Should I Stay or Should I Go? Choosing a Path for Career Development

Abstract Librarians can choose between the career strategy of staying put in one library or moving around to different libraries. Money may be the most important factor; but fringe benefits, cost of living, the librarian’s financial needs, and moving expenses also matter. Professional considerations include: current job satisfaction, relationships with colleagues and administration, ultimate career goals, and job security. Lifestyle preferences can play a big part. Finally, moving may impact the librarian’s personal relationships. School librarians lack promotion possibilities; the libraries are small and state certification is often needed. Moving between public libraries is easiest because job duties, status of librarians, and organizational structure are similar. The wide differences in special libraries create obstacles. Academic libraries present a complex challenge with differences in status, multiple promotion paths, and more varying responsibilities. The final decision is often less rationally based than most believe. The good news is that staying put or moving around are important in the short run, but both strategies can lead to successful library careers.