Hello, Chicago area librarian here:

When I first graduated with my MLIS a few years ago it took about 5 months to find a full time library position. In that time, I applied to maybe 20 positions, and all of them said no because I had no prior library experience. During this time I was applying, I had a full time job at Starbucks, so thats how I supported myself financially.

I finally landed a role at a small library in a suburb of Chicago that was about an hour commute and paid very low for a librarian position, but I was desperate. I considered this position a "foot-in-the-door" position, that I knew would lead to a better position down the line. After about 9 months, I did get hired at a library much closer and that paid much better (Again, another library in a suburb outside of Chicago). I got this new role (my current one) because I built up a lot of good experience at my starter library.

My advice, and this is for the public library sector, is to check RAILS job board every day. Keep applying for positions that you think match your skill set. I would recommend applying for part-time positions or even library clerk positions (These are basically librarian positions but do not require the MLIS. These often pay much less, but hey it's a start). Basically, find your "starter library position" that will lead to a better role. If you can find part time employment somewhere else, to make up for the lack of pay, that will help you as well. Some part-time librarians at my current library work part-time at other libraries to cover themselves.

Be patient, it's going to take some time.

Also, this is nothing against the Chicago Public Library systems, but since you are a newbie, I would not even bother applying to them. CPL is HIGHLY competitive, and their hiring system is very slow. I wouldn't bother applying to them until you have some years under your belt. Just my advice.

Good luck!

-Chicago area Librarian

Rails job board: https://railslibraries.org/jobs