[LM_NET] Oversupply of School Librarians--personal journey

[JK GREER <irismedia@MSN.COM>]

In the early 1980s when I started my BA for Elem Ed, I was discouraged from 
becoming a school librarian because of the budget cuts to librarians. This 
was from both my family and by the advisors of the school.

When I turned 40 (late 1990s), I decided that after being a classroom 
teacher for years, I was "old enough" to decide what I wanted to do, so I 
went back to college for my MA with library endorsement.  AGAIN, against all 
of the advise of friends, family, AND college advisors.  AGAIN, librarians 
were on the cutting block.

I was employed as a librarian, even before finishing the program, because 
there was not anyone who applied for the position. AND because I had 
classroom experience in the elementary grades. I have been on the "chopping 
block" 5/8 years. BUT have always been the one that has been kept when 
others went into the classrooms.

Last year AND this year I have been in the position of needing to look for 
new employment.  I have been up against several other librarians that were 
highly qualified.  Last year I was considered the top choice.  This year so 
far, I have not been.

OKAY, back to the SUBJECT: Oversupply of School Librarians:  Yes, there are 
MANY school librarians who are not employed.   Yes, here in Oregon there is 
a bit of oversupply.  But again, it depends on if you are able to move for 
the job--- I am, and I am willing to move.

Many have said this:  If you are a school librarian, academic librarian, 
public librarian, or private corporate librarian AND THAT IS what you want 
to do, then do it.  There may be detours, but find a way to do it.  It IS 
one of the best jobs. It is a GREAT job, but only if you are dedicated to 
it.  YES, you will be doing a LOT of PR work for the profession.  YES, you 
will be undervalued, and dismissed.  But, overall, it is worth it.

Hey, I get paid to be a "know-it-all", or at LEAST a Know where to find it.  
And that is good enough for most days.



JaKay Greer
Teacher-Librarian
St. Helens, Oregon

_________________________________________________________________
http://newlivehotmail.com

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
  You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
  by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET  2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL  4) SET LM_NET DIGEST  * Allow for confirmation.
 * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
 * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
 * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/
 * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
 * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------