digitalcourage.social

Hiring Librarians“I’m not a fan of those “I’m different from everyone else”resumes when you begin to write a short novel on how awesome you are and then don’t provide any previous work experience to back that up.”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?City HR posts on City website and IndeedDo you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?NoDo you include salary in the job ad?√ YesDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ Other: Depends on the type of jobDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ Other: Not sure.What is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?No skills or experience similar to the job requirements and duties.Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ No Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ NoneDo you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ Other: I’m the only direct hiring authority for the library department and I do not have the time to do so.What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Gain experience in the field or have worked in a similar environment in which the skills can be easily transferable.I want to hire someone who is: FlexibleIs there anything else you’d like to say about hiring practices at your organization or in current trends?The city has one person in HR and I’m the only one in our department that has to set up interviews, conduct interviews, provide training and set up the new employee. I’m also the director, so on top of that I lose time from my own duties such as management, budgeting, facility upkeep etc.Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?We lost half the staff in a month, so two Library Clerks and one library assistantWhen was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 75-100Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 25% or lessAnd how would you define “hirable”?Someone that can actually write a resume, has had work experience, shows that they are not a job jumper, demonstrates flexibility and the ability to learn tasks on their own without being micromanaged.How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?More applications than a year before, but fewer qualified.Your WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 0-10Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ None!How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ None!Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are the same number of positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ I don’t knowHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ I don’t knowIs librarianship a dying profession?√ Other: Yes and No, depends on what part of the country you’re in.Why or why not?It will be if people continue to bar Librarians from doing their job and if tax payers don’t pay enough in taxes to sustain Libraries.DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Southwestern USWhat’s your region like?√ Suburban areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Public Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? Besides the Director, 1 Youth Librarian.Are you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committeeDo you have any other comments, for job hunters, other people who hire, about the survey, or for Emily (the survey author)?My comment is for the job hunters: For me, the hiring process starts with your resume. I look for clean and detailed information about your previous work experience, especially if you have never worked in a library before. Please spell check your resume too. It’s a “no” for me if you can’t take the time to check your work, especially being that library workers have to take the time to check the little details to find things and problem solve! You need to sell me on how those skills would translate to the library. Also do a cover letter to explain any gaps in your employment and tell me why you want to work for my library and what you can bring to the team and the community to make it better. Im not a fan of those “I’m different from everyone else”resumes when you begin to write a short novel on how awesome you are and then don’t provide any previous work experience to back that up. I’m always looking for people who want to contribute something, are a team player, can be flexible, and want to learn through making mistakes. Even if you don’t have experience yet, people with integrity will get a place in the library over someone who may have the desired skill set. Certain qualities just can’t be trained into someone, while learning a new skill set can.<a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“My organization makes a big effort to hire diverse staff members.”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?I’m not in charge of advertising job listings, so I’m not sure, but I know we post them on our library website and in library listservs, especially all the ALA affiliated bipoc listservs.Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?The hiring committees don’t know where or how the applicants find the job ads.Do you include salary in the job ad?√ YesDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ YesDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ NoWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?Lack of experience in libraries or public service/customer serviceDoes your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ No Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ Other: If the candidate lives nearby, we interview in person. If they live far away, we do virtual interviews.Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ YesWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Write a great cover letter.I want to hire someone who is: enthusiasticIs there anything else you’d like to say about hiring practices at your organization or in current trends?I work in a public library and have been on many hiring committees. My organization makes a big effort to hire diverse staff members. We have gotten rid of MLS requirements for almost all positions, except Director-level positions. Even our Librarian positions and Manager positions do not require an MLS. This has helped increase and diversify our applicant pool.Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Information Services Assistant (paraprofessional role one step below Librarian in our system)When was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25 or fewerApproximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 26-50%And how would you define “hirable”?Someone with library experience and/or customer service or public service type of experience, someone willing to learn and enthusiastic about the position.How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?More applicants than usual were qualified. We also had a lot of internal applicants.Your WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 200+Are you unionized?√ Yes, at least some workers are union membersHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 7 or moreHow many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 7 or moreCan you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ I don’t knowHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ I don’t knowHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ I don’t knowIs librarianship a dying profession?√ I don’t knowWhy or why not?Honestly, I’m not sure. I don’t think libraries (I’m speaking about public libraries here) are dying at all. If anything, they are very much essential to the community. But old school librarianship might be dying. By that I mean, a Librarian position where the person needed to have an MLS degree. Most public libraries are staffing their branches with paraprofessionals who are expected to do the work that MLS-degreed Librarians used to do. Not saying that is good or bad. So I don’t think librarianship is a dying profession, but the nature of the work is changing and the requirements to become a librarian are changing.DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Midwestern USWhat’s your region like?√ Urban area, √ Suburban area, √ Rural areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Public Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? Children’s librarians, adult librarians, teen librarians, catalogers, managers, paraprofessionals who work on the desk at branchesAre you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committee <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“I think library schools need to do a better job of prep and/or not accept as many students”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?State Library Boards, Library School listservs, general listserv release from HR, We Here FB groupDo you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?NopeDo you include salary in the job ad?√ YesDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ Other: I try to keep the requirements to a minimum, no more than 2-3. But things like degree can’t and shouldn’t be removedDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ NoWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?They didn’t have the degree needed for the positionDoes your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ Other: No, I hate them. There are usually no plans/retention conversations regarding the recordingDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ YesIf you provide interview questions before the interview, how far in advance?We try to give them 5 business daysDoes your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, but we used toHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ It is entirely virtualDo you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ Other: If asked, I have given feedbackWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?It’s shocking to me how many people don’t prep based on the questions. We provide the questions in advance but interviewees ignore themI want to hire someone who is: CuriousIs there anything else you’d like to say about hiring practices at your organization or in current trends?I think we are a work in progress but I see the effort to be more inclusiveYour Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Graduate Teaching AssistantWhen was this position hired?√ Between three to six months agoApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25 or fewerApproximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 51-75%And how would you define “hirable”?Met the minimum requirementsHow did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?This was the first time this position has been filled in a whileYour WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 100-200Are you unionized?√ Not unionized, but we do bargain/negotiate contracts collectivelyHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 7 or moreHow many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 7 or moreCan you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are fewer positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ I don’t knowHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ I don’t knowIs librarianship a dying profession?√ Other: This is such a complicated question. I think people come into our profession without a clear eyed understanding of the needs of the job. I think library schools need to do a better job of prep and/or not accept as many students DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Southeastern USWhat’s your region like?√ Urban area, √ Suburban area, √ Rural areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Academic Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? library staff/grad students/librarian positionAre you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committee <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“the administration wants to eliminate a librarian position the next time it becomes vacant and make it a lower paid staff position”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?Institution website and sometimes IndeedDo you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?Do you include salary in the job ad?√ Other: Yes and no. If the institution does post it, they hide behind using the matrix indicator and not the actual dollar amountDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ YesDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ N/A – we don’t hire librariansWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?Not enough applicable experience. Doesn’t have to be library experience, but needs to have transferable skills.Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ Other: Morning the part, but I’ve asked to do so in current and future postingsIf you provide interview questions before the interview, how far in advance?Plan to provide the day beforeDoes your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ None: Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ Other: I would if asked. This is something I would explore doing proactively in future postingsWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Follow instructions of application process/provide a complete application packageI want to hire someone who is: Teachable Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Coordinator of Library ServicesWhen was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25 or fewerApproximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ more than 75%And how would you define “hirable”?Applicable experience and education Your WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 0-10Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 3-4How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 1Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are the same number of positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ NoHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ Other: No, but the administration wants to eliminate a librarian position the next time it becomes vacant and make it a lower paid staff position. I’m prepared to vigorously oppose that action leading up to and when the attempt is madeIs librarianship a dying profession?√ No DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Southwestern USWhat’s your region like?√ Rural areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Academic Library  Are you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committee <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam/" target="_blank">#GLAM</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraryjobs/" target="_blank">#libraryjobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis/" target="_blank">#LIS</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“It’s offered but it’s their responsibility to reach out afterward to ask”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?Partnership Job Board, Indeed, YMCA Job Board, LinkedIn, Town’s Website, Library’s Website, FB, Instagram, LIS School Job Boards (Western University and Toronto iSchool)Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?Yes – Indeed is often the worst quality. Often no cover letters and a ton of spam.Do you include salary in the job ad?√ YesDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ YesDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ YesWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?Meet no requirements, have to relocate (depends on the job and how fast we need to fill it)Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ Other: SometimesIf you provide interview questions before the interview, how far in advance?24 hoursDoes your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ Other: Only if the candidate requests itDo you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ Other: It’s offered but it’s their responsibility to reach out afterward to askWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?No chapter book applications. Less corporate jargon, use the cover letter to advertise who YOU are and why you love libraries. Don’t just focus on the hard skills or what you think we want to hear.I want to hire someone who is: AdaptableYour Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Coordinator, Programming &OutreachWhen was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25 or fewerApproximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 25% or lessAnd how would you define “hirable”?Meet the basic requirementsHow did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?More applications, more qualified people but many who were very demanding in terms of work from home and more pay despite minimal experienceYour WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 10-50Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 2How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 1Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are more positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ YesHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ NoIs librarianship a dying profession?√ No DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ CanadaWhat’s your region like?√ Rural areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Public Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? Cataloguers, children’s librarians, tech services (website, digital literacy support), CEOAre you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise) <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“It’s not dying, it’s being murdered by shortsighted college administrators who have no respect for us or what we do.”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?Indeed, college website, state library job siteDo you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?I have not noticed.Do you include salary in the job ad?√ other: If it’s an hourly, part-time positionDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ NoDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ Prefer but not requireWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?Does not meet preferred qualificationsDoes your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ No Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ First round/Initial Screen What is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Follow all of the instructions in the job posting.I want to hire someone who is: Experienced Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Library AssistantWhen was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25-75Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 25% or lessAnd how would you define “hirable”?Meets at least one preferred qualificationHow did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?Fewer highly qualified applicantsYour WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 0-10Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ None!How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ None!Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are fewer positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ Other: No, we lost all of our FT positions with no replacement at all.Have any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ NoIs librarianship a dying profession?√ It’s not dying, it’s being murdered by shortsighted college administrators who have no respect for us or what we do.Why or why not?See answer aboveDemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Southeastern USWhat’s your region like?√ Urban areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Academic Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? Our librarians do a little bit of everything.Are you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committee <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“no candidate ever meets all of the requirements. “Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?On our organization’s web page, Linked In, Indeed.com, specialized email lists, associations, or sites particular to the positionDo you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?Yes.  Broad sites like Indeed can bring in candidates who tend to apply for a job for which they have no qualifications, such as IT people.  However, our job postions automatically go to these sites.Do you include salary in the job ad?√ Other: We include a salary rangeDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ Other: We have requirements that people have to meet, such as citizenship if the position requires a security clearance, or a degree or years of experience if the job class requires it.  But no candidate ever meets all of the requirements.Does your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ YesWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?Not matching the KSAs on the job posting in any reasonable wayDoes your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ No Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, but we used toHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ Other: Right now it is entirely virtual, but we haven’t had a candidate for a position since the pandemic that has been in the area to be interviewed.  If we did, we’d do in hybrid interviews. Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ NoWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Answer the questions that are asked! Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Manager, Classified Research SupportWhen was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25 or fewerApproximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 25% or lessAnd how would you define “hirable”?Appropriate KSAsHow did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?Have not recruited for this position in a long time; in comparison with another position recently hired, fewer applications, but it’s a different sort of position.Your WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 10-50Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ Other: I’m not sure I understand this question.  My workplace as a whole??  We have an organization of  around 2000 people; we hired around 300 new staffHow many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 1Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ Other: If looking at the total workplace, more.  My organization, the sameHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ NoHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ NoIs librarianship a dying profession?√ NoWhy or why not?Librarianship is changing for sure, but not dying. New skills need to be developed and the field needs to be reimagined.DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Western US (including Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific Northwest)What’s your region like?√ Urban areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Special Library  Are you a librarian?√ Director of library, archives, IT applicationsAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise),√ A member of a hiring or search committee<a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“I’ve let candidates do virtual if the weather is bad. “Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?State Listserv (NY),  Local Library System’s Website, We’re civil service so we have to canvas the list first (if there is a viable list)Do you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?YesDo you include salary in the job ad?√ YesDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ NoDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ YesDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ No Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ No Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ Other: I’ve let candidates do virtual if the weather is bad. Do you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ NoWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Proofread their submissions and meet minimum qualificationsI want to hire someone who is: Creative Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?Library Assistant – CommunicationsWhen was this position hired?√ Between three to six months agoApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ 25 or fewerApproximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 26-50%And how would you define “hirable”?Has the skills needed for the job or shows they’re willing to learn.How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?A good number of applicants, some not qualifiedYour WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 0-10Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 3-4How many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 1Can you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are more positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ NoHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ NoIs librarianship a dying profession?√ No DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Northeastern USWhat’s your region like?√ Other: We have all three areas in close proximityWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Public Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? Childrens, Adult, TechAre you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committee, √ Human resources <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

Hiring Librarians“Candidates need to have a love for working with people.”Please note: This is an anonymous response to an online survey; I do not have any way of contacting the respondent or verifying responses. Their answers may reflect good, bad, or middling hiring practices. I invite you to take what’s useful and leave the rest. If you are someone who hires Library, Archives or other LIS workers, please consider giving your own opinion by <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQhOVjdHaWxMTnwt1iGhoD0CICsewzzmX5ryqI2B2AJC_wmQ/viewform?usp=sf_link" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">filling out the survey here</a>. Current Hiring Practices and Organizational NeedsThese questions are about your current hiring practices in general – the way things have been run the last year or two (or three).Where do you advertise your job listings?County Site, LinkedIn, Indeed, FacebookDo you notice a difference in application quality based on where the applicant saw the job ad?N/ADo you include salary in the job ad?√ YesDo you use keyword matching or any automation tools to reduce the number of applications a human reads while considering candidates?  √ YesDo you consider candidates who don’t meet all the requirements listed in the job ad?√ YesDoes your workplace require experience for entry-level librarian positions? (Officially or unofficially…)√ YesWhat is the current most common reason for disqualifying an applicant without an interview?Lack of relevant experience. Incomplete application packages.Does your organization use one-way interviews? (Sometimes also called asynchronous or recorded interviews)√ NoDo you provide interview questions before the interview? √ YesIf you provide interview questions before the interview, how far in advance?A week ahead with interview confirmation.Does your interview process include taking the candidate out for a meal?√ No, and I don’t think we ever haveHow much of your interview process is virtual?√ First round/Initial ScreenDo you (or does your organization) give candidates feedback about applications or interview performance?√ YesWhat is the most important thing for a job hunter to do in order to improve their hirability?Develop relevant skills such as customer service, programming and experience with children if hoping to work in YS.I want to hire someone who is: adaptibleIs there anything else you’d like to say about hiring practices at your organization or in current trends?It’s a very competitive market.Your Last RecruitmentThese are questions about the last person you hired (or the last position you attempted to fill). This person may not have been a librarian, and that’s ok.Think about the most recent time you participated in hiring someone (or an attempt to hire someone) at your organization. What was the title of the position you were trying to fill?full time library assistantWhen was this position hired?√ Within the last three monthsApproximately how many people applied for this position?√ more than 100, but less than 200Approximately what percentage of those would you say were hirable?√ 26-50%And how would you define “hirable”?Relevant skills, some understanding of public library work.How did the recruitment for this position compare with recruitments in previous years?More applications with a wider range of backgrounds.Your WorkplaceThis section asks for information about your workplace, including if you have lost positions in the last decade.How many staff members are at your library/organization?√ 200+Are you unionized?√ NoHow many permanent, full time job openings has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 7 or moreHow many permanent, full time librarian (or other “professional” level) jobs has your workplace posted in the last year?√ 7 or moreCan you tell us how the number of permanent, full-time positions at your workplace has changed over the past decade?√ There are more positionsHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with part-time or hourly workers over the past decade?  √ NoHave any full-time librarian positions been replaced with non-librarian, lower paid staff positions over the past decade?   √ NoIs librarianship a dying profession?√ NoWhy or why not?It’s a viable profession, but there are too many MLIS programs that are creating a pyramid scheme of too many candidates for too few positions.DemographicsThis section asks for information about you specifically.What part of the world are you in?√ Southeastern USWhat’s your region like?√ Urban area, √ Suburban areaWhat type of institution do you hire for (check all that apply):√ Public Library What type(s) of LIS professionals do you hire? YS LibrariansAre you a librarian?√ YesAre you now or have you ever been: √ A hiring manager (you are hiring people that you will directly or indirectly supervise), √ A member of a hiring or search committeeDo you have any other comments, for job hunters, other people who hire, about the survey, or for Emily (the survey author)?Candidates need to have a love for working with people.<a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/1/" target="_blank">#1</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/14/" target="_blank">#14</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/25/" target="_blank">#25</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/35/" target="_blank">#35</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/books/" target="_blank">#books</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/glam-jobs/" target="_blank">#GLAMJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarian/" target="_blank">#Librarian</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/librarians/" target="_blank">#librarians</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/libraries/" target="_blank">#libraries</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library/" target="_blank">#Library</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-hiring/" target="_blank">#libraryHiring</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-interview/" target="_blank">#libraryInterview</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-jobs/" target="_blank">#libraryJobs</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/library-work/" target="_blank">#libraryWork</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-careers/" target="_blank">#LISCareers</a> <a rel="nofollow noopener" class="hashtag u-tag u-category" href="https://hiringlibrarians.com/tag/lis-jobs/" target="_blank">#lisJobs</a>

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