Librarians

Career summary

Librarians select, order, and classify library items. This includes books, magazines, documents, recordings, and films. They also maintain items and make sure they are listed in the library's catalogs.

In large libraries, librarians may specialize in one of the three areas listed below. In smaller libraries, they do all three types of work.

User services

Librarians working in user services help library users find information and conduct a search. This may involve teaching users how to use computers to search for items in the library or on the Internet. Librarians also may develop tools such as indexes, web pages, and online tutorials that help users find materials or learn how to use the library. Librarians also check out items to customers and notify users when items are due.

Librarians explain library activities, rules, and services to users. If a library patron makes a complaint, they respond and try to resolve the problem.

Technical services

Technical services librarians order and receive materials. When materials arrive, they classify them by subject matter. They enter information about books into the computer catalog system. Technical services librarians check the condition of books and repair those that are worn.

Administrative services

Librarians in administrative services supervise other employees and plan activities. They order supplies and equipment and prepare budgets. They also negotiate contracts for services. Librarians educate the public about libraries and organize fundraising events. They may also develop the library's particular policies and procedures.

Librarians who work in settings other than public libraries sometimes have different job duties.

School librarians

School librarians help teachers develop courses and find materials. Librarians may teach classes. School librarians often are called media specialists. Many librarians work at university libraries, where they assist students and professors and also maintain complex collections.

Special librarians

Special librarians work in settings other than school or public libraries. They are associated with businesses, government agencies, law firms, and other specialized groups. Librarians at private libraries conduct in-depth information searches for library users in addition to running the library.

Related careers

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Archivists
• Audio-Visual Specialists
• Computer and Information Systems Managers
• Curators
• Education Administrators
• Elementary School Teachers
• High School Teachers
• Instructional Coordinators
• Library Technical Assistants
• Middle School Teachers
• University and College Teachers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to librarians.

• Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audio-visual aids, and other reference materials.
• Read book reviews and catalogues to select materials for use in the library.
• Classify and catalog library materials. Develop new classification systems.
• Research and retrieve information for library users. Check books in and out of library.
• Key information into computers to store or search for selected material or databases.
• Teach patrons how to use library resources and equipment. Explain services and procedures.
• Assist patrons in selecting books and informational material and in research problems.
• Develop library procedures and policies.
• Hire, direct, and train library staff.
• Prepare budget. Monitor income and expenses.
• Negotiate contracts for services, such as building maintenance.
• Compile lists of overdue materials and notify borrowers.
• Confer with teachers and community members to develop, plan, and conduct programs.
• Inspect and sort damaged library materials. Mend and bind books by hand or machine.
• Locate unusual or hard-to-find items when requested.

Common work activities

Librarians perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Get information needed to do the job
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Perform for or work with the public
• Teach others
• Think creatively
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Document and record information
• Monitor and control resources
• Perform administrative tasks
• Develop goals and strategies
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Analyze data or information
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Develop and build teams
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Provide advice and consultation to others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, librarians:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction with library visitors and staff.
• Communicate by telephone, e-mail, and in person on a daily basis. They also use letters and memos, but less often.
• May on occasion deal with conflict situations in which library patrons may be rude or angry.
• Are responsible for the work done by their staff.
• Regularly work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work indoors.
• Work near others. They share the same work space with other librarians and library patrons.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Accurate records and documentation are important to the smooth operation of a library.
• Make decisions that affect other library workers and library patrons on a weekly basis. They rarely consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set nearly all of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a superior first.
• Often repeat the same activities, such as stocking books or answering questions.
• Abide by strict weekly deadlines.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.
• May work evenings and weekends.
• May work ten months per year as a school librarian.

Physical demands

Librarians frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for librarians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for librarians to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

Librarians need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Teach others how to do something.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Library Science

Other programs of study to consider

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Education Administration
• Educational and Instructional Technology
• Library Assistant
• Museum Studies
• Office Management

Training

To work as a librarian, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have a master's degree in library and information science.

Education after high school

Most librarians have a master's degree in library science (MLS) or library and information science (MLIS). You need two years to complete a MLS after you earn a bachelor's degree. In a master's degree program, you study library science, material selection, and reference tools.

Librarians at special libraries may need an advanced degree in the library's subject in addition to the MLS. For example, to work in a law library, you may need an MLS and a law degree.

School librarians usually need a bachelor's degree in education and courses in library science. Some schools require librarians to be certified both as a teacher and a school librarian. Other schools require a MLS degree with a focus in school library media. Yet other schools require a master's degree in education with a focus in school library or educational media.

To enter a master's program in library science, you need a bachelor's degree. The degree can be in any area.

Work experience

Work as a library technical assistant is a good background for this occupation. Volunteer work at your school or local library is also helpful.

On-the-job training

Many libraries offer additional on-the-job training to learn about specific technologies and library procedures. This training may be hands-on, classroom-based, or both. Training may last a few weeks to several months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements. Librarians need excellent knowledge of books. Taking literature courses can help prepare you for this occupation.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Teacher Assisting (if you want to be a school librarian).

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Requirements vary by employer. Most employers require applicants to have at least a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree. However, many smaller public libraries will hire librarians who do not have a library science degree.

At special libraries, an advanced degree in the subject is highly desirable. For example, a librarian in a law firm may have both an MLS and a law degree. Librarians at colleges and universities often need a master's or doctoral (PhD) degree in addition to an MLS. School librarians need to be certified both as teachers and as school librarians.

All employers look for librarians who are experienced with computers. Librarians must be familiar with computers to find information on the Internet. They also use computers to catalog and track library holdings.

Many employers seek candidates who have previous experience working in a library. Working in a library restocking books or doing other similar duties is a good option. These types of jobs are often available to college students.

Many employers prefer graduates of library schools accredited by the American Library Association. For some positions, flexibility and skills specific to the job being offered may be of greater importance than academic experience. Strong customer service skills are also important for jobs in public libraries.

It is sometimes difficult for workers with years of experience in one type of library or with one clientele group to change to other specialties.

Tips

Volunteer to work in your local public or school library. Talk with local librarians about their jobs and the effects of technology on their work. Do extensive reading in a specific field of interest, such as children's services. Undergraduate study in an area related to library and information science, such as computer science, business management/administration, math, or communications, is recommended. Join and be active in a professional association.

#Customer service skills comment from Seattle PI article on King County LIbrarians, 3/30/05, CJ.

Costs to workers

In Washington State, librarians working for libraries serving 4,000 people or more must be certified. The fee is $20.

#Certification fee still the same, 3/28/14 cj. no change 1/21/16 lh, or 4/16/18, 4/16/19 cj.

Licensing/certification

Librarians must be certified to qualify for professional employment in libraries serving populations of 4,000 or more, or if they work in a library operated by the state or under its authority. Librarians working in the state law library or county law libraries, however, are exempt from this requirement.

There are two ways to get certification from the Washington State Library Commission:

• the Commission will issue a certificate to any graduate of a librarian school accredited or officially recognized by the American Library Association; or
• the Commission will also issue certification to applicants who have completed a minimum of 36-quarter credits or 24-semester credits in library/information sciences or related course work equivalent to a master's degree, submitted a portfolio, and provided references from library-related employers or instructors that show the ability to start and carry out effective library services programs. The Commission and the University of Washington review each applicant's portfolio, educational records, and work experience and determine who will become certified.

For more information, contact:

Washington State Library
Librarian Certification Program 
PO Box 42460
Olympia, WA 98504
360.570.5583

Most librarians become certified by meeting the first alternative. People wishing to become librarians in elementary and secondary schools must have a Washington State teacher's certificate, a primary endorsement in library media, and 45-quarter credit hours in information science. Those seeking a supporting endorsement in library media only need 24-quarter credit hours in information science. In the larger cities, both elementary and secondary schools may also require a master's in librarianship.

#2/3/20

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Librarians 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The average base salary paid to library media specialists, working about 180 days per year in Washington public schools, is $62,448 per year.

#Added salary for library media specialist in public schools from OSPI 2012-13 School District Personnel Summary report, 3/28/14 cj. Updated it 5/11/16, 4/16/19 cj.

Wages vary by employer, the librarian's specialty, and the number of hours worked. In addition, the librarian's level of responsibility and education also affect wages.

Librarians who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, many librarians work for governments and schools. Some job openings may occur due to new school construction, population increases, and librarians who choose to retire or move from the public to the private sector. The level of state funding for school library programs may impact positions at public schools. Opportunities may be better in special library and information research and management settings.

#ALA division for school librarians has special online course for school librarians on becoming indispensable, proving their value & keeping their jobs due to current school budget cuts & stretched budgets 3/4/14 cj.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Most librarians work in school libraries.

Major employers:

• Elementary, middle, and high schools
• Public libraries
• Colleges and universities

National outlook

Demand for librarians will grow about as fast as average. Budget cuts have reduced the number of hours libraries are open and some libraries have closed. However, communities are increasingly turning to libraries for a variety of services and activities.

The best job opportunities may be for librarians who have experience in electronic and special library searches. Job openings will occur as people retire.

Other resources

American Association of Law Libraries 
105 West Adams Street, Suite 3300
Chicago, IL 60603
312.939.4764

American Association of School Librarians 
(Division of the American Library Association)

American Library Association 
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800.545.2433
312.944.6780

American Literature Association 

American Society for Information Science and Technology 
8555 - 16th Street, Suite 850
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301.495.0900

Association for Educational Communications and Technology 
20 W. 8th Street, Suite 101
Bloomington, IN 47404-3745

Me, a librarian? 

Medical librarian career exploration 

Music Library Association 
1600 Aspen Commons, Suite 100
Middleton, WI 53562
608.836.5825

Special Libraries Association 
7918 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 300
McLean, VA 22102
703.647.4900

Washington Library Association 
PO Box 33808
Seattle, WA 98133
206.823.1138

Washington State Library 
PO Box 42460
Olympia, WA 98504-2460
360.704.5200

References

Career cluster

• Education and Training

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• Librarians (25-4021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Acquisitions Librarian (100.267-010) 
• Audiovisual Librarian (100.167-010) 
• Bookmobile Librarian (100.167-014) 
• Chief Librarian, Branch or Department (100.127-010) 
• Children's Librarian (100.167-018) 
• Institution Librarian (100.167-022) 
• Librarian (100.127-014) 
• Librarian, Special Collections (100.267-014) 
• Librarian, Special Library (100.167-026) 
• Library Director (100.117-010) 
• Media Specialist, School Library (100.167-030) 
• Music Librarian (100.367-022) 
• Music Librarian, International Broadcast (100.367-026) 
• News Librarian (100.167-038) 
• Young-adult Librarian (100.167-034) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Librarian

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Social/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Communication
• Service Professional