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In the early 1980s when I started my BA for Elem Ed, I was discouraged from becoming a school librarian because of the budget cuts to librarians. This was from both my family and by the advisors of the school. When I turned 40 (late 1990s), I decided that after being a classroom teacher for years, I was "old enough" to decide what I wanted to do, so I went back to college for my MA with library endorsement. AGAIN, against all of the advise of friends, family, AND college advisors. AGAIN, librarians were on the cutting block. I was employed as a librarian, even before finishing the program, because there was not anyone who applied for the position. AND because I had classroom experience in the elementary grades. I have been on the "chopping block" 5/8 years. BUT have always been the one that has been kept when others went into the classrooms. Last year AND this year I have been in the position of needing to look for new employment. I have been up against several other librarians that were highly qualified. Last year I was considered the top choice. This year so far, I have not been. OKAY, back to the SUBJECT: Oversupply of School Librarians: Yes, there are MANY school librarians who are not employed. Yes, here in Oregon there is a bit of oversupply. But again, it depends on if you are able to move for the job--- I am, and I am willing to move. Many have said this: If you are a school librarian, academic librarian, public librarian, or private corporate librarian AND THAT IS what you want to do, then do it. There may be detours, but find a way to do it. It IS one of the best jobs. It is a GREAT job, but only if you are dedicated to it. YES, you will be doing a LOT of PR work for the profession. YES, you will be undervalued, and dismissed. But, overall, it is worth it. Hey, I get paid to be a "know-it-all", or at LEAST a Know where to find it. And that is good enough for most days. JaKay Greer Teacher-Librarian St. Helens, Oregon _________________________________________________________________ http://newlivehotmail.com -------------------------------------------------------------------- Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law. You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book. To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL 3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation. * LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ * LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/ * EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://elann.biglist.com/sub/ * LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html * LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------------