." They don't want you for long, but they want you to start soon, so it seems obvious that consideration of their employees isn't something you'll find there. Good luck on the application. If you tell them the AL sent you, your application moves to the top of the queue. Based on this ad, if anyone at all worthwhile applies, their application just might be the queue.
Oh, and have a happy Thanksgiving. I'll be giving thanks and gobbling turkey and all that sort of stuff, and I hope you will be, too.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Exciting Opportunity in the Granite State
Here's an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to move to New Hampshire for no money and scan stuff. You probably haven't seen this, either, because they're avoiding the "Library Jobs that Suck" limelight by not posting to one of the standard job ad sites and trying to evade the penetrating gaze of the Annoyed Librarian by posting on listservs I don't read. The Nashua Public Library in Nashua, NH is looking for the following:
"Digitization Project Internship (Unpaid)
Scan hundreds of historical photographs and other documents
Prepare TIFF, JPG and thumbnail images
Assign metadata, (using Dublin Core framework)
House photographs in archival quality containers, label sleeves and folders
Prepare a finding aid
* Flexible scheduling
* Training provided if necessary
* Digitization project experience preferred
* Familiarity with any digital library software program is a plus.
* Detail oriented a must!"
This ad was sent in by an attentive reader, who had the following to say:
"Here's a job that sucks. Internships are supposed to be a learning experience, but it doesn't appear there is much to learn here (except if you're interested in old photos of Nashua, New Hampshire) There is no pay. You have to move to freezing New Hampshire in the winter.
I think they should pay somebody to do this work. And I think it is insulting that they prefer to have an intern who already has "Digitization Project Experience" - so if you already have experience doing digitization projects, you qualify to work as an "intern" for no pay.
What do you think?"
Well, I think this is a job that sucks, though I'm not officially categorizing it as a Library Job That Sucks, since it's technically an internship and it makes no mention of requiring an MLS. I reserve that category for jobs like this that do require an MLS. I do wonder though many non-MLS people know how to assign metadata "using a Dublin Core framework." Heck, I don't know how to do that, and I have an MLS. Obviously they want to good digital archivist, and are willing to pay bottom dollar to get one by calling this an "internship." Some internships seem very worthwhile (like the one at Michigan, for example), but internship can often be translated as "doing a lot of grunt work for free." The main question to ask is, is the internship really designed to educate the internee, or simply to get the grunt work done for free?
This is the sort of thing Leslie Burger's "Library Corps" of unpaid retired librarians should take on! There probably aren't a lot of retired librarians in Nashua, NH who are also digital archivists, but they could learn. Also, the director might try to do a little fund raising. Our tax money is often wasted on projects even less important and less directed to the common good than digitizing some old pictures of New Hampshire, so maybe a federal grant's the answer.
I'm trying to figure out who's supposed to take this job. As far as I can tell, it's not advertised on the library's website, and the only online presence I found was in an archive for a archives listserv. If I read my email right, the person who sent this on to me got it through a listserv for librarians, and not just in New Hampshire. So they're posting this ad nationally on listservs, and apparently they do think some poor soul would be willing to move to New Hampshire to take an "internship" scanning photos. It is interesting that they prefer someone with experience. Don't we all! If only they were willing to pay for it. This is the sort of thing a library school student might do to gain experience, but there aren't any library schools in New Hampshire. I suppose someone could trek the fifty miles from Boston, but why bother.
I especially like the promise of "flexible scheduling." I guess if you're not paying anyone, you can't complain if they don't want to punch your clock. "No, I'm sorry, since you showed up 4 hours late, we're docking your nonexistent pay!" No, beggars can't be choosers.
And consider this one: "Familiarity with any digital library software program is a plus." A plus! Because you're obviously going to need an edge over the hundreds of applicants who'll apply for this job! (Or should I call it a "job." No, it's an internship.) Oh, and "detail oriented a must!" It wouldn't be a library "job" ad without an exclamation point!
Maybe I'm just deluded though, and these are the sorts of exciting opportunities library school graduates are dying for. So put those valuable digital archiving skills to work in the Granite State. Tell 'em the AL sent you, and as a bonus you'll get to eat the leftovers in the staff refrigerator at the end of each week.
"Digitization Project Internship (Unpaid)
Scan hundreds of historical photographs and other documents
Prepare TIFF, JPG and thumbnail images
Assign metadata, (using Dublin Core framework)
House photographs in archival quality containers, label sleeves and folders
Prepare a finding aid
* Flexible scheduling
* Training provided if necessary
* Digitization project experience preferred
* Familiarity with any digital library software program is a plus.
* Detail oriented a must!"
This ad was sent in by an attentive reader, who had the following to say:
"Here's a job that sucks. Internships are supposed to be a learning experience, but it doesn't appear there is much to learn here (except if you're interested in old photos of Nashua, New Hampshire) There is no pay. You have to move to freezing New Hampshire in the winter.
I think they should pay somebody to do this work. And I think it is insulting that they prefer to have an intern who already has "Digitization Project Experience" - so if you already have experience doing digitization projects, you qualify to work as an "intern" for no pay.
What do you think?"
Well, I think this is a job that sucks, though I'm not officially categorizing it as a Library Job That Sucks, since it's technically an internship and it makes no mention of requiring an MLS. I reserve that category for jobs like this that do require an MLS. I do wonder though many non-MLS people know how to assign metadata "using a Dublin Core framework." Heck, I don't know how to do that, and I have an MLS. Obviously they want to good digital archivist, and are willing to pay bottom dollar to get one by calling this an "internship." Some internships seem very worthwhile (like the one at Michigan, for example), but internship can often be translated as "doing a lot of grunt work for free." The main question to ask is, is the internship really designed to educate the internee, or simply to get the grunt work done for free?
This is the sort of thing Leslie Burger's "Library Corps" of unpaid retired librarians should take on! There probably aren't a lot of retired librarians in Nashua, NH who are also digital archivists, but they could learn. Also, the director might try to do a little fund raising. Our tax money is often wasted on projects even less important and less directed to the common good than digitizing some old pictures of New Hampshire, so maybe a federal grant's the answer.
I'm trying to figure out who's supposed to take this job. As far as I can tell, it's not advertised on the library's website, and the only online presence I found was in an archive for a archives listserv. If I read my email right, the person who sent this on to me got it through a listserv for librarians, and not just in New Hampshire. So they're posting this ad nationally on listservs, and apparently they do think some poor soul would be willing to move to New Hampshire to take an "internship" scanning photos. It is interesting that they prefer someone with experience. Don't we all! If only they were willing to pay for it. This is the sort of thing a library school student might do to gain experience, but there aren't any library schools in New Hampshire. I suppose someone could trek the fifty miles from Boston, but why bother.
I especially like the promise of "flexible scheduling." I guess if you're not paying anyone, you can't complain if they don't want to punch your clock. "No, I'm sorry, since you showed up 4 hours late, we're docking your nonexistent pay!" No, beggars can't be choosers.
And consider this one: "Familiarity with any digital library software program is a plus." A plus! Because you're obviously going to need an edge over the hundreds of applicants who'll apply for this job! (Or should I call it a "job." No, it's an internship.) Oh, and "detail oriented a must!" It wouldn't be a library "job" ad without an exclamation point!
Maybe I'm just deluded though, and these are the sorts of exciting opportunities library school graduates are dying for. So put those valuable digital archiving skills to work in the Granite State. Tell 'em the AL sent you, and as a bonus you'll get to eat the leftovers in the staff refrigerator at the end of each week.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Another Pool
This looks like a very exciting job opportunity for some lucky guy or gal--Substitute Librarian! And if you remember how your substitute teachers were treated when you were in school, you're probably dying to get this job. I know you're very excited about joining the pool and possibly, potentially working at the exotic Foothill-De Anza Community College District.
But what do you need to apply? All you need is an MLS or its equivalent! Another perk of the MLS is qualifying for jobs like this!
It's the application procedure that might get a bit annoying, though. Of course they need the standard application, resume, and cover letter. No problem. They also need college transcripts. This must be a community college thing, because I see it a lot in their ads. Seems strange to me, but then so does most of what goes on in the world. However, check out this required submission:
"4. A separate document that provides information which demonstrates your understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff."
Hmmm. As the kids say today, WTF? What exactly would this be? Do they want an essay talking about how sensitive and inclusionary I am? Would it become an essay contest? "Well, Janet, this candidate does a marvelous job of talking about how she understands, sensitivizes, and respects everyone under the sun, except herself of course, which is obvious from the groveling, sycophantic tone she takes. Let's throw her in the pool!" Or perhaps they have a separate checklist or something? Or is there a standard document for demonstrating this that I don't know about? Some government EEOC form where you can check off all the different groups you sensitively and respectively understand? Just what form this bizarre document would take is left unspecified. But I suppose that's where the fun comes in.
The great thing is that since there isn't really a job, there's no deadline.
"Foothill-De Anza Community College District is establishing a pool of qualified applicants for Substitute Librarian. Applications will be accepted continuously until otherwise noted. Applications will remain on file for two years from the date it is received."
But you might want to hurry and apply anyway, because the pool will no doubt fill up quickly!
But what do you need to apply? All you need is an MLS or its equivalent! Another perk of the MLS is qualifying for jobs like this!
It's the application procedure that might get a bit annoying, though. Of course they need the standard application, resume, and cover letter. No problem. They also need college transcripts. This must be a community college thing, because I see it a lot in their ads. Seems strange to me, but then so does most of what goes on in the world. However, check out this required submission:
"4. A separate document that provides information which demonstrates your understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff."
Hmmm. As the kids say today, WTF? What exactly would this be? Do they want an essay talking about how sensitive and inclusionary I am? Would it become an essay contest? "Well, Janet, this candidate does a marvelous job of talking about how she understands, sensitivizes, and respects everyone under the sun, except herself of course, which is obvious from the groveling, sycophantic tone she takes. Let's throw her in the pool!" Or perhaps they have a separate checklist or something? Or is there a standard document for demonstrating this that I don't know about? Some government EEOC form where you can check off all the different groups you sensitively and respectively understand? Just what form this bizarre document would take is left unspecified. But I suppose that's where the fun comes in.
The great thing is that since there isn't really a job, there's no deadline.
"Foothill-De Anza Community College District is establishing a pool of qualified applicants for Substitute Librarian. Applications will be accepted continuously until otherwise noted. Applications will remain on file for two years from the date it is received."
But you might want to hurry and apply anyway, because the pool will no doubt fill up quickly!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
An Ironic Job
This is a strange job for someone--Sunday Reference Librarian. First, I think it could rightly be classified as a job that would inherently suck, since it's definitely part time and yet advertised on a national jobs website. One day a week, that's all, and only during the academic year. I bet that means no benefits, and I'd bet it's also low paying.
What's particularly ironic about this part-time Sunday librarian position is that it's at a Catholic college--Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, CT. Apparently they don't want any Catholics applying, though, since the only day you'd have to work is the one day Catholics aren't supposed to.
In case you think I'm making this up, let me quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
"2185. On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body."
Maybe all the other librarians are Catholic and they don't want to work on Sunday, so they've invented this job to save themselves the trouble. That too is a problem: "2187. Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day."
There is a caveat about "social necessity" sometimes requiring people to work, but it's questionable whether this is a social necessity, and if it is a social necessity whether it's necessary that it's always the same person working. I don't think those Catholic college librarians at St. Joseph are trying hard to avoid making unnecessary demands on others.
So congratulations to the St. Joseph library for posting job that sucks both inherently and spiritually. Catholic College Library Job: No Catholics Need Apply.
What's particularly ironic about this part-time Sunday librarian position is that it's at a Catholic college--Saint Joseph College in West Hartford, CT. Apparently they don't want any Catholics applying, though, since the only day you'd have to work is the one day Catholics aren't supposed to.
In case you think I'm making this up, let me quote from the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
"2185. On Sundays and other holy days of obligation, the faithful are to refrain from engaging in work or activities that hinder the worship owed to God, the joy proper to the Lord's Day, the performance of the works of mercy, and the appropriate relaxation of mind and body."
Maybe all the other librarians are Catholic and they don't want to work on Sunday, so they've invented this job to save themselves the trouble. That too is a problem: "2187. Sanctifying Sundays and holy days requires a common effort. Every Christian should avoid making unnecessary demands on others that would hinder them from observing the Lord's Day."
There is a caveat about "social necessity" sometimes requiring people to work, but it's questionable whether this is a social necessity, and if it is a social necessity whether it's necessary that it's always the same person working. I don't think those Catholic college librarians at St. Joseph are trying hard to avoid making unnecessary demands on others.
So congratulations to the St. Joseph library for posting job that sucks both inherently and spiritually. Catholic College Library Job: No Catholics Need Apply.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Illinois Confidential
This looks to me like a job that would suck, providing there actually is a job, which I doubt. I was intrigued by the listing on the ALA jobs page. After all, who wouldn't want to move to a town called Confidential, Illinois? But then I read the ad:
"A well established academic institution is currently seeking an energetic and outgoing individual for the following opportunity:
LIBRARIAN
Requirements:
* ALA-accredited MLS with a minimum of 2 years professional experience.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package."
What an opportunity! LIBRARIAN! But that's not much to go on, is it? What sort of librarian do they want? I guess any old librarian will do.
And how established could they be if they won't even give their name? Are they so established we'll all just be taken aback with awe and be afraid to apply? Illinois has lots "academic institutions," but how many are really likely to impress us that much? The Universities of Chicago and Illinois post their job ads under their own name. I can only assume that this "well established academic institution" is afraid to name itself for fear of being laughed at. Maybe it's like the Suck-Ass Online University the Repressed Librarian worked at.
And it's not like this is some secret hunt for a director or a high powered executive type. I know those searches can be sensitive, and I know some libraries actually hire headhunting firms to get them someone good. Hard to believe, but it's true. But this dump is looking for a librarian with two years professional experience. What kind of experience? They don't say. Any kind of experience, presumably. But of course the candidate would have to have excellent communication skills. That goes without saying. And since communication requires actually communicating information, which this ad does not, the standards are probably pretty low.
And what does "competitive" mean here? We don't even know who they're competing against. The best university in Illinois is the University of Chicago, and I hear the librarian pay there sucks.
I smell a rat somewhere, but maybe my olfactory senses are just overdeveloped. Perhaps one of you knows the truth about this, and it's really a great opportunity for the vaguely experienced librarian.
"Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to: 7960200A@hrpriority.com"
Hrpriority seems to be a jobs warehouse of some kind, doing secret hiring for all kinds of crappy jobs, from maintenance engineer to marketing professional.
This is pretty inspirational stuff, so all I can say is: Sign me up, baby!
"A well established academic institution is currently seeking an energetic and outgoing individual for the following opportunity:
LIBRARIAN
Requirements:
* ALA-accredited MLS with a minimum of 2 years professional experience.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package."
What an opportunity! LIBRARIAN! But that's not much to go on, is it? What sort of librarian do they want? I guess any old librarian will do.
And how established could they be if they won't even give their name? Are they so established we'll all just be taken aback with awe and be afraid to apply? Illinois has lots "academic institutions," but how many are really likely to impress us that much? The Universities of Chicago and Illinois post their job ads under their own name. I can only assume that this "well established academic institution" is afraid to name itself for fear of being laughed at. Maybe it's like the Suck-Ass Online University the Repressed Librarian worked at.
And it's not like this is some secret hunt for a director or a high powered executive type. I know those searches can be sensitive, and I know some libraries actually hire headhunting firms to get them someone good. Hard to believe, but it's true. But this dump is looking for a librarian with two years professional experience. What kind of experience? They don't say. Any kind of experience, presumably. But of course the candidate would have to have excellent communication skills. That goes without saying. And since communication requires actually communicating information, which this ad does not, the standards are probably pretty low.
And what does "competitive" mean here? We don't even know who they're competing against. The best university in Illinois is the University of Chicago, and I hear the librarian pay there sucks.
I smell a rat somewhere, but maybe my olfactory senses are just overdeveloped. Perhaps one of you knows the truth about this, and it's really a great opportunity for the vaguely experienced librarian.
"Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to: 7960200A@hrpriority.com"
Hrpriority seems to be a jobs warehouse of some kind, doing secret hiring for all kinds of crappy jobs, from maintenance engineer to marketing professional.
This is pretty inspirational stuff, so all I can say is: Sign me up, baby!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
Library Jobs That Suck #3
What is it about all these libaries "developing a pool"? I thought there was a librarian shortage going on! That's what that nice Leslie Burger and those folks over at the ALA keep saying, and why would they lie? Doesn't the fact that libraries are "developing pools" pretty much prove that there's no librarian shortage? Don't "develop a pool" you cheapskates--hire someone! Is there no shame?
Well here's another job that sucks--hanging around Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. That's pretty much the job. I've never been to Bloomsburg. It might be nice, and I might even be willing to work there if the money was right, but I'm sure I wouldn't want to hang around there just waiting for this.
An adoring fan in the Keystone State passed this one on to me, though you might notice it's nationally advertised. Nationally advertised! Because of course this one will draw professional librarians like dung draws flies.
"Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Harvey A. Andruss Library is developing a pool of qualified librarians interested in having their names on file to be considered as vacancies are created by emergency situations or temporary openings."
Let's see..."developing a pool"..."interested in having their names on file"..."to be considered"...etc. Is this like that Kevin Bacon game? Are we seven degrees from employment here?
"Such individuals would be hired for employment in Reference, Cataloging, Government Documents, or Access Services."
Those lucky guys!
"Requirements for eligibility include an American Library Association accredited Master's degree, a minimum of six months' relevant experience, and a demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Finalists must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process."
I'm glad that ALA-accredited master's degree is required. This is professional work, after all! We wouldn't want just anyone temporarily on call for this great job!
"Salary is dependent upon length of contract."
But you can bet it'll be low!
"Temporary appointments do not include benefits."
Well, naturally!
"Send letter of application, vita, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals familiar with your work to: Nancy S. Weyant, Chairperson, Temporary Pool Search Committee, Harvey A. Andruss Library, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA 17815."
Hurry, do it today! Tell 'em you found their post on "Library Jobs that Suck" in the Annoyed Librarian and your application gets moved immediately to the top of the queue!
I won't analyze it anymore, because I want to let the person who sent the ad to me speak instead. Somebody in Pennsylvania might be a little annoyed:
"I especially enjoyed the most significant hiring criteria--that the successful candidate can 'communicate well,' and of course they throw in ability to work with a 'diverse population.' For once I would love to see a library position that flatly states that the successful candidate is NOT required to work or communicate well with a diverse population and that any indications to the contrary in the resume or during the interview process will result in the immediate suspension of further hiring consideration. They forgot to add that the successful candidates should also be willing to hang around Bloomsburg, PA for the rest of their lives waiting for the opportunity to sit on occasion at a circulation or reference desk when the incumbent opts for knee replacement surgery or liposuction on their fat [bottom].”
The Annoyed Librarian couldn't have said it better herself.
For this I went to library school?
Well here's another job that sucks--hanging around Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. That's pretty much the job. I've never been to Bloomsburg. It might be nice, and I might even be willing to work there if the money was right, but I'm sure I wouldn't want to hang around there just waiting for this.
An adoring fan in the Keystone State passed this one on to me, though you might notice it's nationally advertised. Nationally advertised! Because of course this one will draw professional librarians like dung draws flies.
"Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania's Harvey A. Andruss Library is developing a pool of qualified librarians interested in having their names on file to be considered as vacancies are created by emergency situations or temporary openings."
Let's see..."developing a pool"..."interested in having their names on file"..."to be considered"...etc. Is this like that Kevin Bacon game? Are we seven degrees from employment here?
"Such individuals would be hired for employment in Reference, Cataloging, Government Documents, or Access Services."
Those lucky guys!
"Requirements for eligibility include an American Library Association accredited Master's degree, a minimum of six months' relevant experience, and a demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations. Finalists must communicate well and successfully complete an interview process."
I'm glad that ALA-accredited master's degree is required. This is professional work, after all! We wouldn't want just anyone temporarily on call for this great job!
"Salary is dependent upon length of contract."
But you can bet it'll be low!
"Temporary appointments do not include benefits."
Well, naturally!
"Send letter of application, vita, and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three individuals familiar with your work to: Nancy S. Weyant, Chairperson, Temporary Pool Search Committee, Harvey A. Andruss Library, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Bloomsburg, PA 17815."
Hurry, do it today! Tell 'em you found their post on "Library Jobs that Suck" in the Annoyed Librarian and your application gets moved immediately to the top of the queue!
I won't analyze it anymore, because I want to let the person who sent the ad to me speak instead. Somebody in Pennsylvania might be a little annoyed:
"I especially enjoyed the most significant hiring criteria--that the successful candidate can 'communicate well,' and of course they throw in ability to work with a 'diverse population.' For once I would love to see a library position that flatly states that the successful candidate is NOT required to work or communicate well with a diverse population and that any indications to the contrary in the resume or during the interview process will result in the immediate suspension of further hiring consideration. They forgot to add that the successful candidates should also be willing to hang around Bloomsburg, PA for the rest of their lives waiting for the opportunity to sit on occasion at a circulation or reference desk when the incumbent opts for knee replacement surgery or liposuction on their fat [bottom].”
The Annoyed Librarian couldn't have said it better herself.
For this I went to library school?
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Library Jobs That Suck #2
This is another entry in the "Library Jobs That Suck" category. This feature depends on there actually being advertised library jobs that suck. I think it's safe to say I won't be running out of material any time soon.
Thank goodness the ALA is trying to recruit more librarians, too, because there are a lot of jobs that suck, and we wouldn't want them to go unfilled, now would we. I for one am proud to know that the ALA is doing all it can to improve the quality of life of professional librarians, like trashing the Boy Scouts and passing useless and irrelevant political resolutions. Thank you, ALA!
So what sort of opportunities do we have before us today, dear readers?
Wow!! If you really want to see a job that sucks, read this ad. And it's not even a job that sucks, it's just a chance to enter yourself into the pool for the potential opportunity possibly to work at a job that sucks.
Some organization in the Golden State (again!) calling themselves the "West Valley -Mission Community College District" "is now accepting applications from qualified persons for the purpose of developing a pool of librarians interested in part-time assignments in library automation." Developing a pool! And if you're succesful, what do you get?
"The assignment may require working day, evening, or Saturday as needed, beginning Fall 2006. This recruitment process is to pre-qualify you for possible future assignments. As an assignment becomes available, you may be contacted to determine if you are available."
Isn't that exciting! I might pre-qualify (I'm not sure how that's different from just regular qualifying, but I'm willing to give it a try) for a possible future assignment, if it becomes available and if they decide to contact me, and if I'm available! I better not get too excited; someone has to use this chair after I do.
But am I possibly qualified for such a plum potential future assignment? Well, I do have an ALA-accredited MLS (yay!!), but I could also do it if I had a "valid California Community College Instructor's Credential in library science," whatever that is. I sure hope no one tries to sneak in with an invalid one of those. I always get excited when I find out what my ALA-accredited MLS prepares me to do! My "advanced" degree!
But what about the desired qualifications? Do I have any of those?
But what do I have to do? That's the first big question.
"Librarian duties are assigned by the dean in consultation with the librarian and the supervisor and may consist of one or more of the following:
We need more librarians! We need more librarians!
I might have to apply to this one, too.
For this I went to library school.
Thank goodness the ALA is trying to recruit more librarians, too, because there are a lot of jobs that suck, and we wouldn't want them to go unfilled, now would we. I for one am proud to know that the ALA is doing all it can to improve the quality of life of professional librarians, like trashing the Boy Scouts and passing useless and irrelevant political resolutions. Thank you, ALA!
So what sort of opportunities do we have before us today, dear readers?
Wow!! If you really want to see a job that sucks, read this ad. And it's not even a job that sucks, it's just a chance to enter yourself into the pool for the potential opportunity possibly to work at a job that sucks.
Some organization in the Golden State (again!) calling themselves the "West Valley -Mission Community College District" "is now accepting applications from qualified persons for the purpose of developing a pool of librarians interested in part-time assignments in library automation." Developing a pool! And if you're succesful, what do you get?
"The assignment may require working day, evening, or Saturday as needed, beginning Fall 2006. This recruitment process is to pre-qualify you for possible future assignments. As an assignment becomes available, you may be contacted to determine if you are available."
Isn't that exciting! I might pre-qualify (I'm not sure how that's different from just regular qualifying, but I'm willing to give it a try) for a possible future assignment, if it becomes available and if they decide to contact me, and if I'm available! I better not get too excited; someone has to use this chair after I do.
But am I possibly qualified for such a plum potential future assignment? Well, I do have an ALA-accredited MLS (yay!!), but I could also do it if I had a "valid California Community College Instructor's Credential in library science," whatever that is. I sure hope no one tries to sneak in with an invalid one of those. I always get excited when I find out what my ALA-accredited MLS prepares me to do! My "advanced" degree!
But what about the desired qualifications? Do I have any of those?
- Experience with the various functions, including system management, of an integrated on-line public access system.
- Experience with designing and maintaining a library website.
- Experience with microcomputer hardware and software.
- Educational preparation and work experience with institutional computer networks.
- Experience with on-line retrieval systems.
- Experience providing reference service.
- Experience working effectively with staff and maintaining a cohesive team approach.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Effective problem solving skills.
- Effective training and instructional skills
But what do I have to do? That's the first big question.
"Librarian duties are assigned by the dean in consultation with the librarian and the supervisor and may consist of one or more of the following:
- Work with students at the reference desk.
- Manage the acquisitions, technical processing, reference, circulation and audio-visual functions of the library.
- Provide reference assistance for students and staff.
- Evaluate, select and discard print and non-print library materials to keep the library collection current with curriculum.
- Provide bibliographic instruction to students.
- Coordinate library activities with the instructional and counseling faculty.
- Hire, train and supervise classified and student staff.
- Manage the library computer system.
- Teach applicable courses in library methods, etc.
- Librarians have the option of teaching outside their primary area on an overload basis.
- To be eligible for an assignment outside their area of primary responsibility, they must qualify through the established guidelines.
- Librarians who teach classes must comply with the duties required of the academics as outlined in their job description, including ½ hour for each section taught.
- In addition to the library-related duties outlined above, librarians are expected to assume institutional responsibilities which are of value to their department, division, college and/or District as delineated in Article 22 of the Association of College Educators union contract."
That seems like a lot to me, but I'm pretty lazy. My favorite thing would be to teach outside my primary area on an "overload basis." That would probably happen a lot, because I'm often overloaded. (Jeeves, bring me another Martini!)
After reading this, though, my heart was racing and sweat was dripping from my brow. It almost fell on my keyboard, but fortunately my newest little kitty Chaps was curled up in my lap and absorbed the worst of it. What would they pay for all this?
"Salary is based on a percentage of workload up to a maximum of 60% (percent). Salary is prorated based on a minimum salary range of $15,658 - $17,968; maximum earnable up to $22,860."
We need more librarians! We need more librarians!
I might have to apply to this one, too.
For this I went to library school.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Library Jobs That Suck #1
Being a librarian is one of the most bizarre career choices anyone could ever make. Where else are you required to have not only a college degree but a master's degree (well, sort of a master's degree, anyway) to take jobs that sometimes pay less than $30K/year? What kind of "profession" is that? And why isn't the ALA doing something about it instead of passing idiotic resolutions?
To draw attention to the problem of bad library jobs, the Annoyed Librarian will, in the spirit of public service, occasionally discuss currently available jobs. That's right. Actual Job Postings. This stuff isn't made up, because if it was, no one would believe it.
This is one of the most bizarre job ads I've ever seen. Pacific Oaks College & Children's School (I am not pooping on you; this is really the name of the place) is looking for a temporary library director! The lucky winner gets to be a library director for 6-8 whole weeks! I sure hope they have an inside candidate, because I'm not sure where they'll find someone who 1) has the skills to be a library director and 2) is such a loser that they'd be willing to take a 6-8 week job as a library director.
Below are the qualifications, job functions, and most importantly, hours of operation. So if I were to apply for this job, and believe me it's tempting, I'd have to have an MLS, plus knowledge of technology trends and copyright issues. I could do that, I think. I'm pretty independent, too.
But then I'd have to have "Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills." I'm not sure I have that, because I'm not sure what the heck it is. Does this mean I'd have to be able to speak enough Spanish to get the trash emptied, or would it do for me to be able to speak English really slowly and loudly?
And then there's "Sensitivity and commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion." I'm not sensitive to anything (well, except whatever's giving me this rash that's making me so cranky), so I think I'm out there. But I already work nights and weekends, so maybe I could feign the sensitivity. I could say, "OK, Mr. Diverse Person, I'm sensitive to whatever divisively diverse needs you inclusively include."
And I would really love any job where I got to direct library operations and teach BI classes! It would make me feel so important being able to order myself around like that.
For this I went to library school?
I think I'm going to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in Library Science
Knowledge of technology trends for libraries
Familiarity with copyright compliance issues
Experience with academic libraries
Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding student customer service
Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills
Sensitivity and commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion
Ability to work independently and direct the work of others
Able to work evening and weekend hours
Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Manage day to day operations of library and library staff
Coordinate the binding and storage of student theses
Supervise library staff
Provide bibliographic instruction to all students, local and remote
Direct cataloging and/or technical services support
Other duties as assigned
Library hours of operation:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 2pm – 8pm
Wednesday: 2pm – 8pm
Thursday: 2pm – 9pm
Friday: noon – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: noon – 5pm
To draw attention to the problem of bad library jobs, the Annoyed Librarian will, in the spirit of public service, occasionally discuss currently available jobs. That's right. Actual Job Postings. This stuff isn't made up, because if it was, no one would believe it.
This is one of the most bizarre job ads I've ever seen. Pacific Oaks College & Children's School (I am not pooping on you; this is really the name of the place) is looking for a temporary library director! The lucky winner gets to be a library director for 6-8 whole weeks! I sure hope they have an inside candidate, because I'm not sure where they'll find someone who 1) has the skills to be a library director and 2) is such a loser that they'd be willing to take a 6-8 week job as a library director.
Below are the qualifications, job functions, and most importantly, hours of operation. So if I were to apply for this job, and believe me it's tempting, I'd have to have an MLS, plus knowledge of technology trends and copyright issues. I could do that, I think. I'm pretty independent, too.
But then I'd have to have "Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills." I'm not sure I have that, because I'm not sure what the heck it is. Does this mean I'd have to be able to speak enough Spanish to get the trash emptied, or would it do for me to be able to speak English really slowly and loudly?
And then there's "Sensitivity and commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion." I'm not sensitive to anything (well, except whatever's giving me this rash that's making me so cranky), so I think I'm out there. But I already work nights and weekends, so maybe I could feign the sensitivity. I could say, "OK, Mr. Diverse Person, I'm sensitive to whatever divisively diverse needs you inclusively include."
And I would really love any job where I got to direct library operations and teach BI classes! It would make me feel so important being able to order myself around like that.
For this I went to library school?
I think I'm going to apply.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in Library Science
Knowledge of technology trends for libraries
Familiarity with copyright compliance issues
Experience with academic libraries
Demonstrated ability to provide outstanding student customer service
Excellent cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills
Sensitivity and commitment to issues of diversity and inclusion
Ability to work independently and direct the work of others
Able to work evening and weekend hours
Expertise in Microsoft Office Suite, Internet
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Manage day to day operations of library and library staff
Coordinate the binding and storage of student theses
Supervise library staff
Provide bibliographic instruction to all students, local and remote
Direct cataloging and/or technical services support
Other duties as assigned
Library hours of operation:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 2pm – 8pm
Wednesday: 2pm – 8pm
Thursday: 2pm – 9pm
Friday: noon – 6pm
Saturday: 9am – 5pm
Sunday: noon – 5pm
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