James Matarazzo, Dean Emeritus - “Today’s most unpopular jobs”

Tuesday, October 3, 2006, 1-2 pm. Room: P206.

Abstract:

“Today’s Most Unpopular Jobs”

            That was the headline on MSN.com March 3, 2006. Just a month earlier, CNN.com ran the same story by the same author under the headline, “The Five Most Unpopular Jobs.” If you bothered to read beyond the headlines, the story noted that the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected certain jobs will experience a shortage of qualified workers. The list which followed cited those occupations that would be particularly hard hit from 2000 to 2012. Number 3 on the list, wedged between machinist and truck driver, was librarian.

Will there be a shortage of librarians?

            There certainly are divided opinions! Some who write on the ALA Council list-serve do not believe there is a shortage and that graduates should start an aggressive recruitment program. Conversely, several articles of opinion and letters to the editors of American Libraries and Library Journal report great difficulty for some seeking employment. Other authors of articles and letters state that there will be a shortage of librarians just based on the ages of those in the profession and their looming retirements.