Hey all - we're looking to expand our Spanish language book collections for all ages at my library. We currently purchase most of our books through Ingram because we get a great discount, and while they do have some Spanish language titles, we'd like to expand our options. A few questions:

1. What are your favorite distributors of Spanish language books that reliably deliver to the USA? We have decent access to English books translated into Spanish, but we are especially interested in books originally written in Spanish by Latino authors.

2. Does Baker and Taylor have a decent Spanish-language selection, and if so, does it differ significantly from what is available through Ingram? We can also get a discount from them, but I've not heard good things from other libraries about their processes, so we don't currently have an account.

3. We send our Spanish-language outreach coordinator to the Guadalajara International Book Fair every other year. While it's been great to purchase books their and ship them back, when we've tried to establish accounts with Central and South American book distributors, ordering afterwards and getting those items shipped to the US has been inconsistent, takes forever, and invoicing etc. has been a nightmare. Are there any distributors from Central and South America that has been able to fairly consistently distribute books to your US library? To be clear, I realize international ordering and shipping is tricky - I know these distributors have no ill intent.

4. We love looking at recommendations and bestsellers lists from Libros de Planeta, Casa del Libros, etc. However, I've yet to figure out if its possible for us to order from them directly - usually links lead me to Amazon or Barnes and Nobel, which obviously don't give any kind of discount to libraries. I'd also just generally rather support smaller book distributors and publishers.

Part of what makes this is tricky is that while I manage accounts with all of our distributors and assist our collection managers with all things related to ordering items, my Spanish is mostly limited to what I need to know for cataloging - I'm improving over time and have a lot of great resources that assist me in cataloging, but even with google translate, looking at websites in Spanish and figuring all this out is challenging. As you can imagine with how things are in the US right now, our Spanish-language Outreach Coordinator has his hands full. My amazing tech services associate is a native Spanish speaker, but she seems reluctant to take this on, and I realize it's beyond her job description.

Sorry for the novel - if you have any anecdotes or insights to share about managing Spanish-language materials, please do!

For the past two years, a colleague and I have been working on cataloging our church's library, which is small, but not tiny (about 3-4k items). This started off as a group endeavor between about six of us, but about a few months in, that number shrunk to just us two. We've almost completed cataloging the entire collection, and we're so excited to implement a checkout system for our congregation.

Here's the issue. When we first started, one of the initial members of the group, who was an experienced librarian, suggested we document the LCCN of each book when possible, and then the ISBN if it cannot be found. He left not long into our endeavor, but we kept this procedure, with the hope of creating an online database (e.g. LibraryThing, TinyCat, etc.). Well, my colleague and I, both of whom started with minimal library administration experience (except for a dream of being a librarian on my part), discovered the actual value of ISBN over LCCN in documenting the exact item we have. The problem is, we discovered this a year ago.

Regardless, we made the switch and started looking primarily for the ISBN, and then the LCCN if we couldn't find one. So now comes the question: How screwed are we? Is there some kind of quick, or rather, more efficient solution to find the ISBN of the 1k books we had already cataloged to that point, other than starting from scratch? Or does it matter? As in, is there a preferred program we could use to resolve this issue? If it helps, we cataloged the Title, Author, Location (which shelf it is on), Identifier (LCCN or ISBN), and any pertinent notes (multiple copies, damage, old age of the item, as we have a few books from as old as the 1850s). Any advice, comments, questions, and/or condolences are wanted!

TL/DR: Is there a way to switch from LCCN to ISBN without cataloging every item again, or is there a program that incorporates both?

P.S.: Is the "Church Librarian" user flair no longer available, or am I blind/unaware of how to receive it?

so to being: im very lucky that i can even consider this. the quick version is i already have 3 degrees, including 1 masters in comm, and no debt. im working part-time as a circulation clerk and i'm about to become a full-time clerk, i have archiving experience from my masters and I am also heavily involved in my town's historical society. im 25 and still live at home, i have a comfortable ammount of savings due to inheritance and while i know I'll never be rich i just want stability and a job i don't hate. Right now, I have that! I'm just nervous that down the line, money will become more of a problem than it is now.

the pandemic + a few life tragedies meant i didn't make the best initial choice in a masters degree, but now that i have an opportunity to get an mlis without debt (library system i work for offers a tuition remission program + the savings i have would cover the tuition for iupui). The good thing is that my system hires a lot internally, so when higher-paying positions open up, we get first dibs. This is to say that there is room for growth in this library system.

i want to make the library a career but i just want to know I'll be able to take care of myself! I know having actual library experience is one of the major hurdles that I've already been able to clear, and I honestly wouldn't mind staying in public libraries for the rest of my career! (academic libraries are also attractive and since I already have one masters it feels like another potential option)

what should I be considering in terms of specializations + additional skills? I think I want to go the tech/metadata route to make myself as invaluable to the system as possible, but if anyone has any insight into good niches to focus on I'm all ears.

So our temporary director set us up with baker and taylor. I've been tasked with finding books. Most of our patronage is elderly requiring large type books. I've had a few women come in and ask for spicy romance, one patron described the type of book as "one that is so steamy it will make me wish I had a young buck of a man."

I first searched romance and most seemed to be cozy romance. So I searched erotica, but it mostly brought up poetry. Can you all help me figure out how to find spicy romance books in large type. The few I found were LGBTQIA+, which is fine but the ladies have been asking for some cis books as well. I'd like to get them ordered asap in hopes of having them by valentines weekend.

Any STEM librarians out there?

I’m a first year science librarian in an academic library and I have yet to join a professional organization. I know of ACRL but the membership fee seems quite high (our institution doesn’t sponsor annual fees, plus I’ve already spent all of my professional development funds on 2 conferences).

Does anyone have a professional org focused on science librarianship that you personally recommend?

Hi peeps, I request you to provide some suggestions regarding designing a cheap (free or low cost) fast scanning system for our local library. Here's the story:

We have started a library for all the residents in our society. Access is free of cost to all the residents (part of an open library social service movement with no restrictions to reading), and is open 24/7 without any librarian yet under a weakly functional CCTV camera. Responsible residents are supposed to take only 1 book at a time, mention their book and their personal details in the entry sheet. We have already collected 3500 high quality books of various genre. Additionally, we have maintained an online list of books that are / have been a part of the library, without any guarantee of the status of their current presence. The library has no funds at the moment, but the society can perhaps allot some amounts towards the library. Moreover, library also has around 30 well-educated volunteers. None of us have knowledge of library science at the moment. We haven't yet created an official rulebook for the library usage. The open-ness of our library (i.e. no surveillance) is the biggest source of problems, but it is an important part of the social activity and cannot be compromised. I have personally created a telegram bot for recommending books to users based on our list of books, but I am also looking for a system for daily maintenance of the book entries and re-training the recommender. This would be possible if the daily entries are consistently recorded and updated.

Objectives:

1. We are looking forward to first label down all the books with appropriate numbers, making them easy to locate and identify. Here, we would need to understand what numbering system would work the best in our scenario.
2. To maintain an online catalog with maximum accuracy, the readers must feel responsible to make an entry of the books they take on the sheet of paper provided in the library, and keep the books in a separate section while returning (already created a physical space for returned books). 1-2 Volunteers will everyday transfer the entries on paper to the online sheet.
3. Most importantly, I want a technique to track down all the books in the library within 1 hr (major issue). This will help cross-check the books actually present, even if readers mess up the entries. Below are some techniques possible, but I do not have confidence in any of them.
4. First technique (Bar Codes) can be to use bar codes (or qr codes) by purchasing a bar code scanner (or qr code scanner in phone) which the society can perhaps provide funds for. If I stick the bar codes on the front covers then scanning would be easy (lot of books are thin so not sure if we should stick on side view for only some), except for the books in the bottom sections where its physically difficult for volunteer to scan the codes. Here, we can perhaps keep the unused books at the bottom section and neglect them.
5. Second technique (Photo Matching). For knowing the current books in the library, we just need to check the difference between yesterday's books and today's books. Volunteer can perhaps take a photo of every section (compartment of the cupboard) and cross-check with the same section yesterday for the missing books. Some things that would affect this approach: 1) Volunteer must have good observation power to notice the difference between two images and find out missing books; 2) Thin books are harder to notice; 3) Horizontal books (book height exceeds compartment height) have extra efforts; 4) If someone tries to mess up, one can completely change the look of all the books.
6. Third technique (Physical tokens Matching). Every book can be kept with some physical device (like the clothes at a supermarket has RFID tags). Every reader must responsibly put that physical tag after issuing the book. Physical tags can be like - paper clips with book numbers, or something bigger and easy to use.

I do not know how to solve this issue systematically, but I have a feeling something can be done.
Please help out if you have any ideas.

I am looking to expand get different projects than I am at my current position. So, I was wondering how to get contract or consulting gigs for librarians or other information roles.

I have 12+ years of experience working in libraries, with 8+ of those focusing on library systems and websites. I have run 6 system implementation in those years, including an ILS migration and a digital repository migration. I also managed 60+ public computers and 25+ staff machines, so I know my way around computer inventories and hardware asset lifecycle planning.

Surely, libraries want help with this stuff? So, how do I find libraries wanting consultants or contractors?

Hi! I applied to U of I to get my MLIS starting in fall of this year. I'm very eager to see if I get into the program & was wondering if there was anyone else who applied for the same time period!

Hello, beloved Librarians,

Our system lacks Behavioral Management for youth training. I am desperately trying to compile articles, webinars, books and youtube videos detailing how to behavior manage littles. We are also looking for methods to get parents involved in additional behavior management, (particularly during Storytimes and crafting events).

What you got? Share your resources!

Hi everyone! I was very lucky to recently land a job as a full time children's librarian at a branch in a larger public library system in my city. I am essentially brand new to libraries, besides an internship in youth services I completed as part of my graduate program where I worked directly under the children's librarian on her day to day tasks. This internship was done at a much smaller library where the children's librarian had a lot of control over their services, but where I am working down very much has a structure where programming is organized and coordinated by higher-ups. So it is a much different day-to-day where I currently am than where my internship was.

While there are lots of trainings to come for programming and storytime, I currently feel like I have nothing to do! My hours are 9-5, and before the kids come in at 3 after school, I feel like I spend most of my time moseying around and feeling useless. There are typically people scheduled specifically to be at the desk, so there's not much to be done up there.

I realize over time I will find my place and find things that need done. Should I just straight up ask my director, "Is there something I should be doing?" I'm only in my second week so I am still building my confidence and feel very fresh to it all.

Any advice appreciated! Thanks!

Hi everybody, I’m in grad school and I have an assignment where I have to interview people in the fields I’m interested in. One of them is librarianship! If anybody has 30 minutes to spare and is willing to talk to a student, I’d love to hear from you.

I graduated with a law degree last June and have been looking for work since, to no avail. I decided early on that I didn't want to be a lawyer but by then it was too late to drop out. Currently considering two potential career paths: law librarianship or mental health therapist. The latter requires three years of additional schooling as has no relation to my law degree, so it feels daunting and wasteful. I'm 28, can only enrol next year, so by the time I graduate I'd be 33. On the other hand, getting an MLIS only requires one additional year and my JD gives me an edge in law librarianship. I can also get into programs this year. Thoughts please! How's the salary, lifestyle, job opportunities? I'm in Toronto, Canada so perspectives from here would be especially helpful.

I'm a journalist who's been doing more and more history/research/archival work over the years, and I've been considering pursuing an MLIS or an MA in Public History. I enrolled in Pasadena City College's Archives and Digital Collections Assistant certificate program, through its Library Technology department, to try to get a sense of whether an MLIS is the right path for me. (I do public history work already by virtue of my podcast and newsletter, but I don't have firsthand experience with LIS work, so I wanted to learn more.)

One of the certificate's required classes was LIB 124: Survey of Digital Preservation. "Examination of core components and functions of a digital preservation program. Topics include digital preservation strategies, tools, and policies that work effectively for a variety of data types and cultural heritage organizations. For students interested in working in a digital preservation program, but open to all students. Total of 36 hours of lecture."

The school has dropped that class in favor of LIB 001: College Research Skills. "Development of effective research skills using library resources and other research tools. Focus on research planning, search strategies, critical evaluation of information, and documentation of sources following standard citation styles. Total of 18 hours lecture."

These seem like wildly different courses to me. LIB 001 feels like a unit of high school English class (for me it was) and it makes me think I might be confused about the certificate program, though I did email with the dean when I enrolled, and he told me not to pursue an associate's degree, since the gen ed requirements wouldn't be of use to someone who already has a BA. (And I do plan on emailing him about this ... unless people here tell me I am indeed overthinking it.)

I think maybe I feel weird about paying money to take a class that feels remedial to me. I'd love to hear any feedback people might have: is a certificate goofy? Is PCC goofy? Am I goofy?

Thank you!

So I'm a recent MLIS graduate in MA. Most of my professional experience has been in museum science and retail. I worked in a museum as I did grad school and it was the closest thing I could find to relevant experience.

I feel like I'm getting no where in my job search since I don't have enough experience. Does anyone have advice on how to get more experience. Right now I'm finally giving in and looking for volunteer position. Any advice will help! Thanks 👍

Should I consider relocating?

I completed my MLIS in 2024, which was made possible in large part due to my employer's reimbursement program. While I am currently contracted to remain in my position because of this support, I find that my current compensation is quite low in comparison to the responsibilities I undertake. I recently came across a job opportunity in a state that my husband and I could both consider. The position is for a children's department manager with a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000, which I believe aligns well with my skills and experience.

Would it be advisable for me to apply? I understand there may already be a preferred candidate, but the position is listed on the state's library page, indicating they are open to applicants. Thank you for your thoughts!

Additionally, my husband and I want to start a family but we'd need more of an income to feel comfortable to do so.

Currently a museum curator with an MA making 52k and considering going back to school to get an MLIS. I see librarian and archivist jobs posted online and they seem to have better compensation than my field. And money is increasingly becoming more important for me in this American economic climate. To all of the archivists & librarians out there is this true? And what is your compensation if you don't mind me asking?

Hello! I am so confused, and figure you all may be able to give me some advice.

I already have my MLS from PennWest, but I am interested in becoming a school librarian in Pennsylvania. I can’t seem to find any programs that would just allow me to take the school librarian teaching prep courses. Do programs like this even exist? Or what did you do when you wanted to become a school librarian?

Thanks for any help you can give me!

hi everyone! I've been trying to read this art history book for research, and my local library (Cambridge MA) doesn't have it, neither does the Commonwealth Catalog; I suggested the purchase, too, for BPL and Cambridge and it was denied both times.

The book is titled The Art of Painting in Colonial Quito and I really appreciate any guidance trying to access it without paying so much money for it.

I’m an aspiring Library worker, currently looking for work at the entry level in Ireland, but quite certain that this is what I want to do with myself.

In addition to an MLIS, which I’m currently saving for, I’m interested in developing some skills in Data Science/Statistics/Data Analytics. Diploma courses are government funded so this wouldn’t be a big expense and could generate freelancing skills that I’d use to supplement my income as a librarian.

My question is this - what sort of usefulness could this skillset have in the context of library work?
If I can present myself as a data-literate person, would this help my employability as a librarian?

A broad question I know - really I would welcome any sort of insight on the subject.

I’m about to graduate with my MLIS this April and I’m seeking full time work at a public library.

Has anyone here found value in utilizing LinkedIn for finding public library jobs/networking/etc. in recent(ish) years?

For some background, I’m currently in an IT related field where LinkedIn is used for schmoozing and getting your emails replied to based on existing connections. I’ve noticed that my local libraries rarely post jobs to LinkedIn, save for the biggest system, and even less librarians are participating in the posting side of the site.

Is it worth having to sneak around (potentially blocking current connections to avoid losing my current job) to make sure my LinkedIn is fully library friendly?

I appreciate any advice!

Perhaps this a bit of a vent as my opinion is that this greatly disservices a library. There is a library in a rather large city nearby that constantly is hiring. At any given time they have had over 15 positions within their systems. And the pay isn’t awful.

But they don’t get filled, to the point they even put out a job fair for their libraries advertising a state over (I live right on the state line so I see both states job postings and info our library email servers).

Then in fine print at the very end they will state one must move into the city of the job within a year. In this economy? What happens if you don’t find anything? They fire you? Took my husband and I over a year to find a house we weren’t outbid on and even then it’s not like we could exactly choose the city we wanted. We had to be open to many locations due to the housing market being insane. Houses are only up for three days and then some dude with 300k in cash sweeps it up. And apartments around here are only waiting lists or you compete for them. It just seems crazy to me personally to require this.

Before I got into the field and had worked, I recall even applying to one of their posting and only at the very very end (I mean like after 45 minutes of the process) did it mention and ask if you intended to live in the city as it was a requirement. I went back and checked the job posting. It never mentioned it. That was years ago. Recent postings they have changed it to be included as enough people must have complained.

So the city is relying on people obtaining their MLIS and moving there for a rate of pay that won’t suffice living in the city. Make it make sense.

Anyone else have experience or seen anything of libraries requiring residency?

Title, basically. The catalog records I can choose from to copy vary. My boss determines "age-appropriateness" by how many words are in a paragraph, which I don't think will serve in this instance. I remember reading Watership Down when I was 10, but my dad read it with me. I loved the book but many of the themes didn't resonate for me until I was older and able to revisit it.

I know when Adams wrote the book it was intended for all readers and we tend to infantilize middle-grade readers, which I don't want to do. I also don't want to put it in Juv Fic and see it rot on the shelf and never circulate, when it might have a better chance in the Adult collection.

We are a community college library that is open to the public. We do have YA, juvenile fiction, and picture book collections, though younger books don't get much use outside of children's literature classes.

I graduated with my MLIS back in 2020. I have worked as a substitute library assistant but had a hard time finding a library job so moved into an administrative assistant/accounting assistant position. I now want to try getting back into the library field as that's really where I want to work. Does anyone have any advice? Are there maybe some online classes I could look into?

hello!!! im 15 years old and currently in that stage of school where i need to actually start thinking about what i want to do when im older. i really like books and the environment libraries provide so thats my main reason.

also, when i was in elementary school i had a really good librarian who i absolutely loved and me and him were close, like id eat lunch in the library when no other kid was allowed to, type close( i didnt have any friends lol). so i want to be a librarian, not just cuz i like books, but because he was super cool. (also, this isnt limited to school librarians, i just want to be a librarian plain and simple)

obviously, im going to go to him to ask him questions about being a librarian. but i also wanted to ask random internet strangers lmaooooo

so just like, if there anything you could tell me like what uni/college courses ill need to take, ir any words of wisdom, or even warnings i'd appreciate it!!! thanks for reading!!!!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to relocate to Australia and am considering either Melbourne or Brisbane as my new home. I’d really appreciate some advice from this community about the job market and opportunities in the library sector in these two cities.

A little about me:

• I hold a Master’s in Library and Information Science from India.
• I have over 7 years of experience in the library field, including 5 years at a local university and 2 years at a research center.
• I am on a 5-year work visa that allows me to work without restrictions.

I’m passionate about library services, supporting community learning, and exploring digital advancements in libraries. I’m particularly interested in roles involving outreach, programs, or academic libraries.

Based on my background:

• Which city, Melbourne or Brisbane, offers better opportunities in the library field?
• Are there more academic or community library roles available in either city?
• What are the chances of securing a role with my qualifications and experience?
• Would start with volunteer work help to secure a role?

I’d also love to hear about any specific advice, resources, or networks I could tap into to make the job search smoother. Thanks in advance for your insights!

Hello! I saw a post on this sub 3 years ago from someone asking for help with their cover letter for a library associate position. Could all of you also look over mine? This is for a library associate position at a major US City library system. The role mostly involves front desk duties and some shelving. This is really a dream job for me. Here is my letter:

Dear ******* Public Library Hiring Committee:

In a world where public third spaces are disappearing, I believe the role of public libraries is becoming increasingly important. I see libraries as more than just places to check out books, but also one of the few places where everyone from a community can find access to resources without having to pay. Public libraries have deeply impacted my own life, from summer reading programs as a kid, to volunteering on the teen advisory board as a teenager, to providing a space to search for jobs as an adult. I want to contribute to the preservation of public spaces and ensure equal access to recourses, and working in a library is one of the best ways I can think of to do that.

My work and volunteer history has prepared me for service in a library. While I have had several experiences that are overtly applicable to a library setting (such as volunteering at the ****** County Historical Society), the position I feel prepared me most is my six summers working at sleepaway camps. At Camp *** ******* I learned conflict de-escalation and mediation techniques that I may need to use when resolving patron account disputes. I gained experience working with children from a wide array of cultural and economic backgrounds that mirror the sort of diversity seen at a public library in a major city. I also learned how to stay cool during a crisis an keep a level head when unexpected problems arose. Teaching a college class at *** ********* ***** University also prepared me for working in a library: I had to convey sometimes complex or difficult information clearly to a diverse group of students, often about archaic texts. As a library assistant, I expect to often break down complex information in easy-to-understand ways so that patrons can get the resources they need. Finally, I gained experience with clerical work filing student essays and grades in our computer system.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application I am overwhelmingly excited to contribute to the (name of City) community through the library. I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,

Name

Phone #

I dont even know where to see the vacancies. I am from the UK and I have always planned on working part time at a libary while I'm at college. But now, I'm here it seems there is no opportunity for me. How did you guys get your jobs? Thanks

I’ve recently interviewed for a PT professional position and I believe the interview went well. I showed my personality, which is (IMO) someone who likes to have fun at work, but also works hard. I’m sending a thank you card, because that’s how I am.

My situation: I have blank, fun cards with animals. Think a panda wearing clothes or the peacock spider with actual peacock plumage, this is the type of card I mean. (I hate spiders, but this one is cute, if you look it up.) They’re handmade, photoshop not AI, and bought at an arts & crafts show. Should I send those, or get actual thank you cards? TIA

ETA: I sent thank you emails to my interviewers. Thank you all for your input!

Hello!! My post title covers the jist of it. I work in the mental health center of my local high school and my position is moving from data/administration to programming and resource provision. I'm asking for ideas that I can do with my students regarding mental health resources/social resources. I don't have a huge budget, but I'm sure I can make activities work. The first one we're doing is bullet journaling (basic, but it'll get the ball rolling!). Thanks all so much and I'm excited to get started!

Hi all,

Over the past 2 years I have made the decision to switch my career to one in libraries. Currently I work in digital media and my degree is in film. I don’t have my MLIS but I do plan on going to get it. With the help of reading a ton of posts here I’ve decided I’d eventually like to end up in a cataloging/metadata position or something else in records management.

Last year I started volunteering for my local historical society. I’ve been a pretty consistent volunteer, helping at most events and indexing the many books of records that we have. This year, my “supervisor” and our board president have both asked me to join the board at the historical society.

I realize this will be more work than simply volunteering once a week and I’m fine with this! My question is, since I have no library experience prior to this volunteer position, will having this board membership give me a leg up where I previously did not have one?

I have just started the application stage, and will hopefully network with people at this volunteer position as well, I know at least our VP is a local librarian. If there’s any other tips I could leverage out of this, or other things I could do to increase how attractive my resume is (would learning SQL help?) I’d appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!