Library Jobs

Library Jobs: Career Paths You Can Take in the Library Domain

Library Jobs

People seriously considering library jobs may choose from among several career options. Available positions include librarian, library technician, library assistant, and archivist. Academic and training requirements, responsibilities, and salaries vary across these library jobs.

Types of Library Jobs

The classification and organization of print and non-print resources for easier access by library users is the key task of librarians. A master’s degree in library science is normally required of people aspiring to head academic, public, or special libraries. In about 50 percent of the states, librarians need to be certified before they can take on librarian jobs in public libraries. A great majority of practitioners hold school librarian jobs while the rest serve in special libraries, business libraries, or in libraries of other organizations.

In May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) pegged librarians’ median annual salary at $54,500 and median hourly wage at $26.20.

A second option is the job of library assistant, who is tasked to assist librarians and library technicians in organizing materials for quick and easy access by the reading public. Mostly holding part-time library jobs, library assistants have either a high school diploma or GED. They initially take on simple library jobs such as shelving books and other materials and eventually move on to greater responsibilities such as manning the circulation desk. With more training and experience, they can later on apply to become library technicians.

A median hourly rate of $11.12 and a median annual salary of $23,120 have been calculated for library assistant jobs.

Still another career option is the post of library technician. A person in this position acquires and organizes books and other learning materials, and helps patrons find the information they need. At the onset, library technician jobs are confined to the circulation desk. But as they gain expertise and experience, library technicians can take on more responsibilities and assume supervisory or managerial roles.

While some employers require no more than a high school diploma and on-the-job training, others consider only applicants with an associate’s degree in library technology.

Library technicians’ median annual salary stands at $29,860 while median hourly wage is $14.36.

A fourth career choice is to become an archivist, a position in charge of preserving important records and documents as well as those that may prove of great value for future generations. A master’s degree in history or a master’s degree in library science with courses in archival science is required of those eying this profession. Meanwhile, a master’s degree, a year of experience, and completion of a written exam are prerequisites to certification.

A median annual salary of $45,200 and a median hourly wage of $21.73 have been set for archivists.

Employment outlook for various library jobs

The BLS projects an 8 percent growth for librarian employment between 2008 and 2018, the same as the average for all professions. Job opportunities may be plenty, given that librarians are commonly older than workers in other industries and are therefore more likely to retire soon. The increasing number of new MLS degree holders could heighten competition for available jobs.

The BLS predicts slower-than-average job growth for archivists through 2018. On the other hand, the number of library jobs for other positions such as library assistants and library technicians is forecast to grow as fast as the average for all occupations in the same period.

Library Jobs

Library Technician: Providing a Positive Library Experience

Library Technician

The work of a library technician is focused in assisting librarians in the acquisition, preparation, and organization of books and other reading materials as well as users in searching for the necessary learning resources. Normally working under the librarian’s direction, they may either take on various tasks or specialize in certain areas or functions. Widespread use of new technologies and the Internet for information gathering and sharing has altered and expanded the library technician job description.

Duties of a Library Technician

Preparing and organizing library materials, and assisting library visitors occupy the regular workday of a library technician. They help users find books and other reference materials they need on particular subjects, and attend to those borrowing and returning books and audiovisual materials. Library technicians also support librarians in organizing and staging library programs, spearheading the bookmobile as well as annual books sales of old library books. Supervising reading activities designed for the library’s adult and children’s book clubs also form part of a technician’s to-do list.

Certain library technician jobs specialize in a specific type of material. Some are exclusively assigned to manage the library’s audiovisual section, supervising visitors’ use of equipment such as headsets, overhead projectors, CD and DVD players, and televisions. Others may be designated in the genealogy department, specifically to help patrons in searching for microfilms and teach them how to use microfiche readers. Other library jobs they may take on include handling reference materials or loan requests from other libraries, and supervision of library personnel such as volunteers and clerks.

Library technicians working in school libraries encourage students to regularly visit the library and media center, teaching them how to fully utilize its various learning resources. Teachers can approach them for help in finding appropriate instructional materials while students can seek their assistance with research and homework.

A good number of technicians are assigned in libraries owned and run by government agencies, private businesses, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional societies, medical centers, or research laboratories. Their tasks include compilation of bibliographies, literature searches, and preparation of abstracts on subjects relevant to the company or organization.

Salary and Training Requirements

In May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated the library technician mean hourly wage at $15.10 and the annual wage at $31,410. The BLS also projected a 9 percent increase in library technician employment from 2008 to 2018.

Training requirements for library tech jobs may vary from facility to facility. Some employers, especially smaller libraries, demand no more than a high school diploma while others prefer candidates with post-secondary education, specifically a bachelor’s or associate degree. For some libraries, library work experience and library-related college courses are prerequisites to employment. Meanwhile, others willingly provide on-the-job training to those without experience.

Public schools impose on library technicians the same academic and training requirements they do on teacher assistants. Title 1 school librarians must have earned an associate or bachelor’s degree, attended at least two years of college, and passed the required state or local exam.

Students pursuing an associate degree or certificate program take courses in liberal arts and library-related subjects. While enrolled, they master such skills and concepts as library organization and management, and purchasing, processing, cataloguing, sourcing, and circulation of library materials and other media, and library automation systems. By sponsoring continuing education programs, libraries and other book-related organizations enable every library technician to keep abreast of emerging trends in library management.

Library Technician

Library Assistant Jobs: Opportunities for Employment, Advancement Abound

Library Assistant Jobs

Library assistant jobs mainly revolve around circulation tasks. Manning the circulation desk to process books and other materials borrowed from the library, stocking and arranging books on shelves, and attending to library visitors’ inquiries and requests for assistance are among the duties listed on the library assistant job description. In bigger libraries, library assistants may be assigned to focus on a specific area, doing one or two specific tasks throughout the day. Majority of assistants however juggle multiple clerical and custodial duties.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects library assistant jobs to grow as fast as the average for all occupations from 2008 to 2018. Students and retirees often hold library assistant jobs, hence, the turnover rate is good enough to create vacancies for job seekers. Add to this promotion or career advancement opportunities that await current library assistants, thus opening up new positions for aspirants.

Compensation and Requirements for Library Assistant Jobs

The May 2010 figures provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics place the mean hourly wage for a library assistant at $12.07. The hourly salaries of library assistants may however vary, depending on the geographical location and the type of employer. College and university libraries are considered the highest payers while local governments are known for giving the lowest hourly rates. Library assistant jobs are also available in school systems as well as at local public libraries. Most of those holding such library jobs work part-time and do not consider what they are doing as a lifetime career.

A college or university degree is not required of individuals applying for a library assistant job. Most of the time, a high school diploma or GED would suffice. Though not mandated, a year or two in college as well as previous library experience give applicants a competitive edge. Some employers favor those with clerical work experience, while others are willing to provide on-the-job training for inexperienced ones. There are even facilities that take on high school students. Almost all libraries are now automated, hence, computer skills are a must. An avid interest in books and other reading material will help assistants to better serve library visitors. Those aspiring to move up the ladder, say, become a library technician, may work toward an associate’s degree to be considered for that position.

Career Prospects for Library Assistants

Individuals eying library assistant jobs must take a serious interest in books and other learning materials. Organizational skills and keen attention to detail are also needed to succeed in this profession. As job holders normally do not stay long in their posts, employment opportunities are plenty. As earlier mentioned, many do not consider it a profession and instead opt to pursue higher studies to qualify for library technician or librarian posts.

Mostly considered entry-level, library assistant jobs provide enough room for career advancement. By pursuing further training and education, assistants can climb up the library ladder and assume supervisory or managerial roles. Library assistant jobs may also pave the way for more rewarding careers in other industries, equipping them with research and information management skills required by the legal, pharmaceutical, and mineral mining industries, among others.

Library Assistant: Helping People Use the Library Better

Library Assistant

A library assistant helps the librarian in various areas of library work. The library assistant job description lists a variety of daily tasks that include manning or assisting at the circulation desk and helping library visitors, specifically by registering and enabling them to borrow books, periodicals, and other library materials. A library assistant job also requires the repair, replacement, and restocking of books, search for library materials to be borrowed, records management, and sorting, shelving, issuance, and retrieval of books, electronic media, pictures, cards, slides, and microfilm according to identification number and title.

The circulation desk is where library assistants spend most of their work day. It can be the busiest part of the library, with people crowding around it to borrow and return books, ask questions, pay fines, and claim library cards. Depending on the number of visitors waiting to be served, assistants may team up with the librarian at the desk or manage the desk by themselves if they are already adept at the task. They can also answer phone calls and satisfy customer inquiries.

The library assistant may be required to work on the floor as the need arises, specifically to help visitors locate books on a particular subject. Users can also request assistants to teach them how to use the card catalog or computer system as they search for specific titles on the library shelves. They must be prepared to answer patrons’ queries and satisfy requests for assistance.

The repair or restoration of damaged library books also figure on the to-do list of a library assistant. Returned and repaired books must then be restocked into their respective shelves. Receiving, labeling, and shelving of new books are also part of the assistant’s job. So is inputting new books into the card catalog or computer system.

Most public libraries sponsor reading and other programs for the community they serve. Library assistants assist in the staging of educational programs and other special activities designed for children. They may also be directly involved in events planning, specifically by devising the program or decorating the venue, and in the actual staging by reading to the kids or hosting the event. During such activities, assistants are mandated to invite new visitors to obtain a library card.

There may be various library jobs available at every facility, but oftentimes, the library assistant will initially take on a few simple tasks. The job description may be expanded as the assistant gains a better understanding of library functions and mastery of current and other tasks. The job of a library assistant may be considered part time or full time, and may require work on weekdays and weekends.

Library Assistant Training and Salary

Library assistant jobs typically require minimal education and training, with many libraries willing to hire applicants armed with a high school diploma or GED. High school students are also eligible for this job. While requiring no post-secondary education and training, some libraries favor candidates with clerical or administrative work experience. Meanwhile, other employers hire inexperienced aspirants and train them on the job.

As of May 2010, the mean hourly wage for this profession was $12.07 while the mean annual wage was $25,120, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To date, the top employers of library assistant are local governments, elementary and secondary schools, and colleges, universities, and professional schools.

Library Assistant

Library Science: Expanding Knowledge Base Through Info Management

Library Science

Library science is a course that most librarians take only at the post-graduate level. Those dreaming to become professional librarians often pursue a specific bachelor’s degree related to the type of library work they wish to take on after graduation. A history degree, for instance, will prove useful to those eying jobs in a historical library or institute.

Individuals working toward a library science degree learn the specific skills required by library science jobs or information consultancy posts by attending classes that teach development, storage, location, organization, and use of various information sources or material (e.g. books, periodicals, websites, videos or CDs, and slides).

Library science degree holders may focus on one area of expertise, say, acquisitions, cataloguing, bibliography, reference, special collections, or administration. Aside from extensive knowledge of various academic and public information materials, librarians must also possess an understanding of the latest publishing, computer, and media trends for them to efficiently manage the selection and organization of library materials. Keys to success and career advancement include excellent organizational skills, an inquisitive mind, attention to detail, thoroughness, a passion for learning, and a broad knowledge and interest base.

Other Job Opportunities for Library Science Graduates

Those thinking of pursuing a library science degree must first determine which area they are most likely to excel in. Would-be librarians can choose from among various library types, among them, public libraries, school library media centers, college or university libraries, and special libraries. They can also focus on serving particular populations or age groups, such as children, adults, or people with special needs. Librarians assigned at school library media centers assist teachers in curriculum development, the acquisition of instructional materials, and even team instruction.

People holding library and information science jobs are regarded as chief information custodians. Serving public or corporate libraries, academic or professional facilities, all librarians equip users with the know-how, skills, and resources needed to locate materials on every subject imaginable. The library is the biggest information trove for virtually all types of readers and knowledge seekers—from toddlers just starting to read to post-graduate students and professionals—providing a wide range of materials such as CD-ROMs, websites, virtual libraries, and even remote access to various resources.

While the Internet has made information available at the click of a mouse, people still rely on librarians to filter databases, refine searches, evaluate sources, and verify search results. Hence, the development of high-speed, integrated, and accurate storage systems for bulk information is now the focus of modern library science studies.

Other library jobs include posts in information centers or libraries owned and managed by government agencies, private companies, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional associations, hospitals, religious organizations, and research laboratories. A librarian managing a company library may provide salespeople with new product trends or competitors’ latest activities while another in charge of a medical library may help health professionals, patients, and other consumers research on medical breakthroughs, new treatments, and clinical trials. Meanwhile, library science careers in government focus on the preservation of publications, records, and documents chronicling government efforts and decisions. The libraries of all these institutions and facilities require the leadership and expertise of a competent library science graduate and practitioner.

Librarian Salary: Several Factors Determine Compensation

Librarian Salary

In May 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated the mean annual librarian salary at $56,360 and the mean hourly wage at $27.09. According to the BLS, the median hourly wage, received by 50 percent of the librarian population, stood at $26.20 while the median annual salary lingered at $54,500. The bottom 10 percent claimed hourly rates of $16.15 and annual rates of $33,590 while the highest 10 percent collected hourly wages amounting to $40.15 and annual take-home pays totaling $83,510.

Industries or sectors employing the greatest numbers of librarians are: elementary and secondary schools; local government (OES designation); colleges, universities, and professional schools; other information services; and junior colleges.

In terms of compensation, the industries known to provide the highest librarian salary include: the federal executive branch ($80,480); monetary authorities and Central Bank ($75,060); legal services ($68,920); management, scientific, and technical consulting services ($68,610); and aerospace product and parts manufacturing ($66,940).

Among the 50 states, those with the greatest number of employed librarians are New York (11,930), Texas (11,460), California (9,360), Illinois (7,820), and Florida (7,110). The top-paying states are District of Columbia ($68,690), California ($68,110), Maryland ($65,130), Connecticut ($65,000), and New Jersey ($64,730).

Factors Dictating Librarian Salary

Given the expanding and evolving librarian job descriptions today, salary levels for librarians may vary accordingly. Several factors may therefore determine librarian salary.

First is the type of employer or library one works for, whether it’s a public, academic, school, government or company library. Librarian jobs in corporate and academic libraries often fetch higher wages compared to those in public or school libraries. However, this may not be true at all times since other factors can come into play.

Job title or primary job functions may also dictate compensation. Librarian salary may depend on one’s nature of work or specific areas of responsibility, whether one is in charge of technical services, reference and instruction, cataloging and processing, or administration.

Educational attainment and previous work experience are also a basis for determining wage levels. Most librarians have a Master’s in Library Science while those in the academe have master’s degrees in particular subjects. Others go further and work toward a JD, MBA, or PhD. Those with such degrees under their belts can command higher salaries. So can librarians armed with relevant and extensive library work experience.

Geographical location may also play a part. Librarian salary may differ from one state to another, given varying economic conditions. As expected, major cities tend to give better wages than their rural counterparts.

Keep in mind that aside from librarians, there are other lower-ranked personnel involved in library operations such as library assistants and technicians. Academic requirements for these library jobs are not as stringent (usually a high school diploma or a bachelor’s or associate degree), while tasks are not as diverse and extensive as those of a librarian’s, hence, their salary levels are comparatively lower.

As many librarians reach retirement age, employment opportunities in this field are projected to grow steadily in the current decade. Opportunities in non-traditional settings also abound, as more corporations and institutions require the services of librarians and information professionals with specialized research skills and technical expertise.

New technology is fast reshaping the librarian’s job. The Internet may provide everything people need to know, but they will always need a skilled professional to help them organize, evaluate, and access the voluminous information they have at their disposal. This should give librarians hope that technology will in no way negatively impact librarian salary.

Librarian Salary

How to Become a Librarian: Begin the Journey Early

How to Become a Librarian

For those inquiring as to how to become a librarian, the path leading to the profession may initially look straight and easy. The steps may be clear-cut, but those trekking down the road must be armed with a passion for learning and a strong work ethic.

True enough, the first requirement for those with a keen interest in how to become a librarian is an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Excellent candidates are those who consistently strive to learn about things—from the ordinary to the obscure. A serious interest in technology, excellent communication and people skills, and the ability to appreciate and manage various media are also keys to success in this profession. Librarians have to serve and work with all types of people, and must therefore be willing to assist all users in their search for information.

Librarians come in different types. Tasked to work with schoolchildren are school librarians, some of whom are also certified teachers. Serving colleges and universities are academic librarians who dutifully attend to students and faculty members seeking help with research work. Then there are community librarians assigned in local libraries, their work usually determined by the size of the facility they serve. Managing specific types of materials, special librarians usually work in law libraries, tax libraries, medical libraries, among others. This kind of job is best for people with an enormous understanding and appreciation of a particular subject matter or field of endeavor.

Facts on How to Become A Librarian

Individuals seriously pondering how to become a librarian would do well to start the journey early. They can volunteer in public libraries to gain knowledge of and hands-on experience in day-to-day library operations. Most librarians in the U.S. and Canada have a one or two-year master’s degree in library and information science, library science or information science earned from an accredited university. Accredited by the American Library Association, these post-graduate degrees allow students to specialize in particular areas such as archiving, records management, information architecture, public librarianship, medical librarianship, law librarianship, special librarianship, academic librarianship, or school librarianship. Of school librarians, teaching credentials and completion of a library science course are often required. A second, subject-based post-graduate degree is common among academic librarians.

Practitioners eying professional advancement or other career options may pursue a doctorate in library and information science. Those with PhDs may work as instructors in schools of library and information science, or even as directors or deans of university libraries.

Many of those assigned in academic and research libraries work toward a master’s degree in an academic subject that may or may not be related to their duties and functions. Major libraries have librarians armed with doctorate degrees in specific fields.

The completion of undergraduate and post-graduate studies is the first step toward a library career. The next phase of the journey is the search for employment opportunities. Job seekers may take a look at the many trade publications for librarians that list down all available library jobs, or better yet, visit or contact libraries they are interested in. Those eying posts in prestigious institutions such as the Library of Congress may write and inquire about their educational, training, and hiring requirements.

Follow these pointers on how to become a librarian and you’re on your way to an ever-evolving and fulfilling career.

Librarian Jobs: Making Information Accessible to All

Librarian Jobs

Librarian jobs involve the management and operation of libraries, and the performance of related library services. Librarians are employed by various institutions and facilities such as public libraries, schools, colleges and universities, private entities, government agencies, museums, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. A person holding a librarian job may be tasked to select, acquire, catalogue, classify, circulate, and maintain library materials; and provide reference, bibliographical, and readers’ advisory services. They also do intensive research, and collate, analyze, edit, and filter all kinds of information while setting up databases and information systems for proper cataloguing and quicker access to information.

Duties and Responsibilities Associated with Librarian Jobs

People holding librarian jobs thoroughly answer visitors’ inquiries by searching standard reference materials such as books, periodicals, online sources, and the Internet. Librarians also assist patrons in using databases to search for information. The librarian job description also includes maintenance of circulation and materials records, budget preparation and monitoring, planning, and personnel activities. As the need arises, they may also check books in and out of the library.

It is also the librarian’s responsibility to explain to both library personnel and patrons the use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services, as well as formulate and disseminate library policies and procedures. Prior to selecting and purchasing print, audiovisual, and electronic materials, they must gather and evaluate available product literature such as book reviews and catalogs. They see to it that all library materials are coded, classified, and catalogued based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.

Librarians exercise their managerial functions, specifically by training library personnel in such areas as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use. They make sure that their libraries’ vast collection of reference materials is systematically organized for quick and easy access.

Librarian jobs also entail periodic reviews of existing materials to identify outdated items for disposal. Librarians develop systems to make information gathering easier for all users, specifically indexes and annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, and on-line tutorials. They organize and stage public and user-focused programs and campaigns such as storytelling for children, newsletters, or special corporate events.

Meanwhile, those holding school librarian jobs have to meet and collaborate with teachers, parents, and community organizations to be able to initiate, organize, and conduct the appropriate in reading, audio-visual, and communications programs.

Employment Outlook for Librarians

Employment of librarians will grow by 8 percent between 2008 and 2018, a rate similar to the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, reduced government budgets as well as increased use of electronic resources could potentially restrict the growth of the librarian population as facilities hire less librarians and replace librarian posts with lower-ranked, less costly library jobs such as those of technicians and assistants.

This decade will see a surge in demand for librarian jobs outside traditional environments. Those holding nontraditional jobs for librarians may serve as information brokers and work for private corporations, nonprofit organizations, and consulting firms. Private businesses will count on librarians’ research and organizational skills, and familiarity with databases and library automation systems to help them review, analyze, evaluate, and organize large volumes of information according to their specific needs. Meanwhile, other companies and organizations commission librarians to organize and post information on the Internet. Such librarian jobs may have titles such as systems analysts, database specialists and trainers, webmasters or Web developers, or local area network coordinators.

Librarian Jobs