Military Librarianship: It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!

When I first started this post, I intended to do an interview with a military librarian to represent this unique special librarian field. But I only had to dive into the research and reach out to a few contacts to realize that military libraries are far more diverse than one interview could ever do justice (though if you would like to read an interview with a military librarian, head over to the SLA Military Division Website). I decided that a more useful idea is to explore the wide range and breadth of military libraries, providing an overview of the field with some links that those interested in learning more can explore. I’ve also included some information provided by Travis Ferrell, a Military Research Librarian who works at the Army War College Library.

History

The first military libraries were funded by military officers at West Point. In 1780, West Point charged officers one day’s pay per month to fund books for the base library. In 1795, the War Department library was established in Philadelphia and soon after, in 1800, the Navy Department Library was established. The first on-ship library started in 1821 on the USS Franklin and was also funded by the crew itself. By 1875, over 78 military garrisons established libraries onsite. Congress got involved in 1901 by establishing the first Army War College Library. And with the onset of WWI, the Library War Service was established, providing “camp libraries” to soldiers through publicly donated books and funds. The Carnegie foundation followed in 1918, funding 36 library buildings at Army Installations. And in 1940, the Permanent Army Library Service Staff position was established in the Morale Branch of the Army. Steadily, over the decades, the military library presence grew, spreading libraries across military installations in the United States and Overseas.

Where do they work?

The diversity of military libraries spans the gamut from a law library created by an American librarian in Afghanistan to Washington D.C. in the Pentagon. Special Librarians serve West Point (and all the other military academies) but also work in the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, the Military History Institute, The Department of the Interior Library, and the Army Corps of Engineers’ Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Library. Librarians can work in public libraries (there are 78 base libraries), University libraries, military installation libraries (the Army has 70 libraries across seven countries; the Air Force has 94 libraries), or a Naval Vessel (there is a library on each of the 260 Naval ships, including the submarines). Most military libraries are public institutions, but there are also private military libraries like The Pritzker Military Library, a private research library, devoted to educating everyone about military history. And, if you are looking for work on a bit of the “lighter” side, even the retired U.S. Midway Tourist Spot in San Diego includes a library. Assistant Programming Director Jonathan Christensen has written a related post on this topic (which is set to be posted tomorrow).

What do they do?

Military librarians do everything that other librarians do from cataloging to manning the reference desk, but they might also need some special knowledge, depending on where they set up shop. For example, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Library looks for knowledge in military science, strategy, arms production, disarmament and international organizations. Military libraries often only serve service members, but some of the libraries are open to the larger public.

What tools will be helpful? 

Most, if not all, military libraries do require that you be a US Citizen and some require security checks. If you are hoping to get an overseas job, military libraries provide an excellent opportunity, but you’ll need your passport and a foreign language might help as well. You do not have to be an officer or enlisted member of the Armed Services to be a military librarian, but it certainly isn’t a hindrance. Ferrell suggests getting an internship or volunteering at a military library or any federal librarianship to get a foot in the door. He also recommends familiarizing yourself with USAJOBS where many military library jobs are posted. He adds that anyone interested in Military librarianship should check out these posts on the SLA website about foreign service and special library experiences. And, of course, peruse the military librarianship SLA site and consider attending their biennial conference, The Military Librarians Training Workshop (MLTW). (See below for more ideas and helpful tools.)

Why a military library?

Because of the diversity of military libraries, librarians seeking a unique library experience might enjoy and learn a lot from a military library. They also provide opportunities to work Internationally and, for the more civic minded, military libraries are a true comfort and benefit to service members. In fact, libraries fall under the U.S. Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation division because they serve such a central role in military life. Many military librarians also appreciate the stable work environment, decent pay, and excellent benefits.

What are the differences?

What makes military librarianship special? Military librarians are generally federal employees or contractors. As a military librarian, your “users” will be almost entirely those with a military affiliation of some sort. Technology may be outdated (government appropriation committees are not known for their speed or their free spending). You might find censorship or the blocking of websites due to security reasons. This can be a real obstacle for many librarians who have gone through school being taught that information access should be unfettered and available to all. However, on a military installation this is often decidedly NOT the case. And you might find yourself standing outside of the library to see someone parachuting into the yard or landing their helicopter not far from your door!

Want to learn more about this special library opportunity? Check out these sources:

Army Library Program, select “Army Libraries Directory” to see the different type of Army libraries.

Federal and Armed Forces Libraries Round Table (RAFLRT), an ALA roundtable.

SLA Military Library Division.

Military Education and Research Library Network (MERLN).

Careers in Federal Libraries Google Group.

Chepesiuk, R. (2006, Feb 2). Mission access. American Libraries, 37(2).

Military Libraries Training Workshop.

Joint operations library: https://discover.dtic.mil/ 

NATO Internship program: http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natolive/71157.htm

Highlights from the American Federal Libraries/Information Centers Chronology, consulted for this post: www.loc.gov/flicc/resources/community/chronology.pdf