Librarian
Librarians help people with homework and research questions, decide what items to purchase and to discard, offer programs and training, help people use the internet, build websites, and more.
Specialized librarians may run computer systems, work with seniors and non-English speaking populations, become specialists in a specific subject area, or maintain the records for the online catalog.
In small libraries or information centers, librarians might handle all aspects of library operations. In large libraries, librarians often specialize in a single area, such as acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, reference, special collections, or administration.
Earnings
Salaries of librarians vary according to the individual's qualifications and the type, size, and location of the library. Librarians with primarily administrative duties often have greater earnings. Median annual wages of librarians in May 2010 were $54,500. The middle 50 percent earned between $43,390 and $67,860. The median for the lowest 10 percent was $33,590, and for the highest 10 percent it was $83,510.
Librarian jobs are often full-time, although most libraries also rely on a core of part-time and "substitute" librarians to help cover all of the hours many libraries are open. According to the American Library Association's Allied Professional Association, the mean starting salary for all full-time beginning librarians was 48,317 in 2010.
Visit Occupational Employment Statistics for the latest national, state, and local earnings data for librarians.
Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of librarians is expected to grow by 8 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is as fast as the average for all occupations. A large number of librarians are likely to retire in the coming decade, but job growth will be limited by government budget constraints and the increasing use of electronic resources which may result in the hiring of fewer librarians and the replacement of librarians with less costly library technicians and assistants.
Occupational Outlook Handbook for Librarians at the Bureau of Labor Statistics has detailed information about educational requirements, work environment and job outlook for librarians.
Education
A master's degree in library science (MLS), preferably from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited school, is necessary for librarian positions in most public, academic, and special libraries, although smaller libraries will sometimes hire people with other degrees or equivalent experience because they have a more difficult time filling positions. School librarians may not need an MLS but must meet state teaching license requirements.
Directory of ALA accredited schools
Skills
There are many specializations within the discipline of librarianship, each of which may require special knowledge or interests. Here's a list of skills that are generally required:
- Desire to meet and serve the library's user community
- Ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, procedures, and work flow
- Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment
- Knowledge of computers, the internet, and commercially available library software
- Knowledge of a foreign language for communities with non-English speaking populations
- Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and present ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form
- Ability to make administrative decisions, interpret policies, and supervise staff
- Ability to motivate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, volunteers, other community agencies and the public
- Knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service
- Ability to organize job duties and work independently
- Demonstrated knowledge of library materials and resources
- Creativity to develop and implement library programs and services
- Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
- Positive attitude toward library users with special needs
- Accuracy and skill in typing
