On Fri, Nov 30, 2012 at 1:06 AM, Chris Fitzpatrick
<[log in to unmask]>wrote:

> But, this leads into another trend I've noticed... recent MLIS graduates
> are constantly lamenting the lack of jobs...meanwhile this list is flooded
> with jobs. It's a really odd disconnect.
>

One thing that is very different about library systems from regular systems
is that people are expected to have a really broad set of skills. Systems
administration, programming, hardware, network, detailed knowledge of
standards and tools that no one else uses, knowledge of workflow, etc --
i.e. people who can do anything. In reality, few people can do all this
stuff and so there is a lot of choice for them.

But the overall picture is abysmal. Tech services and resource sharing --
the people who created the data and institutional linkages that form the
backbone of library services -- are largely regarded as irrelevant even in
the library community. Public services are also on the decline. Meanwhile,
library programs keep churning out graduates for a shrinking pool of
positions that normally open only when people retire.

Libraries are mostly creatures of the 20th century and their traditional
role has been to identify the good stuff, acquire it, and preserve it. In a
networked world where other entities have largely taken over those
functions, they perform more of a niche function which is another way of
saying that this is not a growth area. Asking a bunch of nonlibrary people
what they think libraries should be doing can be pretty illuminating -- at
least on our campus, it's clear that people like the idea of the library,
but don't really know what they need us for. That's not good for long term
prospects.

The only way to survive is to be ahead of the curve. Right now, there is a
lot of action in digital collections. But consolidation will be coming so I
don't expect it will be any picnic there soon enough. All you can do in the
meantime is look for opportunities to apply yourself. There are loads of
tech opportunities even if you have no access to servers and you aren't
responsible for as much as a single web page. Pretty much all areas of the
library are plagued with crummy workflows and data analysis problems --
those are great ways to help people while building your skills. BTW, data
analysis aimed at demonstrating impact of university
programs/staff/activities seems to be a great way to reach out to other
campus units (or at least we're having some luck with that).

kyle