Librarian
A librarian is an information specialist dedicated to helping patrons efficiently find and access a wide variety of information resources within libraries. Their responsibilities encompass the selection, organization, and management of both print and digital materials, including books, periodicals, and audiovisual content. Librarians work in various environments, such as public, academic, school, and special libraries, where they perform administrative, technical, and customer service tasks. They typically engage with patrons to answer reference questions, provide instruction on library systems, and conduct literacy programs, especially for children.
To become a librarian, individuals generally need a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's degree in library science, with preference given to graduates from accredited programs. The role demands a passion for information organization and effective communication skills to assist diverse patrons. As technology evolves, librarians increasingly focus on digital resources and electronic databases while maintaining traditional library functions. Overall, librarians play a vital role in fostering knowledge and literacy within their communities.
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Subject Terms
Librarian
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Education & Training, Health Science
Interests: Reading, researching, arranging information, communicating with others, helping others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $61,1900 per year $29.42 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 6% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training None
Overview
Sphere of Work. A librarian is an information specialist who helps patrons locate various kinds of information quickly and effectively within a library setting. They are responsible for the selection, organization, and circulation of library materials, including print media, books, magazines, periodicals, and digital and electronic media. A librarian also manages non-print materials, including films, audio recordings, maps, and microfiche. They generally perform administrative, technical, and customer service tasks.
Work Environment. A librarian assists patrons in finding and reaching books and information sources. A librarian usually works in a public or academic library, as well as in a school library media center or special library. In all cases, a librarian works in a pleasant, comfortable environment, either independently or under the supervision of a library director. A librarian generally works a standard thirty-five- to forty-hour workweek and may be required to work during the evenings or on weekends.
Occupation Interest. People looking to become librarians should find satisfaction in learning about the ways in which ideas and information are communicated within modern society. They should be passionate about working with people and helping them locate and obtain various kinds of information effectively and accurately. Librarians often work alone or with a small staff and must be comfortable managing and overseeing all aspects of a public or private library. Aspiring librarians should be extremely organized, with a passion for cataloging and arranging information systematically.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Librarians primarily manage the day-to-day operations of the libraries in which they work. Most librarians select and procure print, audiovisual, and electronic information sources for the various sections of the library. They organize, classify, and maintain library materials according to physical or electronic catalogs and databases. They assist library patrons and respond to any reference questions patrons may have. In smaller libraries, librarians are responsible for checking out and receiving materials.
Librarians often act as teachers, transferring library skills to customers or groups of customers. They sometimes hold regular tutoring sessions, which orient new patrons to the library. Some librarians schedule daily or weekly storytelling or literacy meetings to read aloud to groups of small children visiting the library. In larger libraries, librarians specialize in a specific subject area and must coordinate with other librarians and library staff to make sure each section or department runs smoothly. Librarians also take on various administrative tasks, such as preparing budgets and other reports and maintaining employee and circulation records. In many cases, librarians hire, train, and supervise other library personnel.
Technology has begun to decrease the public’s reliance on print and hardcopy materials. As a result, librarians are responsible for remote and electronic databases, Internet research and cataloging, and web content management. They also instruct patrons on the use of various electronic library systems.
Reference Librarians (100.127-014). Reference Librarians assist groups and individuals in locating and obtaining library materials.
Children’s Librarians (100.167-018). Children’s Librarians manage library programs for children and select books and other materials of interest to children for the library to acquire. They plan and conduct programs for children to encourage reading, viewing, listening to, and use of library materials and facilities.
Acquisitions Librarians (100.267-010). Acquisitions Librarians select and order books, periodicals, articles, and audiovisual materials on particular subjects.
Special Collections Librarians (100.267-014). Special Collections Librarians collect and organize materials on select subjects used for research.
Bibliographers (100.367-010). Bibliographers work in research libraries and compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audiovisual materials on particular subjects.
Classifiers (100.367-014). Classifiers classify materials by subject.
Catalogers (100.387-010). Catalogers describe books and other library materials.
Information Scientists (109.067-010). Information Scientists design systems for storage and retrieval of information and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most librarians work in clean, quiet, and well-ventilated library spaces. They maintain a library’s level of calm and serenity by monitoring patrons’ behavior to ensure their compliance with library rules and regulations.
Human Environment. Librarians regularly interact with library patrons, including young children, adolescents, college students, teachers, and members of community organizations and the general public. They report to a library supervisor or director and often manage library assistants, technicians, administrative staff members, and janitorial personnel.
Technological Environment. Librarians use a wide variety of tools and equipment to help them organize information. They regularly work with paper and electronic card catalogs, microfiche, the Internet and e-mail, and computer programs. They also use projection equipment, audiovisual devices, and fax machines. A large portion of a librarian’s job has become technologically focused as most publications are references in large electronic databases.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students who wish to become librarians should focus on college preparatory courses that deal with business, communications, language and literature, technology, and public speaking. Students may also benefit from studying at least one foreign language. Interested students should spend time in their high school and local libraries, familiarizing themselves with current information systems and cataloging procedures as well as the structure of a library.
Postsecondary. After high school, prospective librarians must obtain a bachelor’s degree, preferably in library science. Employers generally give preference to students who graduate from American Library Association (ALA)-accredited schools. At the college level, students should prepare for a career in library science by studying librarianship, children’s and adult literature, archival methods, humanities, science and technology, and subject reference and bibliography, among other subjects.
IFor a librarian to work in a public, academic, or special library, they must obtain a master’s degree in library science (MLS) after completing an undergraduate degree. Graduate programs in library science usually cover the foundations of information science, censorship, user services, and automated circulation systems, in addition to other supplemental and elective courses. Though not required, some librarians choose to obtain a doctorate in library and information science.
Related Occupations
− Computer & Information Systems Manager
Bibliography
"Librarians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm. Accessed 11 Sept. 2023.