Where will I find a job?

Graduates find jobs in four types of libraries:

• public libraries
• school libraries
• academic libraries
• and special libraries such as those in hospitals, government agencies and corporations.

Job positions can be either in public services, where technicians work directly with the public in such areas as circulation and reference, or in technical services where they help with acquisitions, cataloging and maintaining library subscriptions. Job titles include library assistant, library technician, and supervisor.

There is a fairly steady turnover in Spokane area libraries, although graduates who can relocate or live elsewhere have much greater possibilities for employment. Libraries exist everywhere from metropolitan settings to small rural areas, and part-time work is available.

The placement rate for SFCC Library Paraprofessional graduates ranges from 70 to 85 percent. This figure includes graduates who take part-time work, and those who prefer to wait for the type of library and the type of job they want.

How much will I earn?

That depends on the type of library you work in, and what you do. Many graduates start out in supervisory positions, although some graduates take lower level positions to get their "foot in the door" at a particular library.

The job outlook nationwide for Library Paraprofessionals is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.