[Libs-Or] Questions about career change to library science

[lauradegrace at netzero.com]

Hello,

I hope it is OK to post my question to this list.  My name is Laura DeGrace, and I have been a web designer for 11 years.  I am looking to change both my career and my locale.  I currently live in Portland, Maine.  I want to move to Portland, Oregon where I have family.  

I am considering library science because books are a huge part of my life.  My grandmother worked for the NYC Public Library, my uncle is a librarian, my mother owned a used book store where I worked growing up, and my first job was at a photo stock house.

I have always loved to read, and found solace in libraries.  I love finding information for people, and promoting readig and learning.  I'm very organized and analytical, yet with a creative side, and because of my experience in web design, I am very comfortable and good at technology.  I would NOT miss giving up the design aspect of my job.

Changing careers is daunting, especially given the spector of paying for my masters, and because of that I am trying to be thoughtful about this as possible.

I have some questions for you all if that is OK.  

1.  Given the recent budget cuts, and the state of the economy to come in the next... who knows how long?, do you see the future for librarian jobs being good or not so good?

2.  How is the market for librarians specifically in Oregon?  How is the market for librarians in Oregon if you want to work specifically in Portland, or nearby?

3.  As an entry level person, how hard is it to find work in Oregon, or Portland specifically? Is it hard to find full-time work?

4. What are entry level salaries, particularly in Oregon? (ballpark)

5. Would having a technical edge give someone an advantage?

6. Do you see advantages to working either in a university setting or a public setting?  

7. What opportunities exist in private industry, and are these opportunities growing?

8. What schools would you recommend, keeping in mind both quality of the program and cost?  Are there programs geared specifically to working in a university?

9.  Would anyone be willing to have an informational interview with me either via e-mail or over the phone at sometime in future?


Thanks very much for your time and consideration.  I really appreciate and apologize if my post is off topic or inappropriate.

Sincerely,

Laura DeGrace
http://www.degrace.com (woefully in need of redesign)