Librarians everywhere hate me

[Prudence]

Originally Posted by Alex Stroup

l(but I really do miss academic reference work; too bad the pay is crap).

And that's why I'm not employed as a librarian! Nothing like a field that *requires* an MLIS, and then expects entry level folks to start part time at the public library at wages comparable to (or below) entry level BA/BS jobs. Seriously, I would have had to dial my salary back to the pre-degree level. That's not a "professional" salary. That's a salary for wifey-poo who has a cute little job during the day while little Johnny and Susie are in school. Like teaching, that's the perception of the profession.

And it's not just the general public that thinks so. When I was in school, the Dean cancelled future offerings of the humanities reference class (leaving social science and health science reference) because "it's all on the internet." I took the last class and it was, without a doubt, the most valuable class I took. It's hard to advocate for the rigor of the profession when the academic representatives of the profession think it's unnecessary.

I still love information. I still love the chase. It's not uncommon for me to have someone trapped in my office while I try just one more set of search terms because I *know* the answer to their question is out there. I'm hoping my training will help me be a better attorney - and a more valuable hiring prospect.

In the meantime, boy do I have respect for those who are truly committed to the profession and keep at it despite the low pay and minimal respect. Especially public librarians. Man, you guys should get hazard pay!