Learn How to Become a Librarian

Don’t let the explosion of digital make you fearful. Go after a librarian degree. Just like libraries evolved from the Roman times, so will librarian jobs as we move forward into the future. Libraries are expected to remain staple centers in our communities. And the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that demand for librarians will increase steadily over the next decade.

Read on to learn more about what a career as a librarian may entail for you.

HISTORY OF LIBRARIES AND THEIR LIBRARIANS

Libraries have a long and colorful history, as do those who have been employed to keep an eye on what is housed inside those four walls. The earliest documented libraries go back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Because those in charge of libraries had to know how to read, librarians were usually of a higher social class. Typically, they were scholars or priests.

Throughout the earlier part of documented history, libraries were usually housed in monasteries, and then later in universities. The first permanent library in the United States was established at Harvard University, which was then called Harvard College. It was the “golden age” for libraries in the 1600-1700s: that’s when their numbers increased, and they became a permanent and important part of communities. As libraries evolved, so did the librarian.

WHAT ARE LIBRARIANS LIKE?

Many people — of all genders and walks of life — pursue library science degrees. Librarians provide professional access to information and research, are familiar with technical programming and databases, and of course, provide instruction and literary information guidance to customers in libraries.

Most librarians are bookworms themselves, however not all are. Some just take time to read here and there when they can. Librarians assist with finding information and data, along with conducting research. Many work in public libraries — but some work in schools, separate research facilities, or even medical libraries.

Librarians may also find themselves creating databases within libraries themselves. They may also plan programs for different library events and audiences, such as a community event, or reading circles for children. They may provide some instruction, and be involved in certain budgeting efforts. While sorting books on shelves based on the Dewey Decimal System is a part of their work, their career and responsibilities extend far beyond that.

TYPES OF LIBRARIANS

As with many other jobs, there are different types of librarians, and their responsibilities depend on the size and type of library they work in.

• School librarian: Public, private, and religious schools all have libraries. Working in those collections, you’ll find the school librarian. Librarians teach the students to navigate the library and properly use the equipment, as well as utilize the available resources lining the shelves.
• Academic librarian: In the libraries in colleges and universities, you’ll find academic librarians. They teach the students how to find information related to whatever they are researching.
• Public librarian: Most communities have libraries. Within these libraries, many programs are hosted for people of varying ages — from young children through senior citizens. The librarian is the one putting these programs together, as well as running them. As a public librarian, you will also help locate the perfect book, help students with their research, and so much more.
• Special librarian: Corporate, law, medical, and government all have libraries that house specific information for that particular niche or specialty. In these types of libraries, you will collect and organize the materials.
• Technical service: You help make the information in the library easily accessible. Plus, you’ll be ordering new materials and ensuring the older materials are properly preserved.
• Curator: While a curator isn’t technically a librarian, the position still requires a degree in library sciences. As a curator, you’ll be in charge of handling the collections, and dealing with the people as well as the pieces in the collection.
• Archivist: As an archivist, you’ll be in charge of getting new collections, organizing and processing old collections, and assisting researchers using the collections.

And there is a career ladder, as well:

• Pages: This is a minimum wage job. Pages are in charge of taking care of putting away all the returned and displaced books.
• Library technician or assistant: Assistants are usually sitting behind the desk when you first walk into a library. They’ll be the ones checking out the books you’re taking home. They answer phones, collect overdue fees, assign library cards, and complete other clerical tasks. Generally, this is a part-time position.
• Librarian: Duties other than ones previously discussed will vary depending on what type of library you’ll be working in.
• Library manager: This is a more advanced role and may have you doing the employee training and evaluating, as well as managing the library budget. A library manager is the deputy or assistant to the director or the library.
• Library director: The director is responsible for pretty much running the library, and everything to do with it from budget to staff.

SHOULD I BECOME A LIBRARIAN?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that around 14,900 jobs for librarians and library media specialists will open each year on average by 2031. The decision to become a librarian is likely to remain consistent with the demand for the occupation — meaning that it is a good time to become a librarian.

Especially for students who feel they possess these soft skills, a career as a librarian may be a great and fulfilling one:

• You enjoy being around and helping people
• You enjoy creating programs for the young, and young-at-heart
• You enjoy answering a multitude of questions and delving deeper into certain topics (even if these questions come from the same person)
• You wish everyone in the globe had access to reading materials
• You enjoy research
• You're organized
• You're good with technology and are able to keep up with it as it evolves
• You love to read
• You're a big team player
• You have great communication skills

HOW TO BECOME A LIBRARIAN

There is a path to take through academia if you want to become a librarian. Of course, depending on your specific school, program, or state, exact requirements can vary. Generally, it will be similar to the following:

• Undergrad: Since you’ll need to attend a four-year university, you’ll need to graduate from high school or get a GED, apply to and be accepted into any bachelor’s degree program. The American Library Association states that it’s not necessary at this juncture to choose a library program. You can have any bachelor’s degree to enter the MLS program! Think about the education or information science programs since they’ll better prepare you for your master’s. Since the MLS program is pretty competitive, your major prerequisite for the program is to get excellent grades in undergrad.

• Master’s of Library Science: Once you’ve gotten your undergrad degree, it’s time to get your Master’s of Library Science degree from a program accredited through the American Library Association. There are both on-campus and online graduate programs available, and it’s up for you to decide which path is best for you. There are benefits to both. The MLS can be completed in two years if you go full time. In your master’s program, expect a thesis or capstone project, along with fieldwork to go along with your coursework. This is for both online and physical schools; both will have the same requirements. At this point in your education, you'll be required to choose between a library science degree and an information science degree.

• Library science is the path to take if you want to be a school librarian.
• Information science focuses on the technology and management of the electronic systems used.
• The combination of both library and informational sciences takes both areas and smushes them together.

• Specializations: You may want to specialize, and now is your chance. Through your internships and fieldwork, lean toward opportunities that will lead you into the area you’re hoping to specialize in.

• Licensing: If you’re going to work in a public school, then you will need a teaching certificate. Additionally, you may need to be licensed, depending on which state you’re working in. Many states have a licensing requirement imposed on librarians.

INDUSTRIES WITH THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR LIBRARIANS (2022)

States with the highest levels of employment (2022)

A LIBRARIAN'S SALARY

In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that librarians earned an average of $64,770, with the top 10 percent making $98,650 or more. Librarians work full time, and public school and academic librarians may be required to work some evenings and weekends. However, most school librarians also get the same vacations — including summer break — as students do. There are even unions available for librarians to join.

Industries paying the highest salaries (2022)

States paying the highest salaries (2022)

If being a librarian has always been something you wanted to do at a young age, you could get your foot in the door early. Most libraries allow people to start as a page or assistant at 16 years old. Libraries really are special place to work at for those with a passion for books, research, teaching (and learning), and organizing. It extends far beyond shelving books, and can lead to a great and rewarding career ahead.

References

https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/gallery/2017/may/29/tattoos-and-baseball-caps-this-is-what-a-librarian-looks-like-in-pictures

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2016-17 Edition, Librarians, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/librarians.htm (visited August 14, 2017).

http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/librarycareerssite/typesofjobs

http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/librarian/

http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Librarian