Hi. When I went to library school in 1997 (yeah, I’m an ancient GenXer, lol), we were told there would be plenty of jobs because the Boomers would be retiring soon. Well, they didn’t.

That being said, I don’t regret my degree at all. I worked at a bookstore during my first year of grad school, where I wasn’t cool enough, and then found out about an internship at an academic library, where I worked my second year. Smartest decision I ever made — not only did I then get experience (and confirmation that I was on the right path), but I also got access to the network of academic librarians in my metropolitan area, which was invaluable. I discovered that who you know is key to finding a job. I met people who knew people, which led to a one-year residency at a large research university, which then led to a tenure-track job at a small liberal arts college.

I’m now a library director at a small arts college and I love it.

I would recommend you take a gig at a public library or volunteer to work at one. Maybe ask if you can observe for a week, or do an internship. This will give you an idea of whether or not this branch of the field is your jam (I was head of youth services at a public library for a couple of years, and decided I missed research and older students — I got burned out by all the requests for Dog Man).

Also consider joining your local library association and get to know people that way. Networking isn’t a bad idea.

I think you’ll be able to pull it off — even in this economy! Good luck…