A librarian is responsible for organizing books and other information resources like CD-ROMs in a systematic way. The evolving technology has changed the way a librarian works. Now records are maintained in computer database. They supervise the library staff and plan how information needs to be stored in such a way that people find it easy to access. They sometimes also help library visitors in locating particular information or books.
A librarian's work is quite challenging especially in libraries where there are thousands of books that need to be sorted and organized. Apart from assisting people in finding books, librarians also determine what new books to buy and what items to discard. They sometimes also provide training to staff members about maintaining catalogs and on other important aspects related to library work. Initially librarians used to work with printed resources but with the arrival of computer accessories like CD and DVD, internet, their work has become much easier. They also prepare monthly reports regarding the stock of materials available and the requirement of new ones to higher authorities. In some organizations librarians have to manage budgets. You also need to maintain a good relationship with the dealers and suppliers. They also look after the building, furniture and equipments for proper storing of valuable books and information sources. Formulating long and short term plans is also their responsibility. Hence, work of a librarian includes providing services to staff members, students and the entire academic community.
Requirements
Academic
You need a bachelor's degree in Library Science or Information Science to be a librarian. A master's degree in Library Science (MLS) will help you get a good job in public libraries or school/college libraries. The program lasts for one year while some special courses may take 2 years. It involves classes related to the fundamental basics of libraries and information science, history of printing and books, censorship and intellectual freedom and the function libraries and information performs in the society. Some of the additional basic classes are in the context of selection and processing of materials, organization of information, strategies, user services and reference tools.
The post of library assistant is open to non-graduates with a least of five GCSEs (A-C). However in certain institutions the library assistant posts may need an HND. A Master's or a postgraduate diploma in Librarianship or Information Science/Management certified by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) is essential in case the first degree is not in Information Management.
Skill Set
As a librarian you must possess the following skills to ensure a successful career:
- Good team building skills as most of the times you will have to work in teams
- Good oral and written communication skills are necessary
- Excellent management and organizational skills
- Good decision making skills are indispensable
- Basic computer skills to maintain records
- Excellent problem solving skill is important
- Manage the entire library and all the associated work
- Must be honest and flexible
- Must be self motivated and show positive attitude towards work
- Must be ready to learn new technical skills so that you can maintain records easily
- Good time management skills
Career Prospects (globally)
It is anticipated to rise on pace with most of the other overall average jobs through 2002-12. Job prospects are going to be excellent as there are a number of librarians waiting to in the following 10 years. Moreover, the number of job seekers in this field has also seen a significant fall in the last few years. So what that indicates is there will be situations when there will be more job openings available that the number of qualified applicants
Salary
An average salary of library jobs is approximately $51,000. This not a fixed amount and changes as per your experience and education and the employing institute. Librarians can be of various kinds like web services librarian, systems librarian, and assistant librarian. So as per the type of librarian job you do your salary varies accordingly.
In 2002, the average income of librarians per annum was $43,090. The top 10% made more than $66,590 per annum. The mid 50% earned anywhere from $33,560 to $54,250. The rest of the bottom 10% earned less than $24,510.
The job opportunities for librarians are expected to increase with a huge boost over the next decade. Most of the corporations employ librarians with required qualification and organizational skills along with their extensive knowledge of computer databases and library automation systems.
