Right now, I have established an outline of things to address in an article about subbing in libraries for ALA-APA Library Worklife: HR E-News for Today's Leaders. Have additional things worth mentioning? Add them here!

Articles submitted should be 1200 words or less so may want to submit a series of smaller articles. The first one could be about what its like to be a substitute librarian and how to get started. The second one could explain in detail about the benefits of subbing and the third one could address in detail the challenges.


OUTLINE:

I. What is it like to be a substitute librarian
a. Primary duty is staffing the information desk
b. Work at multiple libraries
c. Do both adult and youth services
d. Sometimes know shifts in advance; sometimes get last minute notice

II. Benefits of substituting
a. Good way to gain relevant experience while looking for a more permanent position
b. Flexible work hours- works well for those have another job or are students or are retired librarians
----i. Can specify days/times when you are/are not available
----ii. Can specify preferred libraries to sub in
----iii. Under no obligation to accept an assignment
c. Get to work in a variety of libraries
----i. See how different libraries do things and what's unique about each library in the system --allows for increased knowledge of the library system as a whole
----ii. Get a broad range of work experience and skills
-------Get experience in libraries of different sizes
--------Experience with different demographic populations (variety of ages and cultural backgrounds)
-----iii. Get to know many people, expand your network
-----iv. Variety makes the job exciting, always something new to learn
-----v. Less likely to get bogged down in the day to day office politics
--------If a particular employee or patron is difficult, don't have to deal with him/her on a day to day basis

III. Challenges of Substituting
a. Unpredictable Work Hours/Days and Work Locations
----i. Work hours and days can vary widely from week to week as well as the libraries
----ii. Be prepared for last minute calls!
----iii. Be prepared for last minute location changes!
b. Library systems may have an upper limit on the amount of hours substitutes can work (e.g. averaging no more than 20 hours a week), so many subs need an additional job
c. No benefits (health insurance, sick leave, paid vacation, etc.)
d. Each library in the system is different, challenging to keep track of it all
----i. Unique rules and policies
----ii. Different patron demographics
----iii. New names and faces to keep straight
--------Get to know many different people through subbing but harder to get to know people well
----iv. Different directions to get to each library. Some may require extended commute times
----v. Libraries have different layouts. Finding where things are.
----vi. Unique collection strengths and programs
e. Lack of continuity due to not working in a regular location or set hours
----i. May not get informed right away about recent changes
----ii. Example: Patron approaches you saying he/she talked to staff person x about situtation y recently, and you know nothing about it because you don't regularly work here
f. Primarily staff the information desk, since you're not there regularly, may not get the opportunity to take on some additional challenges and projects that are more long term (e.g. collection development, programming). These types of experiences are good to have when applying for a permanent position.

IV. How to Become a Substitute
a. Contact administration or human resources for the library system and ask if they have substitutes
b. Some systems always accept substitute applications; others only accept applications when there is a vacancy available
c. Educational requirements
----i. Librarian sub: Typically MLIS or significant coursework in library science
----ii. Associate Librarian sub: Less likely to require MLIS but may require library science coursework or previous related work experience
----iii. Library aide sub: HS diploma required, customer service experience useful
d. Substitute positions may be competitive but generally much less so than permanent, benefitted positions. Subbing is the way many librarians get their foot in the door.