Unlocking library search committees at ARL public universities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the hiring process for candidates seeking entry-level and mid-range librarian positions at ARL public university libraries. Whether a recent librarian graduate, a seasoned librarian seeking a different academic institution or a librarian transitioning into academia from a different library environment, an understanding of how search committees function and the importance they contribute to identifying the best candidate can be beneficial to any job seeker. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers universal best practices, techniques and “keys” to unlocking the secrets of the recruitment process from the candidate’s perspective to help librarians seeking employment in an Association of Research Libraries (ARLs) public university environment. The scope of this paper is for entry level and mid-range librarians, but some ARL’s do use executive search firms for upper level administrative positions. Findings This paper describes the search process, offers insiders’ perspectives and provides techniques along with best practices on how to be a successful applicant and candidate. Practical implications As experienced professionals who have served on search committees, this paper explains the “keys” to best practices and how to enhance one’s resume and curriculum vita. Originality/value This paper walks potential job candidates through the process of how to apply and what to expect during an ARL Library Search Committee application review.