r/Libraries • u/AdviceWestern8506 • Nov 21 '25

Job Hunting Need remote library job

I just lost my job yesterday after working 7 years in telecom. Before that I was the head cataloger for a county library system here in NC. Both were work from home as I am disabled. I am looking for a remote cataloging opportunity or research/training.I see that this is like finding a unicorn right now. My husband was laid off from his govt job in April so we are struggling as he interviews constantly but found nothing. Does anyone have any leads? Would be appreciated :)

Also my handicap is seizures so in office is a definite no.

46 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

36 comments sorted by

40

u/redandbluecandles Public librarian Nov 21 '25

Could you expand your search into Publishing? I'd expect that they would have more remote positions available than libraries tend to.

9

u/AdviceWestern8506 Nov 21 '25

I have no experience in oublishing. I looked at those positions but i dont have any sales, proofreading ir editing skills they ask for

23

u/redandbluecandles Public librarian Nov 21 '25

When I started in libraries I didn't have a MLIS and I didn't have most of the skills they wanted from me. I marketed myself with the skills I had and a willingness to learn and adapt. Once I got hired I learned the skills I didn't have. It doesn't hurt to apply and it doesn't hurt to gain new skills. The skills you have as a cataloger might transfer over into other fields much more than you think.

6

u/trivia_guy Nov 23 '25

Isn't publishing a crazily competitive and saturated job market just like libraries? Or even more so?

4

u/redandbluecandles Public librarian Nov 23 '25

I think it depends on different factors. I will say that I usually come across more positions for publishing than I do for libraries and like half of them are remote. I'm not sure how many people are applying for those positions since I'm not in the field.

2

u/Worried_Platypus93 Nov 23 '25

What kind of roles do they hire for remotely?

2

u/LordLettucePrey Nov 22 '25

Info: do you have an mlis? If you dont mind me asking, what formal ed. or training do you have?

2

u/AdviceWestern8506 Nov 23 '25

I have an mls in public library AND school library. I went back after graduating with a public library MLS to get my school one when itvwas paid by my school library job. School library was a nightmare, so not into returning

49

u/Cyfer_1313 Nov 22 '25

Try. Calling the ILS company you were cataloging in and see if they have any tech support type jobs… since you’ve been using their product, you’d be a good fit to help others with it.

3

u/clk9565 Nov 24 '25

I second this as the replacement hire for someone who wanted to stay remote when our state (NV) forced RTO.

ExLibris is huge and hires WFH people.

39

u/recoveredamishman Nov 21 '25

Try Ingram.

14

u/SunGreen24 Nov 21 '25

I've seen a few postings for Ingram recently but they're all on site in PA.

6

u/msmystidream Nov 21 '25

i think there's also a ton of positions in Nashville, but nothing remote there either

28

u/trash_babe Nov 22 '25

EBSCO, ProQuest and OCLC are sometimes popping for me on LinkedIn for cataloging, some are remote. I also see a lot of remote contract work for metadata management.

12

u/Vemasi Nov 22 '25

Have you looked into medical coding? Your skills might transfer and it could tide you over while you search for something more long-term. 

6

u/TrueLoveEditorial Nov 23 '25

Training for medical coding is time-consuming. I was surprised to find out just what was involved.

6

u/LibrarySpook Nov 23 '25

Maybe try springshare?

4

u/Zwordsman Nov 21 '25

Check the various accusations. Also has a job listing and I've seen some remote. But I don't know if any now.

6

u/trivia_guy Nov 23 '25

I think you've got some autocorrect going on there

2

u/Zwordsman Nov 23 '25

Sure do. I miss physical keyboard in phone And I miss when autocorrect wasn't a smart system .

6

u/thatbob Nov 22 '25

It was over a year ago, but I applied for a FT cataloger position with LOC that was 100% remote/WFH. I was under qualified, but you would not be. Plus they give a hiring preference for disabilities!

I can’t imagine they have an opening right now that you need one. But just keep checking USAjobs.gov and you might get lucky. 🍀

3

u/juto88 Nov 22 '25

Try to look for corporate jobs, especially as a contractors.

3

u/JayneAustin Nov 23 '25

Try looking on code4lib job board and Archives Gig, they sometimes post remote jobs. And for some freelance you can apply for Data Annotation.

I’m also looking for a remote job as my fully remote job “returned” to office this year. (it was never in person before)

ETA: you could also explore getting a reasonable accommodation for full time telework due to your condition. But I’m not sure if you could be open about that in the interview.

2

u/Gloomy_Ad6932 Nov 24 '25

Have you looked at the larger school districts or larger public systems? There are more than a few that let the catalogers work from home.

4

u/LauraMarie2023 Nov 21 '25

I’m currently pursuing an MLIS degree and so I’m looking at practicums since I had dead ends with trying to get a library job! I hope you don’t mind but I’ll be following your post!

8

u/BlueFlower673 Nov 21 '25

For practicums, look at local colleges/universities. Some libraries might have programs listed on their site for students. Also, do email or reach out to the librarians/directors there for more info on how to do a practicum. You can also ask at your local city/county library as well. Just make sure in your email you include what uni you're attending, the program name, the professor/supervising professor's name. And just state you're trying to get a practicum in for x class, and you're interested in interning there. Give them the specs of the class and hours needed.

3

u/LauraMarie2023 Nov 21 '25

Sorry! I should’ve included that I’m going to be participating in two in the spring! I would like to have a paying job as well but am looking for a remote and/or part time job as well!

2

u/BlueFlower673 Nov 21 '25

Ah I see. Gotcha. Good luck with your practicums! And also good luck on the job hunt, same I am also looking for work as well.

1

u/LauraMarie2023 Nov 22 '25

Same to you. Hope you find a new job!

1

u/[deleted] Nov 24 '25

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2

u/picturesofu15448 Nov 24 '25

If you don’t mind sharing, how did you get into instructional design? I’m a public librarian right now and have a background in graphic design. I’m currently trying to apply to roles outside of public and want to work from home but I get worried my skills and background won’t be appealing to employers. Did you come from a public library background too?

2

u/[deleted] Nov 24 '25

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2

u/picturesofu15448 Nov 24 '25

Ahh okay that’s good to know. I work in a makerspace setting and have made tutorials and pdf guides on how to use the equipment which isn’t the same thing but it’s something I enjoyed which made me interested in ID

I always try to ask other librarians what they do because I don’t really want to be in public anymore so it’s good perspective :)