It’s not easy being a new librarian. We’re in one of our nation’s worst economic downturns, entry-level library positions are few, and when a position does become available, the competition can be fierce (which is why we’re publishing Lisa Von Drasek’s excellent feature, “Hang in There” ).

The situation has been exacerbated by many of our library leaders who, for the past decade, have predicted a massive wave of retirements, resulting in a shortage of librarians. I don’t have the empirical data, but if those retirements have occurred (and I doubt it), they aren’t creating any vacancies. Libraries and schools often have hiring freezes or they’ve restructured, spreading the work among a shrinking staff or choosing to use their resources in other ways.

Tired, bitter, and angry? I don’t blame you. But I’m here to say, “Buck up.” Only in the best of times have students been able to waltz out of library school and grab a professional position. Many of us had to scramble to find work—and you can do it, too. Besides, the economy is bound to improve, and when it does, you’ll be ready.

In the meantime, here are a few suggestions.

Be flexible. Your chances of finding work will dramatically increase if you’re willing to relocate. Not everyone, I realize, can do this, and varying state certification requirements can complicate things. But it’s a big country, and while your region may be tanking, someplace else could be booming. (I have to confess, I didn’t take this advice. When I graduated during another big downturn, in the early ’80s, I was determined to stay in New York City. I gave myself up to two years to find a desirable position before I’d start looking, well, anywhere. I worked as a circulation clerk until I finally landed a librarian position—22 months after graduation.)

Don’t be a prima donna. If your goal is to be a young adult librarian, but the only job you’re offered is a part-time position cataloging government documents—take it. When you interview for your dream job, people will understand. And you’ll learn things that will make you a better librarian down the road. What’s key is that you stay engaged with your area of interest.

Become professionally involved. You may not feel like you have a lot to bring to the party, but this isn’t the time to sulk. Get involved in local, state, or national associations. Volunteer for committees. Follow, and contribute to, e-lists like LM_NET and PUBYAC. Be active in social networks. Read the new books in your area, review them on your blog, then tweet the reviews. Get out there—and by any means necessary. So when there’s an opening, people will think of you. And when you interview, you’ll have something to say.

Consider volunteering. It’s all too easy for libraries to exploit new, unemployed librarians. Remember, it’s about you: look for an interesting project, learning opportunities, a good boss (who will be useful as a reference), and networking possibilities.

Finally, hang in there. You need a job, but libraries desperately need you. Today’s libraries—public, academic, and school—are undergoing a transformation (and if they’re not, they may not be around much longer). We need your energy and enthusiasm, experience and critical perspective, knowledge and vision. We need you to come into libraries—physical and digital—and lead us.

Because without you, we’ll be nothing.