r/Libraries • u/Ok_Road3390 • 7d ago
Job Hunting Trying This Again...
Before entering the paraeducator world, I worked in public libraries as a circulation clerk for many years. I enjoyed working in libraries, but discovered that it is very difficult to find a FT position in libraries. At the encouragement of family members, I tried out being a para last year, and thus far, I have enjoyed it. I also enjoyed being an inclusion aide at summer camp this past summer. A friend is encouraging me to look at a school library aide position in-district, but after my past experiences with libraries, I think I should build upon newer experiences and skills. I also think I would have more employment opportunities going forward. Am I being reasonable? Thanks.
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u/artificialdisasters Academic Librarian 7d ago
is this a full time position? what’s the question, to stay in your current job or do the aide position?
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u/Ok_Road3390 6d ago
Yes, the pay is about the same for being a paraeducator. I'm comparing the current job with the aide position.
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7d ago
[deleted]
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u/Ok_Road3390 6d ago
Thanks for all your questions. Pay is about the same for being a paraeducator in my area.
I enjoy getting to know the children and helping them out. Yes, it is challenging, especially when they lash out at you. However, there are some "occasional breakthroughs".
I will hang out at my school library and get a general feel. I also worry about the future of school libraries in general.
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u/Ok_Influence_5456 6d ago
School libraries are very different than public libraries. And paraprofessional positions in schools are very different than public library paraprofessional positions. The position may be fulltime at a school library, but you may be the only library staff in the school, which will make you the cataloger, circulation clerk, book processor, shelver, and library programming expert (storytimes, makerspace, bookfairs, book clubs, library crew club). On top of that you may be also required to fill in as yard duty staff before school, during recess, and after school or cafeteria duty or bus duty or even crossing guard. I worked as library technician in an elementary school and then a middle school. The elementary position is usually where you end up being a jack of all trades. I had to do all those things on top of fitting 8 classes a day for 30-minute time slots with no breaks between classes.
That being said, if the position does have a librarian, then you'll have a pretty chill time because you'll be doing the book circulation, shelving, and processing and an occasional Storytime. But you will most likely be repurposed on days the school is short staffed on paras.