Unlocking library search committees at ARL public universities. Techniques and best practices for getting hired
| Date | 08 May 2017 |
| Pages | 252-265 |
| Published date | 08 May 2017 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-04-2017-0024 |
| Author | Tina P. Franks,Tina Budzise-Weaver,Leslie J. Reynolds |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Unlocking library search
committees at ARL
public universities
Techniques and best practices for getting hired
Tina P. Franks
University Libraries, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Tina Budzise-Weaver
University Libraries, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA, and
Leslie J. Reynolds
University Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the hiring process for candidates seeking
entry-level and mid-range librarian positions at ARL public university libraries. Whether a recent
librarian graduate, a seasoned librarian seeking a different academic institution or a librarian
transitioning into academia from a different library environment, an understanding of how search
committees function and the importance they contribute to identifying the best candidate can be
benecial to any job seeker.
Design/methodology/approach –This paper offers universal best practices, techniques and “keys” to
unlocking the secrets of the recruitment process from the candidate’s perspective to help librarians seeking
employment in an Association of Research Libraries (ARLs) public university environment. The scope of this
paper is for entry level and mid-range librarians, but some ARL’s do use executive search rms for upper level
administrative positions.
Findings –This paper describes the search process, offers insiders’ perspectives and provides techniques
along with best practices on how to be a successful applicant and candidate.
Practical implications –As experienced professionals who have served on search committees, this
paper explains the “keys” to best practices and how to enhance one’s resume and curriculum vita.
Originality/value –This paper walks potential job candidates through the process of how to apply and
what to expect during an ARL Library Search Committee application review.
Keywords Academic libraries, Employment, Hiring practices, Job seeking, Negotiating,
Search committees
Paper type General review
Introduction and Literature Review
Applying for academic librarianship positions can be challenging. In a study analyzing job
advertisements posted to the American Libraries Association Joblist,Yang et al. (2016) found
that 62 per cent of the jobs posted from 2009 to 2014 were positions originating in academic
and college libraries. After a position is posted and accumulates applicants by the
submission deadline, the job advertisement is closed, and the applications are ready for
review.
Academic search committees are usually made up of several librarians and library
personnel from the hiring institution. A search committee should be composed of
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
www.emeraldinsight.com/2398-5348.htm
ILS
118,5/6
252
Received 7 April 2017
Revised 16 May 2017
Accepted 16 May 2017
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.118 No. 5/6, 2017
pp.252-265
©Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-04-2017-0024
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