Job Advertisements for Recent Graduates: Advising, Curriculum, and Job-seeking Implications

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of job advertisement analysis studies in the past 30 years, new studies are needed all the time to reflect the current state of the job market for LIS professionals. Using traditional content analysis methods, a study in spring 2009 at the University of Maryland of over 1,000 job ads for new graduates revealed that most jobs are in academic libraries and archives; average salaries rose last year; the highest salaries are in government; personal attributes such as communication, service orientation, collaboration and cooperation, and team capabilities are highly desired; and many entry-level ads request some experience. Very few call for a second master's degree. This study will be useful for faculty advising and conducting curriculum studies, as well as new graduates in the job market.