Networking for Job Opportunities in the Library Field

The Untapped Power of Connection

Did you know that nearly 70% of jobs are never publicly posted—and many are filled through networking alone?

In the library and information science world, that stat holds even more weight. It’s a profession deeply rooted in relationships—among staff, with patrons, and across institutions. So when it comes to landing your next role, the question isn’t if networking matters… it’s how well you’re doing it.

Now let’s clear something up.

Networking in the library field doesn’t mean handing out business cards like a pushy salesperson. It’s not about schmoozing or “working the room.” It’s about building genuine, strategic relationships that open doors, unlock insight, and help others do the same.

What follows is a no-fluff guide to networking that actually works—built for library science students, recent grads, and working professionals ready to level up. Whether you’re just starting out or eyeing a leadership position, these strategies will help you connect with purpose and land the opportunities others never even hear about.

Why Networking Is the Hidden Engine Behind Library Careers

Let’s talk about what makes networking essential, not optional.

1. The Hidden Job Market

Not every job gets posted on LibGig or INALJ. Unlike some professions where vacancies are routinely and widely advertised, many library positions are filled through word-of-mouth, internal recommendations, and the quiet dissemination of information within trusted networks. These opportunities, never formally posted on public job boards, remain invisible to those who operate outside these interconnected circles. If your name isn’t floating through the right circles, you’re missing out before you even apply.

2. Access to Insider Intel

Want to know if a job is opening soon? Curious about what it’s really like to work under a certain director? Networking gives you access to the kind of information no job listing ever reveals.

Additionally, imagine possessing the ability to glean insights into the nuanced culture of a particular institution, the specific demands and rewards of a certain role, or even the trajectory of upcoming projects – all before a formal application is even considered. These are the treasures unearthed through conversations with those already embedded within the system, offering a depth of understanding that transcends the often-sterile language of job descriptions. This firsthand perspective can prove instrumental in tailoring our approach and demonstrating a genuine understanding during the application and interview process.

3. Mentorship and Career Guidance

One conversation with a seasoned librarian could save you years of trial and error. The right mentor can steer you away from dead ends, connect you with hiring managers, and share the unwritten rules of the field. Experienced professionals, willing to share their wisdom and guidance, can become crucial anchors in the early stages of a career, offering sage advice, navigating professional challenges, and illuminating pathways for growth that might otherwise remain obscured. This mentorship, often born from a simple connection, can be a transformative force in shaping a successful and fulfilling career trajectory.

4. Increased Visibility

Every conversation is a chance to be remembered. The more people who know your name and what you bring to the table, the better your chances when opportunities arise.

5. Staying Professionally Sharp

From digital preservation to AI in metadata—our field is changing fast; it is a dynamic and evolving landscape, constantly adapting to technological advancements, shifting user needs, and emerging information landscapes. Engaging with colleagues through networking provides a vital conduit for staying current with industry trends. These conversations, whether at conferences, online forums, or informal gatherings, offer invaluable insights into new technologies, innovative best practices, and the ever-changing roles within the profession, positioning us as informed and adaptable professionals ready to meet the challenges and embrace the opportunities of the future. Networking keeps you current and connected to what matters now.

Strategies That Actually Work: Smart Networking for Library Professionals

You don’t need to be an extrovert or have 500 LinkedIn connections to network effectively. You just need the right strategies—tailored for librarians.

A. Attend Professional Conferences and Workshops

Think ALA, SLA, state library associations, and niche gatherings like LOEX or NASIG. These gatherings, from the grand scale of the American Library Association’s annual conference to the more focused symposia of state, regional, or specialized library associations, represent fertile ground for forging new connections and strengthening existing ones. When attending such events, approach them with intention.

What to do:

• Prepare a short elevator pitch (more on that later).

• Don’t wait to “accidentally” meet someone—introduce yourself with purpose.

• Follow up after the event via email or LinkedIn with a personal note.

Virtual events count too. Engage in chats, ask thoughtful questions, and follow up after panels.

B. Join Library Associations and Actually Get Involved

Membership is just the start. You’ll gain real value by showing up—to committees, webinars, or even informal coffee chats. Membership in these groups offers a structured framework for networking. Beyond access to valuable resources and professional development opportunities, these organizations often host dedicated networking events, maintain listservs for professional communication and information sharing, and offer opportunities to serve on committees, fostering deeper engagement and connection with fellow members. However, passive membership yields limited benefit; active participation is the key to unlocking the networking potential these organizations offer.

C. Use Online Platforms the Right Way

The digital realm provides powerful tools for building and maintaining professional relationships.

LinkedIn: Keep your profile sharp and targeted. Connect with librarians you admire. Comment on their posts. Message them with genuine curiosity—not canned pitches.

Twitter/X: Follow thought leaders, institutions, and hashtags like #LibraryTwitter or #LISJobs. Engage with posts. Share your insights. Twitter is a surprisingly strong network-builder in our field.

Forums and Groups: Explore ALA Connect, Reddit’s r/Libraries, and Discord or Slack channels for LIS professionals.

D. Master the Informational Interview

Often underutilized, informational interviews represent a potent networking tactic. These are not job interviews but rather focused conversations initiated to learn from professionals working in roles or organizations that intrigue you.

How to do it:

• Identify someone in a role you admire.

• Send a short, respectful email requesting 15–20 minutes to ask about their path.

• Come prepared with 3–5 meaningful questions.

• Follow up with a thank-you and a connection request.

Do this consistently, and watch your opportunities multiply.

E. Volunteer or Intern with Intent

Not all unpaid roles are equal. Choose ones that put you shoulder-to-shoulder with professionals in your target specialty. Show up, contribute value, and let your work speak volumes.

F. Tap Into Alumni Networks

Your alma mater wants to help—use it.

Attend alumni events, join LinkedIn groups, and reach out to LIS grads already working where you want to be. You already have something in common—use that to start the conversation.

G. Build Relationships with Faculty and Mentors

The connections forged during your academic journey can extend far beyond graduation. Stay connected with professors and advisors, keeping them informed of your career progress and seeking their guidance. Actively seek out and nurture mentorship relationships with experienced professionals who can offer invaluable support and direction.

Additionally, professors and fieldwork supervisors often know about open roles before they’re posted. Keep in touch. Ask for advice. And most importantly—listen.

Networking Like a Pro: Making Every Interaction Count

Showing up is half the battle. The other half? Standing out—for the right reasons.

Craft Your Elevator Pitch

Before stepping into any networking situation, take the time to develop a concise and compelling elevator pitch.

In 30 seconds or less, be able to explain:

• Who you are

• What you do (or are studying)

• What you’re looking for

• What makes you different

Ask Better Questions

Networking is not about a monologue; it is a dialogue. Prepare thoughtful and engaging questions that go beyond superficial inquiries.

Move beyond “What do you do?” Try:

• “What’s something you wish more new professionals understood about this field?”

• “What’s the biggest challenge in your current role?”

• “How did you get started in this area of librarianship?”

Focus on learning from the other person’s experiences, gaining insights into their career path, and understanding the challenges and rewards of their work. This demonstrates genuine interest and encourages a more meaningful exchange.

Practice Active Listening

People remember how you made them feel. Show interest. Ask follow-ups. Make the conversation about them—you’ll stand out as thoughtful and genuine.

Exchange Contact Info Gracefully

Have a business card (physical or digital) ready. Or connect on LinkedIn right after the conversation with a quick message referencing your chat.

Follow Up and Stay in Touch

Send a thank-you note within 24 hours. A month later, share an article they might like. Networking is ongoing. Relationships grow over time.

Remember Names and Details

Making an effort to remember names and key details about the individuals you meet demonstrates attentiveness and respect. Employ memory techniques such as repeating their name during the conversation, associating it with a visual cue, or jotting down a few key points after the interaction. This personal touch can significantly strengthen the impact of your connection.

Playing the Long Game: Nurture Your Network

The real magic of networking happens after the first meeting. Building a professional network is not a one-time task; it is an ongoing process of cultivation and maintenance that yields benefits far beyond immediate job opportunities.

Stay in Touch—Even When You’re Not Job Hunting

Don’t let your connections lie dormant. Make a conscious effort to stay in touch regularly with individuals in your network, even when you are not actively seeking a new position. Drop a note to check in. Congratulate contacts on promotions. Share a relevant job posting or article. Let them know they’re on your radar.

Give Before You Ask

Share resources. Offer help. Be the person who adds value—and when the time comes to ask for support, people will be eager to help.

Be Authentic, Be Real

People are more likely to connect with individuals who are authentic and genuine. Strive to build relationships based on genuine interest and mutual respect, rather than solely focusing on what the other person can do for you. Sincerity fosters trust and creates more meaningful and lasting connections.

Track Your Network

Use a simple system to track who you know, how you met, and when you last spoke. This keeps your relationships warm, not forgotten.

Think Long-Term

Networking isn’t a “job search” activity—it’s a career strategy. Keep growing, one conversation at a time.

Common Networking Mistakes to Avoid

While the cultivation of a professional network offers significant advantages, certain missteps can hinder our efforts and even damage our professional reputation. Awareness of these common pitfalls is crucial for effective and ethical networking.

Only Reaching Out When You Need Something

Perhaps the most detrimental networking mistake is only reaching out to contacts when in search of a job or a favor. This transactional approach can leave a negative impression, suggesting that the relationship is solely based on personal gain. Strive to cultivate reciprocal relationships where you also offer support and value, building connections before a specific need arises.

Being Too Self-Promotional

While it is important to articulate your skills and aspirations, networking interactions should not devolve into relentless self-promotion. Focus on building genuine connections and engaging in meaningful conversations. Excessive bragging or constantly steering the conversation back to your own achievements can be off-putting and counterproductive.

Failing to Follow Up

As previously emphasized, failing to follow up after a networking interaction significantly diminishes the impact of the connection. It can convey a lack of professionalism or genuine interest. Prompt and thoughtful follow-up reinforces the connection and keeps you top of mind.

Being Unprepared or Unprofessional

Approaching networking events or interactions unprepared or behaving unprofessionally can create a negative first impression. Ensure you are dressed appropriately, arrive on time (for in-person events), and conduct yourself with courtesy and respect. Have a clear understanding of your goals for the interaction and be prepared to articulate them concisely.

Underestimating the Value of All Connections

It can be tempting to focus solely on connecting with high-level professionals or those in seemingly influential positions. However, underestimating the value of all connections can be a mistake. You never know where a valuable insight or opportunity might arise. Treat every interaction with respect and recognize that individuals at all stages of their careers can offer unique perspectives and connections.

The Power Is in Your Hands

Here’s the truth: Networking doesn’t require charisma. It requires courage.

The courage to start a conversation. To ask smart questions. To show up even when you’re unsure. And to keep showing up, long after the job is yours.

Whether you’re just entering the field or aiming for your next big leap, your network is one of your most powerful assets. Start building it now—authentically, intentionally, and consistently.

Because in the world of libraries, connections don’t just help you land jobs.

They help you build a legacy.