Landing a Job in Academic Libraries

Margarita C. Shawcross (Anthology Editor) , Brooky Parks (Anthology Editor) , Teresa Y. Neely (Anthology Editor)

Landing a Job in Academic Libraries

Margarita C. Shawcross (Anthology Editor) , Brooky Parks (Anthology Editor) , Teresa Y. Neely (Anthology Editor)

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Description

Practical guidance, insight, and strategies for library and information professionals who want to work in academic libraries and higher education.

Covering every stage of the academic library job search-from identifying job ads and preparing to apply through interviewing, negotiating, and onboarding-this book is especially useful for library school graduates, those transitioning from other library types, and professionals entering the field from other disciplines. The book's sections walk readers through the steps of a successful job search:

1. Before Applying for an Academic Library Job
2. The Application Process
3. The Interview
4. Negotiating and Onboarding
5. Recent Graduates and Academic Libraries
6. Transitioning Careers and Academic Libraries

Timely content includes the virtual interview environment, discussions about self-care during the job search process, and advice on adapting to your new role. Personal narratives share the experiences of librarians who have gone through the academic library job search process and onboarding.

Blending updated job search advice with real-world perspectives, this book is a vital resource for anyone pursuing-or rethinking-a career in academic libraries.

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Foreword, Alexandra Rivera (Michigan State University, USA)
Acknowledgements
Introduction, Teresa Y. Neely (University of New Mexico, USA), Maggie Shawcross (University of Northern Colorado, USA), Brooky Parks (University of Denver, USA)

Part 1: Before Applying for an Academic Library Job
1. Finding a Job Without Losing Your Mind: Prioritizing Self-Care in the Job Search Process, Brooky Parks (University of Denver, USA)
2. Reading Between the Lines: Preparing for the Job Hunt, Laura Kohl (University of New Mexico, USA), Sever Bordeianu (University of New Mexico, USA)

Part 2: The Application Process
3. Telling Your Story: Crafting Compelling Application Materials, Megan E. Welsh (Union College, USA), Sarah L. Stohr (Rio Salado College, USA)

Part 3: The Interview
4. Strategies for Success for the Screening Interview, Stephanie Ward (University of Northern Colorado, USA)
5. Ace the Day: Navigating the Final Academic Library Interview, Kate Okayasu (University of Northern Colorado, USA), Maggie Shawcross (University of Northern Colorado, USA)
6. Bringing Your Best: Researching, Rehearsing, and Rocking Your Presentation, Sarah L. Stohr (Rio Salado College, USA)

Part 4: Negotiating and Onboarding
7. Job Offers, Negotiations, and All the Wonderful Things You Can Ask For, Paloma Barraza (University of Minnesota, USA), Teresa Y. Neely (University of New Mexico, USA)
8. Adapting to Your New Role, Stephanie Ward (University of Northern Colorado, USA), Maggie Shawcross (University of Northern Colorado, USA)

Part 5: Recent Graduates and Academic Libraries
9. The Random Librarian: How to Find Job Opportunities While Dealing with Internal Chaos, Nicholas Wantsala (Yale University, USA)
10. Life Transitions and Supportive Social Networks in Early-Career Librarianship, Keno Catabay (University of Colorado, Boulder, USA)

Part 6: Transitioning Careers and Academic Libraries
11. Overcoming Adversity: From Setback to Success After Wrongful Termination, Brooky Parks (University of Denver, USA)
12. Full Circle: A Journey Through Community/Public Health and Back to Libraries, Maggie Shawcross (University of Northern Colorado, USA)
13. From Museums to Academic Libraries: (Happily) Ending Up Where I Never Intended, Kate Okayasu (University of Northern Colorado, USA)
14. Sometimes the Grass Really Is Greener, Dee Winn (University of California, Los Angeles, USA)

Product details

Published	10 Dec 2026
Format	Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition	1st
Pages	304
ISBN	9798216444619
Imprint	Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

Anthology Editor

Margarita C. Shawcross

Margarita “Maggie” Shawcross is an Assistant Profe…

Anthology Editor

Brooky Parks

Brooky Parks is an Assistant Professor and Busines…

Anthology Editor

Teresa Y. Neely

Teresa Y. Neely, PhD, is Professor of Librarianshi…

Landing a Job in Academic Libraries will easily replace a wide variety of resources to prepare graduate students for their academic library job search. The mix of how-to information, along with the behind-the-scenes process, and steps for how to overcome barriers offer a comprehensive picture to anyone interested in gaining their first or next academic library position.

Dr. Kawanna M. Bright, Associate Professor, Library Science/East Carolina University College of Education, USA
Having spent much of my career helping academic libraries navigate periods of significant change in higher education, I found this book both practical and timely. Its combination of concrete job-search strategies and authentic career stories provides guidance that is both useful and reassuring for professionals navigating change.

Mario A. Ascencio, Former College Librarian and Managing Director, ArtCenter College of Design, USA
This guide is a curated selection of narratives describing the job search journeys of six librarians. Their often circuitous and challenging paths to academic librarianship, which are shared without sugarcoating, reassure readers that there is no “right” way to become an academic librarian and the detours along the way can make you an even stronger candidate.

Megan Hodge, Ph.D., Head, Student Success at Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries, USA
Librarians rarely take a straight path to librarianship, and this book is full of both practical information on how to get places, as well as the less commonly shared personal stories about what the journey looks like, all while encouraging the reader to consider their own values.

Meggan Press, Teaching and Learning Engagement Librarian, Indiana University, USA
This is a valuable contribution to the literature on job searching in academic libraries! The job market in the library field can feel overwhelming for entry-level to seasoned professionals alike. This edited volume offers a refreshing take on how to approach the academic library job market, with timely advice and considerations, from crafting a compelling narrative to personal stories from candidates and hiring managers.

Raymond Pun, Librarian, Alder Graduate School of Education, USA