Trading Places
In pursuit of higher pay and better hours, a hardworking public librarian turns to schools
By Jennifer Bromann -- School Library Journal, 4/1/2004
Don't get me wrong. I loved working in a public library. While there, I helped create wonderful children's programs and increased participation in our summer reading clubs. But I'm happier now because I can interact with the same students every day and see that I'm making a quantifiable difference in their lives.
In my two years at Lincoln-Way Central High School, the library's circulation of novels has tripled. I presented booktalks to 18 classes last semester, something that would have been extremely difficult to do as a public librarian. I also launched a lunchtime book-discussion group, a one-book, one-school program for the entire building, and various contests and reading programs. I even plan to teach students how to perform storytimes to an invited group of preschoolers at our school and the public library. I love creating curriculum-related book lists and pathfinders, and it's gratifying when teachers request my services.
My primary reason for trading places was the extra vacation time and higher salary. But both jobs have a lot to offer. I'm just as excited about seeing 150 teens volunteering at the public library as I am watching students researching and requesting information in the media center. Although I must admit, I do miss working with kids of all ages, particularly preschoolers. And I really enjoyed the constant interaction with my colleagues at the public library.
The decision to change jobs should take into account your professional goals. Do you want to work with all age groups or focus on one? Do you want to create fun programming or plan instruction on the use of databases and answer technology questions? Do you want easy access to the same students or exposure to new faces each day? These are some of the key questions to consider before making a change.
The DifferencesThe major difference between a public and school librarian is the perception of different standards. As a media specialist, I feel colleagues and students expect me to know everything. Media specialists also don't have the same kind of flexibility as public librarians. Teachers rely on me all the time, and I always feel the need to be on the move.
As a public librarian, I was under constant self-imposed pressure to plan daily programs and juggle other responsibilities, such as ordering books, creating flyers, and answering reference questions. In the public library, it's common to encounter a line of children and adults with questions while you're busy preparing a program, which can involve an entire week of planning to complete. Surprisingly, I find the school more relaxing than the public library, although each requires much work.
While some school librarians have no support staff, I'm fortunate enough to have two full-time assistants to help our 2,600 students, 190 teachers, and other staff. Since I no longer organize daily programs, I can help gather materials for students and teachers. Other duties, such as planning for classes, creating newsletters and book lists, and ordering and weeding books get completed between classes. I've also trained my assistants in cataloging and interlibrary loans, which frees up more of my time.
While preparing for instruction, it's crucial to find out each teacher's curriculum in advance to create pathfinders and handouts that will help students conduct effective research. I generally have between five and 20 minutes to teach students how to locate and use various references, including the operation of our databases. Teachers get upset if computers aren't working and some don't hesitate to complain. Often, time is spent presenting ideas and sharing new information about databases only to be ignored by busy coworkers or get minimal feedback. I'm still amazed that teachers instruct their students to automatically turn to the Internet for research rather than seek my help, something I'm still trying to change.
Don't expect to teach or present topics of your choice—that task belongs to teachers. Instead, I help kids focus on assigned topics, show them how to use an index, or instruct them on proper search skills. Often, I demonstrate PowerPoint to summarize the workings of interlibrary loans.
There are certainly days when I'm forced to skip lunch, but more often than not, classes don't eat up that much of my time. Kids might need computer assistance, but most teachers come to the library with a prepared lesson in hand. During those times, I usually work at the front desk or in my office and create resources for teachers and students, plan for events or future classes, order books, pay bills, and do other librarian-related tasks.
Getting CertifiedBecoming a school librarian in Illinois requires a teaching certificate and an additional 18 credit hours, some of which might already be covered in your master's degree program. Switching from a public librarian to a school librarian typically requires taking additional school library and education courses. Check American Library Association–accredited universities and colleges, as well as your state's department of education for specific certification requirements. Although only one or two schools in any given state offer ALA–accredited library programs, other schools may have courses in instructional technology or a similar program that can count toward certification. Such programs can be very useful, particularly with the increased need for technology in schools. You might want to consider attending a college, such as Chicago State University, a non-ALA–accredited program that offers state certification for those with an existing master's degree in library and information science. These options can be more convenient and less expensive. Of course, there are various distance-education options, such as the University of Illinois's LEEP program (alexia.lis.uiuc.edu/gslis/degrees/leep.html) and the online courses offered at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's School of Information Studies (uwm.edu/Dept/SLIS/academics/depindex.html). Make sure these programs count toward your state's certification.
I contacted advisors at Dominican University and Chicago State University to inquire about my certification needs. In the end, I chose to attend the more expensive Dominican, which was more responsive to my needs and required less student-teaching hours. How did I do all this while working full time? I was lucky enough that my Library Director Ruth Faklis gave me permission to apply vacation time to 10 shortened workweeks. Some librarians take a leave of absence, while others quit their jobs to attend school full time, under the assumption that they'll find a job after graduation. Despite so many layoffs nationwide, this is a realistic expectation in Illinois, however, some school locations may not be as desirable as others and salaries may not be as high. If you're lucky, you might be able to fulfill your student-teaching requirement at a school with summer hours.
Key QuestionsIf autonomy is a major concern, make sure to ask during the interview about your direct report, the size of your staff, and how many people you'll be working with. If there are multiple librarians, ask if you'll be responsible for a certain aspect of the library or if everyone shares responsibilities. Inquire about your budget and whether there are additional funding streams. Ask about the culture of the school—are you expected to work additional hours or during the summer? Is tuition reimbursement offered?
When considering salary, don't forget to factor in how much out-of-pocket insurance and union dues you're expected to pay, both of which can eat into your gross income. Most schools don't take into account public library experience as teaching experience. As a general rule of thumb, high schools tend to pay more than middle and elementary schools. Keep in mind that high schools prefer hiring those with teaching experience.
Finding a JobNeedless to say, good schools attract good librarians. But those in prominent or convenient locations, such as Cook and DuPage Counties in Illinois, will most likely be filled by the summer. It's possible to land a job before receiving your certification if you obtain a letter from your college stating that you've satisfied all of the qualifications and have applied for your certificate. Schools, however, would prefer that you arrive with a certificate in hand.
I completed my classes in late August 2001 and received my certification a few months later. It took me a year to find the perfect job. During that time, I continued to search for a job in a middle or high school because I prefer reading novels to picture books. While working toward your certification, consider taking a lower paying job at a private school, which might not require certification, or a position as a library assistant.
The best time to start job hunting is around March, when schools like to see signed contracts. Although it's rare to find an opening during the school year, it's also a great opportunity to grab a position that unexpectedly becomes vacant. I accepted my position two weeks before the start of the academic year. The job was posted on an area education job site (www.iasaedu.org/Jobbank/default.htm). The interview took place shortly after I applied, and I was offered the job that same day. I knew it was the right fit because it offered independence and an opportunity to change things for the better.
When looking for a job, don't expect them to be advertised. Take advantage of your skills by researching all of the schools you're interested in and send them your résumé. Many schools now offer online applications. I often went to interviews in which the principal said the former librarian left for another school that hadn't advertised an opening. Although there aren't too many school library openings at job fairs, you'll be memorable to the interviewer because there are so few listings.
In my state, the average starting salary for a school librarian with no experience is $28, 132, according to the Illinois State Board of Education, with the lowest salary starting at $20,299 and the highest starting at $42,009. (For more information, visit www.isbe.net/research/pdfs/illinois_teacher_salary_study_02-03.pdf.) There are other situations where salaries are higher, for example, if you're hired as a department chair, work overtime, engage in extracurricular activities, or have more experience and education. Although our profession isn't the corporate world, don't hesitate to ask for more money. You might be compensated for your public library experience.
Some schools post salaries on their Web sites. Otherwise, school secretaries usually have the information or can transfer you to someone who does. Check your state board of education for average salaries. (For information on Illinois, visit www.isbe.state.il.us.) The education departments of universities also publish lists of starting salaries. I found "Selected Illinois Counties School District Salaries" (www.stuaff.niu.edu/cppc/ed_salaryinf.pdf) a particularly helpful Web site. Make sure to check each county's office of education for a job site, and don't forget to browse the classified section of the newspaper. (I never found another school library position offering $65,000, so it must have been a fluke.)
Changing careers is more involved than just money, hours, or attending the right college or university. Use the chart on the opposite page as a guide to help you make the right decisions.
| Job Concern | School Librarian | Public Librarian |
| Roles and Responsibilities | Work with teachers and students. More research assistance. In some schools, librarian is in charge of circulation, reference, cataloging, and acquisitions. Often function as a teacher, visiting classes or introducing research skills in the media center. | Work with the public. Focus on locating information rather than on teaching library skills. More programming. Often the sole provider of daily programming, preparing activities as a teacher would. |
| Education | Teaching certificate and a master's degree in library science often required. Department head might need an administrative certificate. Private schools may not require a teaching certificate. Some states require teaching experience or a teaching degree plus media certification, while others may have no specific requirements. | Often master's degree or just a bachelor's degree with experience is required. Some may be hired with a library technical assistant certificate or if they're working toward a degree. |
| Vacation time | Summers off for most. Few personal or vacation days during the school year. | Flexible vacation days during the school year. Three to four weeks vacation time is typical, although there may be a waiting period before this starts. |
| Salary | Often higher pay and raises. There is a set pay scale that increases from year to year, based on experience and education. Unions help negotiate higher raises. | An experienced public librarian may end up earning less than an entry-level school librarian. Since there are no unions, raises tend to fluctuate. Moving to another library often doesn't increase salary since starting pay is typically low. |
| Hours | Most work on a teacher's schedule, and there may be some additional hours. Usually no summer, evening, or weekend hours are required. | Most work some nights and weekends and all must work during the summer. Easier to get time off during the day. |
| Booktalking and Promotion | Easy access to students for booktalking and promoting events. | School outreach is necessary to booktalk or promote upcoming events. School librarians like to assume these responsibilities. |
| Schedule | Even with flexible scheduling, classes may be held in the library, leaving little preparation time. There are down times, and high school students may be more independent. | Busier after school and in the evenings, but fewer disruptions in the mornings. |
| Technology | Librarian plays a large role with technology instruction, database usage, and troubleshooting. Some are also responsible for audiovisual or instructional technology needs. | Librarian assists students with technology, although it is often someone else's role. More online searching for students than technology instruction. |
| Collection Development | Collections are tied to the school's curriculum. Tighter guidelines and less money for fiction. Budgets tend to be smaller. | More books and other print materials on a wider variety of subjects. Larger budgets for fiction since the public library serves everyone. |
| Budget | Generally less funding or fluctuating budgets. Some librarians, especially in elementary schools, rely on book sales and grants for book money. Spending may focus on one or several age levels. | Generally higher budget with less restrictions. The budget may be split between children's and young adult books or among all age groups. |
| Travel | Minimal funding to send librarians to in-state or out-of-state conferences. Summers off to travel to ALA's annual conference. | More opportunities to attend conferences and workshops. Children's librarians may have difficulty getting time off to attend conferences in the summer. |
| Job Outlook | Working out-of-state may require more teaching experience or courses for certification. Some states have reciprocal arrangements. Most states need school librarians, although some are cutting back on their library programs or have paraprofessionals filling the position. | Children's librarians are always in demand. No additional education needed out-of-state, although sometimes it's necessary to pass a test. |
| Benefits | Some states have a reciprocal retirement system between schools and public libraries. Teachers may have incentives for early retirement. | Lower pay may be accompanied with cheaper health insurance. No union dues. |
