JobBridge Eligibility

Crosswalk

Hi guys,

I'm a recent graduate and was hoping to get some library work experience so I'll be better equipped for a masters in librarianship. I've emailed all the archives and libraries in my area asking would they take on a volunteer but so far they've all cited the government embargo which means they can't even take on unpaid workers. Each of them have said that they'll have internships up on JobBridge soon. The problem is that I've applied for social welfare and was told it could take up to three months to receive my Jobseeker's Allowance.

My question is does the three months on social welfare which makes you eligible for JobBridge count from when I actually receive my first social welfare payment or from when I'm approved for social welfare payments? I've checked Citizens Information but couldn't see anything detailing this. Because if it does it would appear that I'll have to wait nearly 4 months until I'm eligible and I don't think there'll be any positions left until then or any companies willing to wait that long.

saraocallaghan

Hi Crosswalk,

Have you done the MLIS yet?

You are aware of the dire employment situation out there for librarians? I've recently finished the MLIS in UCD and while it was a great experience, I know myself and a lot of my friends from the course are not working as librarians and don't expect to for a number of years.

Just so you know that a master in library studies isn't a great option, unless you already work in a library

Crosswalk

No, I've just finished a B.A. now but, to be honest, reading the MLIS thread I was thinking about Archives and Record Management instead yet I've heard that it's harder to get into so the MLIS is my expected course.

I realize that no one can get jobs right now but, to be honest, it's like that in almost every (at least) humanities-related profession right now. I'm happy to work as anything in a library for as long as is necessary once I've gotten the degree. I figure as long as I'm officially qualified I'll get somewhere eventually so I'm hoping to improve my chances of getting that qualification with work experience.

saraocallaghan

But I'm saying you won't work in a library after your MLIS unless you're prepared to go do the JobBridge again after the MLIS. Unless you have a specialised area of work such as legal or medical, there are very few library jobs out there and there is MASSIVE competition. If you think, there were 75 who did it in my year, there are 80+ this year and more next year and there are maybe only 5 or 6 jobs a year advertised. As long as you are aware that the job market for librarians at the moment is harder than most.

christmas2012

why is this job blocker categorised under work and jobs? its not a job the company dont pay you welfare pay you fifty euros...

Crosswalk

I've researched a bit and know it's quite hard but I figure that if I learn Latin (and I've already begun to do so) I can specialize in medieval and Renaissance libraries or archives. Alternatively I've heard that the situation isn't as dire in other countries so I'm not averse to moving.

Right now, however, getting work experience in a library or archive is very important for both my CV and to see if I actually like the job.

saraocallaghan wrote: »

But I'm saying you won't work in a library after your MLIS unless you're prepared to go do the JobBridge again after the MLIS. Unless you have a specialised area of work such as legal or medical, there are very few library jobs out there and there is MASSIVE competition. If you think, there were 75 who did it in my year, there are 80+ this year and more next year and there are maybe only 5 or 6 jobs a year advertised. As long as you are aware that the job market for librarians at the moment is harder than most.

Lazarus Malrax

Crosswalk wrote: »

Hi guys,

I'm a recent graduate and was hoping to get some library work experience so I'll be better equipped for a masters in librarianship. I've emailed all the archives and libraries in my area asking would they take on a volunteer but so far they've all cited the government embargo which means they can't even take on unpaid workers. Each of them have said that they'll have internships up on JobBridge soon. The problem is that I've applied for social welfare and was told it could take up to three months to receive my Jobseeker's Allowance.

My question is does the three months on social welfare which makes you eligible for JobBridge count from when I actually receive my first social welfare payment or from when I'm approved for social welfare payments? I've checked Citizens Information but couldn't see anything detailing this. Because if it does it would appear that I'll have to wait nearly 4 months until I'm eligible and I don't think there'll be any positions left until then or any companies willing to wait that long.

Hi Crosstalk, for the last three years the Library I work in has taken on students for work experience who are applying for the MSC. The library is based in Cork. If you want any further information please feel free to PM me.