Comments on: Librarian Careers Information: Resources for Prospective Librarians (Australia)

By: James Whittle

James Whittle — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:35:30 +0000

Great post.
I recently finished my masters in Teacher Librarianship and am currently doing some research work for a project looking at improving the way library courses are conducted in Australia. This info has been very helpful!
I’d be really happy to hear from anyone considering studying librarianship. What are your expectations for your future job? What is drawing you towards or holding you back from a career in libraries. Please email me at

james DOT whittle AT qut.edu.au

Thanks.
James

By: Keryn

Keryn — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:44:52 +0000

Very interesting comments I’m a primary school teacher and I am considering doing a Masters or Grad Dip Librarianship – I am please I have found this info at the start of my decision making process!

By: Anne

Anne — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 07:18:35 +0000

Very interesting comments. Does anyone have any knowledge or can help point me in the right direction in deciding which University offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date library and information mangement course?

Thanks

By: Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 05:05:21 +0000

I’m glad I found this website.

In the 2-3 years since some of the comments have been written, has anything changed? How about your situation? I assume you have finished your degree at UTS…

I am about to start a Dip. Ed. in Library and Information Management. My previous job, which I hated, seemed to have better job security and pay. I understand that it’s great to remain positive, but if I and around 100 other applicants apply for a job, and I literally have a 1% chance of getting that job, and that it also seems quite difficult to get any kind of FT job after graduating………debating whether I made the right decision, to be honest.

What about library work in schools? Is it a good way to get a foot in the door?

By: Marcelo

Marcelo — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 02:59:07 +0000

Wow, I loved this blog. It provided me with a lot of information. I’m a Librarian from Brazil, I’m 25 and I have been working for 11 months now. What I liked about Australia is that the Bachelor’s in LS is enough to work, the same happening in Brazil. In the US and Canada you must hold a Master’s for an entry level position, and I find that ridiculous.

I have the intetion to appply for a provisional visa as a skilled worker, but trhe only two states that support Librarians are SA an NT, does anyone have information about the work market in these states?

Also, I’d like to exchange information about the profession in Australia, if anyone is interested, feel free to add me on MSN. It’s overmatik@hotmail.com.

By: Heather

Heather — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:24:29 +0000

I totally agree with Steve’s point of view. To me, it seems like a long road with almost nil chance unless you have experience. I have an Arts degree (with High Distincitions) and 9 years experience working in administration. Like Steve said, it seems to work as a Librarian, I would have to do a certificate (which is fine) but have 100-500 applicants for an assistant position (putting stickers on and entry level pay), with overwhelming preference given to experience and pals. And then incur another $10,000 debt for a postgraduate degree which may mean absolutely nothing. I love books and learning, but maybe I am better off sticking wtih admin.