Workforce

More Job Seekers, Fewer Jobs: Findings from Library Jobline, Year Three

March 2010

For the last 3 years, Library Research Service, a unit of the Colorado State Library, has provided a venue for libraries and library staff to meet in the job search. LibraryJobline.org is a database-supported website where job seekers can create personal accounts and libraries from throughout the state and nation can post job listings. This […]

Libraries and Librarians Feeling Effects of Economic Slowdown

August 2009

The economic recession’s impact on libraries has become a hot topic in recent months. Prompted by editorials and news stories from around the country, the Library Research Service (LRS) undertook our latest 60-Second Survey, “Libraries and the Economic Recession.” The goal of this survey was to gather input from librarians in the field about how […]

Library Jobs in Colorado: What Does Libraryjobline.org Tell Us?

July 2009

In 2009, LibraryJobline.org began its third year of data collection[note]When the Library Research Service (LRS) took over the administration of LibraryJobline.org in January of 2007, they transferred it from the previous static website to one that is database-backed. This change gave LRS the ability to collect and analyze the information about the job postings received.[/note].  […]

What I Learned About the Value of an MLIS Degree: An LIS Student’s Perspective

April 2009

“I am torn between not recommending and recommending pursuing a MLIS degree… While I value my degree and what I have learned, entering the profession has been disappointing and frustrating.” “The job market is extremely glutted, while at the same time people outside of the profession are seeing less and less value in paying for […]

Is it Worth It? The Perceived Value of an MLIS Degree in 2009

Would you recommend getting an MLIS to a new graduate? This question, posed on libnet (a Colorado-based library listserv), prompted an immediate flurry of thoughtful responses. The number and intensity of the responses inspired us to launch the Library Research Service’s inaugural 60-Second Survey in 2009, “The Value of an MLIS to You.” Distributed primarily […]

In Your Own Words: The Value of an MLIS

In May 2008, the LRS 60-Second Survey, “The Value of an MLIS to You,” was released, prompted by a 2008 posting on a Colorado-based library listserv that asked a simple question: Would you recommend an MLIS degree to a recent college graduate? Enthusiastic responses to the listserv question from dozens of people inspired the Library […]

Colorado Public Librarian Salaries Keeping Pace with National Averages

February 2009

Librarian salaries in Colorado’s larger public libraries are keeping pace with national averages, according to data collected by the Library Research Service and the American Library Association’s (ALA) annual salary survey. Salaries for managers/supervisors in Colorado libraries were nearly equal to the national average. Salaries for all other positions lagged behind the national statistics by […]

More School Librarians for Metro Areas, Fewer for Non-Metro

September 2008

Colorado has experienced tremendous population growth over the last several years, and the number of students attending Colorado schools has increased along with the population. On the surface, it appears that the rise in the number of full-time equivalent (FTE) school librarians—as defined by NCES—has kept up with and even surpassed the rise in the […]

Libraryjobline.org – The First Year

May 2008

In January 2008 the Colorado State Library Jobline celebrated its first anniversary at its new home, www.LibraryJobline.org. The new Library Jobline, unlike the original website, is database driven and gathers detailed information about job postings. This new interface allows both employers and job seekers to customize their use of the site. In addition, it allows […]

Is $40,000 the Magic Number?

April 2007

With such a wide range of salaries being offered to new Master of Library Science (MLS) graduates, it may be difficult to know just how much one should expect to be paid. It now appears that $40,000 may be the magic number. Colorado Public Library Annual Report Job Definitions Beginning Librarians: Staff with LIS master’s […]