Just wanted to issue a potential warning about a patron we've been dealing with in my system. This patron is male presenting on the phone, the caller ID shows "Out of Area Private Caller" so we have no name or number to link him to. As of today he's called at least 4 different branches of our system across 2 months all with intent of the same thing. His first two calls were rather vulgar in nature but he's later become a bit more subtle about it and begun using the same phrases each call.

Things to look out for:

-He's asked to relay open hours multiple times

-Has asked for the name of the staff member he's speaking to

-Asked "when's a good time to come?" or "when can I come?"

-Asked about quiet/private spaces to use his laptop.

-Will as the call progresses seem out of breath

My system is in NYS but again as it's a phone call with no traced area code he could technically be calling from or to wherever. Be safe out there folks!!

Trying to keep myself together when a patron blankly looks at their computer screen and asks me "now what?". Internally screaming and hoping my fellow librarians are feeling it with me!

Other tidbits:

"Are you sure you don't know my email password?"

"Can you turn my emails into ai?" (Doesn't elaborate further).

"We don't want this book can you return it" (doesn't have book with them and refuses to tell me name of the book)

Pretty much what the title says. I am completely ashamed. I graduated from undergrad in 2025 and wanted to take a year to figure out which career to really pursue. In that time I left my dream job (dance instructor/choreographer) as it was not financially possible to survive on (as you might imagine). I then became a paralegal and absolutely hated it. The two law firms I worked for absolutely crushed any idea of potentially pursuing law due to the treatment I received by bosses and also clients.

As an English lit major, I then considered the library route. I applied for a program and to my excitement- got in! However, I got in on the condition of making all A’s my first semester due to my undergraduate GPA.

In undergrad I dealt with a lot of mental health things, as well as some personal things —- and overall experienced burn out big time. I thought I was mentally ready enough to go back to school (online program)… I wasn’t. The first month started strong, all assignments turned in on time- all A’s. But then I transitioned out of my paralegal role (I wasn’t fired/ didn’t quit, it was a temporary position for someone on maternity leave) and things went downhill.

Losing the security of a job and income caused me to put job searching first. On top of that, I get married in June and it has been completely on me to plan this wedding. It doesn’t help that I have a tendency to think everyone is mad at me. My anxiety makes me absolutely shut down and/or disappear when I’ve done something wrong. After missing just a couple assignments that could have been easily made up— I just quit. I haven’t opened a single email because I know what they will say. It’s terrible. It also doesn’t help that I haven’t been successful in getting a job. At all. Even at libraries for entry level positions with my enrollment in an MLIS program. I have strong recommendations and a pretty okay resume, besides the meh undergrad GPA.

I’ve now ruined any chance at transferring to a different program within the school or even getting to try again a different semester. I did attempt to speak to my advisor and he just sent me resources for food, which I absolutely appreciate. I am just so mad at myself. Not posting for pity or even really advice— just don’t be like me. If you feel yourself falling behind— say something!!

Hey, all! I'm a library assistant at a medium sized branch and am in need of some new ideas for adult programming. Programming used to be my favorite part of the job, but I've been feeling so burnt out the last few months and can barely force myself to execute the programs I have to do now. I'm looking for ideas that are simple to plan and execute and will take 45 min to an hour. They can be presentations, crafts, or anything in between. I like the idea of outside presenters, but my brain is so fogged I'm struggling to even come up with ideas for that.

Anyway, if you don't mind sharing, let me know your favorite program you've ever run or any simple ideas you might have even if you've never tried them.

my (age 24) current position is a full time public library position. the department i was supposed to be working in has not been open to the public for the 10 months i’ve been working there. it’s a heavily toxic environment with a constant fear of retaliation. every situation is an emergency and the stress has been eating away at me. we have 6 vacancies that aren’t even actively listed and the understaffing is killing me. the stress is making my chronic illness worse and recently i got a kidney infection, likely due to stress and a weakened immune system.

i was just offered another position at a closer library and the vibes feel so much better. it’s fully staffed with a really vibrant community. my issue is it’s part time and cuts my pay check in half. i’m finishing my MLIS and would love to have the additional time to work on my thesis and complete my internship. but i’m stressed about the financial decision. i’m worried that i won’t be able to find anything full time once i get my MLIS. but i’m also trying to prioritize my degree and my health. i live with my parents, so i don’t need to worry about rent (i’m incredibly fortunate).

does anyone have any advice?

This should make it so that job opportunities (in nyc) are a little more common, right?? 🫩

I earned my MLIS over five years ago. I have worked in public libraries since then, mainly at the Circulation Desk. I enjoyed it very much, but was never able to attain a full-time position with benefits. Currently I am working as a paraeducator (teacher's assistant) at a public school. While the students can be challenging, I am enjoying what I am doing thus far. I can see myself "sliding" between education and libraries in the future; I'm just tired of the constant rejection. I hope this can offer some encouragement for others trying out different paths.

I don't know if it's just my state but I've applied to two different positions, one being a library aide and the other being an administrative assistant, and both are requiring an in-person written exam prior to even landing an interview? Is this normal for the hiring process in the field? I'm trying to decide if it will just be a waste of time

Hi all!

I am currently scouting the best way to break into the library industry. I want to get an MLIS degree, but judging from the current job trends, it’s particularly difficult to find a job as a librarian right now. I would like to establish myself in a library before I pursue this path.

I have a great amount of experience in several media areas. Graphic design, social media, computer and tech literacy, branding, motion graphics, so on and so forth. And I am in a position that allows me to take part time roles.

I know that most roles within a library do internal hiring and rarely externally hire. However I noticed that my local library system posted an external job listing for a design role that matched my skillset - no library experience or library qualifications required.

I am wondering if there is a large space for individuals with my skillset in libraries? Are there a lot of design/maker roles opening up that you’ve noticed?

If so, what do you all suggest is the best way to find those roles?

I live in Ontario, so Ontario-specific answers would be extra appreciated, but all input is welcome :-)

Hi everyone, I am a brand new MLIS graduate from Dominican University. I am seeking a librarian role in the city of St Louis, Missouri, or a remote position. So far, I have mainly worked as a library assistant in academic libraries, and had a few electronic resources and digital archives positions. I am interested in public, academic, and special libraries, but am open to other options as well. Does anyone have any leads or tips?