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[ALS]

Dear Friends,

Need your help again!  I've just been offered a job as a subject librarian in my first-choice job.  It's at a highly regarded private university.  I am absolutely ecstatic about it and will of course take the position (we agreed that I will give them my answer early next week.)  

The salary mentioned was in the low 40's, and was a couple of thousand more than the advertized minimum salary.  I was told that it was slightly higher than what they usually offered to people straight out of library school (which is where I am now) because of the specifics of the position.  

There was also some discussion about moving assistance, which is $2,000 and they might add to that the cost of a second trip down there to look for a place to live (something they don't normally do but were receptive to the idea.)   In general, they seem to be really willing to consider my needs and interests.  

The problem is, I haven't had much practice negotiating and I am wondering if I should just agree to the salary amount as it is or ask for a little more, say $2,000 more.  If it stays as it is it's no big deal especially because they usually give faculty 3 to 4% yearly raises.  I am single and have no kids.  Would you negotiate in my place or would you just go ahead and take the offer as it is?

[AnonLib]

It is certainly worth negotiating, even if you do not get anything further.  When negotiating, give concrete examples of why you deserve more eg particular expertise in an area required. What about (increased) support for professional development and travel? Maybe you can negotiate for this if a salary increase is not possible. By the way, congratulations!

[Tanuki]

I respectfully disagree with AnonLib. I have served on numerous search committees, and I would regard someone straight out of library school as not being in a position to negotiate. If they are already offering you 5% over the minimum with no professional experience, you are doing quite well. Right now they must really like you -- don't ruin it before you start.