The librarian profession is a highly respected and necessary one. Librarians are information professionals who help people find the resources they need. There are many different types of librarians, each with their own unique set of duties and responsibilities.
So, let’s take an in-depth look at How To Become A Librarian.
Contents
What Is A Librarian?
As mentioned, they are information specialists who assist in finding the resources people need. They may work in a library or other setting where there are books to be read and cataloged (e.g., school libraries). They also assist with research projects by providing access to reference materials such as encyclopedias or dictionaries, as well as answering questions about specific topics like history or science.
As part of their job duties, they may have some administrative responsibilities too. These include scheduling meetings with patrons when they come into the library and organizing books on shelves according to the subject matter, so it is easy for people to find something specific.
How Much Does A Librarian Make?
According to PayScale, Librarians earn an average of $52,000 per year or about $25/hour. The top ten percent of earners in this field can expect to make as much as $80k annually, while those at the bottom will likely only receive around $31k.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of Librarians is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade; however, pay increases may not be as high because many positions have been cut.
Where can I find information on becoming a Librarian?
There are many different paths you can take to become a librarian, and the best place to start is by visiting the website of the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA provides an overview of what it takes to enter this profession, including educational requirements, skills necessary, and recommended steps for becoming a librarian.
They also have a searchable database of accredited programs in library and information science (LIS) that will help you find schools near you.
What Professional Associations Or Groups Are There for Librarians In The US?
The two main professional organizations for librarians in the United States are the American Library Association (ALA) and the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The ALA is a national organization with over 60,000 members, while AASL has only around 15,000.
Both groups have an online presence where you can find information about their conferences/events as well as access to resources such as listservs or mailing lists that allow communication between members through email messages sent out periodically throughout the year.
The Different Types Of Librarians
There are many different types of librarians who work in various institutes and perform a variety of duties; here are some of the most common ones.
School Librarian
These manage the school library and its collection of books, DVDs, and other resources for students’ use during their studies.
Public Librarian
A public library is open to the general public and provides materials such as books, magazines, newspapers, audio recordings, films, photographs, and software for borrowing or use within the library. A public librarian manages this.
Academic Librarian
These work in an educational institution such as a college or university. They are responsible for providing resources and services to support the teaching, learning, and research needs of students and faculty.
Special Librarian
These work in a specific field such as law, medicine, or business. They provide information resources related to their specialty area to people who need them.
How do I find out which type of librarian career is right for me?
The best way to find out is to talk to people who are already working in the profession. Ask them what their job duties entail and see if it matches with what you are looking for. You can also visit the websites of professional organizations like the ALA or AASL, look through their directories of members, and then contact them directly to ask for advice.
A Day In The Life Of A Librarian
A Librarian can be an expert on any number of things, from books to music or movies. However, they all have similar duties. They organize materials like catalogs that help patrons find what they are looking for.
Maintain records related to each item acquired by the library. This way, customers know how long it has been there and who else has used it as a reference before them. They also answer questions about specific topics such as history or science using reference work available at hand during open hours.
Every day is different…
The day in the life of a Librarian is never the same, which is one of the things that makes this profession so interesting.
One day you might be working on cataloging new materials, while another day, you might be helping patrons find information for their research paper. You may also have to do some administrative work such as preparing reports or updating the library’s website.
Positively promoting literacy…
The duties and responsibilities of a Librarian can vary depending on their job title. But in general, they are responsible for providing resources and services. And support the teaching, learning, and research needs of students and faculty.
This can include working with specific subject areas or doing reference work. Librarians may also be involved in promoting literacy and providing instruction in using library resources.
The Steps
The best way to become a librarian is to first obtain an undergraduate degree in library science or information science from an accredited school.
After completing your undergraduate degree, you then need to complete a master’s program in library and information science. Once you have completed both of these programs, you are eligible to take the Library and Information Science Licensing Examination (LISLE) to become a licensed librarian, before you can then move on and get a job as a librarian.
Additional Info And Advice For Librarians!
Well, let’s first check out my Librarian Job Description and Librarian Assistant Job Description, along with my Top Easy Jobs That Pay Well, and my Best Jobs For Introverts,
Or perhaps a book store is your ideal place to work. So, take a look at my Half Price Books Application or my Powellls Books Application, and finally, my Books A Million Application if you’d like to apply in 2023.
For assistance in training, why not try reading the Cataloging for School Librarians handbook, Inspiring Curiosity: The Librarian’s Guide to Inquiry-Based Learning, or how about The New Instruction Librarian: A Workbook for Trainers and Learners, and the Enhancing Library and Information Research Skills: A Guide for Academic Librarians also available online today.
Final Thoughts
There are many different types of librarians, and each one has its own unique set of job duties and responsibilities.
A day in the life of a librarian is never dull, but it can be exhausting at times too! This career requires a lot of patience and customer service skills, as well as the ability to stay organized.
If you have a love for reading and are interested in helping people, then you should consider becoming a librarian! It may be the perfect career for you.
All the very best with your new career as a Librarian!