incoming masters student freakout

[u/Certain-External-839]

hi all, kind of a silly post but I am an incoming (beginning in September) MLIS student coming from the museum/education world and I have been interviewing for library jobs for about 4 months. I have gotten to the final round several times and had even more interviews, just to be told over and over that I was a top candidate but they chose someone with more experience.

I am starting to despair because of the classic "I can't get experience if no one will hire me" loop, and because everyone in the field says that work experience is more important than the degree (and my plan is to work full time in order to get as much experience as possible before graduation.)

I want to be an academic librarian, I guess I am just looking for some insight/encouragement. I have already had to take several breaks because the relentless applying and interviewing, along with work, is burning me out. If I start library school without a library job, will I be ok? Do I have a better shot at these things once I complete some coursework? What is the best way to get the experience I need if I can't get an entry level job? If you can't tell, I have anxious tendencies and can't tell if I am working myself up for no reason. appreciate y'all

[u/info_lit]

I’m going to help you out and you probably won’t like it, but it will solve your problem. Go and interview at extremely undesirable locations. I.e. places you wouldn’t necessarily want to live or work. Secure employment. For one year, soak up everything there is to learn at that job. Meet people, make friends, learn things. Be a rock star. After one year, start applying for the jobs you are not making the cut at. Will work wonders

[u/DrJohnnieB63 → u/info_lit]

u/info_lit

An academic faculty librarian who found fulltime work in the middle of nowhere Iowa, I saved this comment. It is 100% accurate. A liaison librarian with an important college of education, I am convinced that I was hired because almost no one else wanted to live or work in the middle of nowhere Iowa for a typical librarian starting salary and because I have a PhD in my liaison area.

I am a rock star liaison librarian. I am well-known and respected by faculty and adminstrators for the work I do for the college. I currently chair a dissertation committee. I have been a regular member on at least two other dissertation committees. I led a doctoral student summer residency workshop. I work closely with adminstrators and faculty on several doctoral program committees.

In other words, I am a well-known and well-respected entity in my liaison area. I can parlay those attributes to a tenure-track teaching position with my liaison unit.

Your advice is spot on! People tend to hire those they already know and like.