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I don't wish to sound like I am complaining (but in some ways I know that I am), but I find myself with something of a probelm. I recently graduated from library school and have no experience (should have interned when I had the chance, I'm the first to admit that). As I apply for jobs I discover that my utter lack of library experience is really a problem. I almost feel like to get someone to notice me I am supposed to have been working in a library straight out of the womb. I have gone on a few interviews, but I get the general impression that no matter how I wow them I still can't compete with someone with 5+ years of experience. I'm only 24, 5+ years in the profession is 5+ years off.

I need experience and I know there are several ways to get it, but all of these present problems. "You could always take a paraprofessional position" I hear and read, the problem I have is similar to the problem many in my position have. I have student loans to pay and need to put gas in my car and etc., etc. I can't afford to make $5.15 and hour part time and have no benefits. As a practical matter I need to make more. Additionally, I haven't seen any of these positions open in my area (which has poorly funded libraries that aren't hiring) and I certainly can't afford to move on such a meager salary. Internships are the same way, I need to make more then minimum wage and since I am out of library school I seemt o be over qualified for them.

I also hear that I should volunteer. Fine and great, but again I need to survive. I have made overtures to several area libraries (who haven't gotten back to me weeks later). I recently started to get a few interviews, which is good for me although an interview doesn't necessarily mean a job offer as I get 3 rejections in the past 24 hours. Getting interviews also presents a problem. I hesistate to volunteer somewhere on the increasingly off chance I do land a job and have to move I would hate to quit. I really would like to establish a good working relationship with a library that I volunteer at; I would hate to have them invest time in training me for me to leave in a week.

I hate to sound like I am complaining, although I am aware that I am in many ways. I also don't wish to sound like I got into this profession to make money or that I have expectations of a living large. I also am perfectly aware that I need to "pay my dues," so to speak. I have fully aware that my MLS is not a golden ticket (as I once thought it was).

I really want to get into this profession. I think I have a lot of energy and ideas that someone somewhere would want to harness. I am willing to work hard and start at the bottom, but as a practical I need to eat.

I need advice. Any ideas or thoughts on this problem would be helpful...

I totally empathize with how you are feeling... it is indeed often tough to land that first job, even with some library experience.

Are you willing to relocate? If so, then try to apply to a larger system (even if it means going out of state). Lots of larger systems are willing to hire new grads and train them. Larger systems also give you lots of room for growth for years to come.

blg3 gave you some great advice. Please keep us updated... and welcome to WJ!