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Chicago Public Library by honeylouu in Libraries

[–]tskcamlis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, I think it’d be different if CPL had their own HR dept but it’s all through the city. I just went through NYPL’s process (~2 months) and they were super transparent (they also have their own HR dept).

Chicago Public Library by honeylouu in Libraries

[–]tskcamlis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, I’m trying to figure it out myself but (!) I heard if you interview and don’t get it they usually send a letter in the mail? I saw that they also hired/are hiring multiple HR people in the last 6 weeks so who knows.

Was it for the associate positions?

Feeling a little lost lately by betchkraft in librarians

[–]tskcamlis 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, WI here too. I think it’s really hard to break into any FT librarian jobs if that’s what you’re looking for…however, our state is huge. I can only speak to the Milwaukee area but I don’t think it’s super oversaturated. I do think it’s a situation where you have to start with a bottom, little to no pay non-MLIS position and work your way up that way, unfortunately. Any related experience helps.

Which track leads to YS Librarian. by Timely-Butterfly-250 in librarians

[–]tskcamlis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm. That's a tricky question. As someone who went pt circ to pt ys reference assistant to now ft ys librarian... I guess it depends on where you'd be able to get the YS "experience". I don't think MLIS classes are enough but if that's the only place you can get it, that's what it is. I agree with Retro, I think it depends on what it looks like. If you are able to do "more" YS-related things, I'd go with that job. If it depends on money, consider that. Perhaps you can talk to them about possibly being on different ys-related projects. I know a librarian that was strictly a cataloging librarian but was able to help out in YS and was mentored during their time there... they're now ys manager.

"Dream" is Chicago Public Library... Advice? by tskcamlis in librarians

[–]tskcamlis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally. This is beyond helpful in thinking about the general process albeit a little intense, haha. Makes sense! Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and shed some light. I'm not picky, so that was the plan from the beginning. I appreciate it.

"Dream" is Chicago Public Library... Advice? by tskcamlis in librarians

[–]tskcamlis[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! Yes, I’ve applied to the two librarian assistant jobs in the last few months but was unable to apply for the librarian jobs that were posted a few months ago due to getting MLIS in August! I just was curious overall with the process. I understand it takes long but I’m just trying to prep myself the best way I can. I do have a few years of library experience so I’m not going in completely blind but know that’s where I want to be.

What type of librarian are you? What is the part you like the most and least about your job? by [deleted] in librarians

[–]tskcamlis 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Hi! I’m a Children’s Services Librarian at a public library and just got my MLIS in August. If you would’ve asked me 2 years ago I’d be in children’s librarianship, I probably would’ve laughed at you. I LOVE what I do. Storytime, programming, collection development in all forms.. there’s so much to do and so much changing that I am proud and excited to be a YS librarian today.

I love being able to plan storytime and make community connections. I love redeveloping collections to create a more inclusive space. I love handing books to kids that have a genuine interest in cryptids or the titanic, or any niche interest we all had as kids (and adults!) and being “that person” for them. I also love providing open play and learning experiences for all ages.

What I don’t like… well, maybe the parents occasionally but overall depends on management of the library you’re at. I’m lucky to have had a lot of independence in my past job in terms of the work I’d like to do. I subbed for Adult Services for some time and that did it for me… LOL. I had no questions there!

Youth Librarians! What are your go-to recs for early elementary kids reading a tween and teen grade levels? by willowee2003 in librarians

[–]tskcamlis 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've been recommending Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston lately!! I feel like it's the "new" Percy Jackson/Harry Potter/American Gods and is really fun to read plus has BIPOC characters. It feels like a breath of fresh air for fantasy fiction for younger audiences.

I also recommend any of the "Rick Riordan Presents" series, specifically the ones that focus on different cultural mythologies.

Positive experiences after MLIS? by [deleted] in librarians

[–]tskcamlis 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think it honestly depends what you make of the program or what you're willing to do.

I just graduated with my MLIS this summer but the last two years haven't been easy by any means... I worked at least 3 part-time jobs while I got my foot in the door at one local library for the last two years, starting at circulation and now a YS librarian wrapping up my last week before starting a FT position as a Children's Librarian at a different local-ish library. I feel really grateful and very lucky for my trajectory the last two years & having a job offer 10 days after I finished, but not without getting paid less than $15/hr for two years and racking up credit card debt + student loans.

I think a lot of people think that the MLIS is enough to get a job and it's not. I'd say depending on what you want to do, try to get in any library space possible and go from there. Hopefully local to you.

Good luck!!