What Librarians Do
The concept of a library is being redefined as technology changes how we access information. A library is no longer just a storehouse of books and paper records. It's also a place providing digital libraries and remote access to many different information sources.
That means that librarians' duties are changing, too. Instead of merely helping people find books, librarians' responsibilities include having knowledge of a wide variety of information sources, trends relating to publishing and all media types, and the ability to help people find information and use that information effectively.
Librarians will also often manage library staff, and may direct programs and systems for the public's use, as well as ensuring that books and other sources of information are well organized. Librarian positions will usually focus on one of three different aspects of library work. These are technical services, administrative services and user services. Specialists will still have additional responsibilities.
User services librarians need to be able to analyze the needs of library patrons to help find the right information. This job also includes teaching library users how to find information on their own, whether it's by using the library catalog system, searching online, or going through archives.
Librarians who work in technical services, including cataloging and acquisitions, are responsible for acquiring, preparing and classifying materials so that they can be easily found by patrons. They may also need to write summaries and abstracts. Generally, librarians in this position have little contact with the public.
Administrative services librarians are responsible for planning and managing the library itself. They may need to negotiate contracts for providing equipment, materials and services, supervise library employees, perform fund raising and public relations tasks, direct activities and prepare budgets for the library.
Of course, in a small library, one or two people may handle all the aspects of operating a library, from greeting patrons to cataloging materials. Many local and school libraries have only a few employees, who do whatever tasks are required to keep the library running properly. In a larger library, librarians specialize in only one area, and teamwork is extremely important.
Librarian jobs are classified by the type of library - public libraries, school libraries, academic libraries and special purpose libraries all operate differently and have different requirements. Special libraries may include information centers, government or corporate libraries, museums, advertising agencies, law libraries, religious libraries and many other specialty purposes. In addition to basic skills, librarians at these locations must have an in depth knowledge of the subject the library relates to.
Work Environment
People in librarian jobs tend to spend much of their time at computer terminals or working at a desk. Possible risks of this include headaches and eye strain. Many librarians report that helping people find resources they need for important projects, or just for fun, can be extremely rewarding. However, working with some users can be stressful or demanding.
It's also necessary for some librarians to spend time on ladders to reach high books, or to lift and carry large numbers of books or periodicals. Modern libraries generally have stacks that are readily accessible, but older libraries may not have these. In small settings, where support staff is unavailable, librarians must shelve books themselves, too.
Over 20% of people in librarian and research jobs work part time. However, college and public librarians must often work unusual hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. School librarians generally work the same hours as teachers. In specialty libraries, normal business hours are usually observed, but overtime may be required.
Training and Qualifications
Librarian and research jobs require an MLS (master's degree in library science) in most situations, including academic, specialty and public library. Librarians working for the federal government may also have equivalent education and experience. While school librarians don't need an MLS, they do have to meet state licensing requirements.
Entering a graduate program for library science requires a graduate degree - any undergraduate major should be acceptable. While many universities and colleges offer the ability to study library science, many library and research jobs prefer people who have graduated from an ALA accredited school. Most programs take a year to complete, but some take two.
Typical graduate programs include courses on the foundations of information and library science, processing and selecting materials, organizing information, user services, and research methods. Online reference systems, automated circulation systems and Internet search methods are also studied. Increasingly, computer related coursework is becoming important.
Individual states and locations also have certification requirements for librarian jobs, including comprehensive assessments and licensures. These are highly variable, and should be researched according to the job an applicant is seeking. Librarians in special libraries must also supplement their education with appropriate knowledge of the field in which they specialize. This may mean they earn a higher degree in the subject, such as a law degree.
Employment Prospects and Research Job Salaries
Job growth for librarian jobs is predicted to be slower than average. However, job opportunities are expected to be favorable, since many librarians are likely to retire. Lack of growth is mostly caused by budget constraints, as well as an increase in electronic resource use. These result in hiring fewer librarians, replacing them with less costly personnel, such as library assistants and technicians.
Librarians tend to make an average of $49,000 per year, with the lower 10% making less than $30,000 and the highest 10% earning more than $74,000 thousand. Earnings depend on the location of librarian jobs and the skills needed.
Conclusion
Librarian jobs are an excellent opportunity for people interested in working with information and helping other people. They require flexibility and specialized skills, as well as specific educational requirements. That means that it's difficult to become a librarian without being educated for it. Although the field isn't growing as quickly as others, there are a large number of expected retirements, opening research jobs for new librarians.
