Do you know what it’s like to become a librarian? It might surprise you that the day-to-day of a librarian is quite diverse. They might be working in a school, helping students find the perfect book to read, or they could be at a library downtown, assisting people in researching their next big project.
So what is it exactly like? Keep reading to find out!
"When you absolutely positively have to know, ask a librarian." ALA Association
Who Is A Librarian?
To put it simply, a librarian is someone who works with books and other materials in a library. But that’s just the basics! Librarians can work in various settings, from public libraries to schools and universities, hospitals, museums, research institutes, and government offices.
The top government offices that hire librarians include:
US Department of Agriculture, US Department of State, US Department of Commerce, and US Legislative Branch.
But no matter where they work, their goal is to help people find the information they need.
However, librarianship is a challenging profession requiring theoretical knowledge and practical skills. They need to be able to understand the complexities of the information landscape and be able to navigate it effectively.
Moreover, they must also be able to communicate well with others and have strong customer service skills.
What Does A Librarian Do?
The day-to-day tasks of a librarian can vary depending on where they work. For example, school librarians might spend their days teaching classes, ordering new books, and helping students find the resources they need. Public librarians might spend their time shelving books, assisting patrons with technology, and hosting events.
No matter where they work, librarians typically have four main responsibilities:
- Assisting patrons
- Acquiring and managing resources
- Developing and maintaining programs
- Advocating for the library
Assisting Patrons
One of the most important jobs of a librarian is to assist patrons. This can involve helping them find information, using the library’s resources, and providing reference services. Librarians need to be able to effectively communicate with patrons and understand their needs.
Acquiring and Managing Resources
Librarians are responsible for acquiring and managing the resources in their libraries. This can include books, magazines, newspapers, e-books, and more. Librarians need to be familiar with the different types of resources available and know how to select materials that will be useful to their patrons
Developing and Maintaining Programs
Libraries offer a variety of programs, such as story times, book clubs, and classes. Librarians are responsible for developing and maintaining these programs. They need to be able to promote the programs to potential participants and ensure that they run smoothly.
Advocating for the Library
Libraries rely on funding from government agencies, philanthropic organizations, and other sources. Librarians need to be able to advocate for their library, highlighting its importance and value to the community. This can involve writing grant proposals, giving presentations, and more.
Pathway to becoming a Librarian
So, what does it take to become a librarian? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the path to becoming a librarian can vary depending on the type of librarian and their level of experience.
However, there are some general steps that most people follow to become a librarian.
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in library and information science. This is a four-year degree that will give you the theoretical knowledge and practical skills you need to become a librarian.
- Complete a Library and Information Science Master’s Degree
After earning your bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a master’s degree in library and information science. This is a two-year program that will give you more in-depth training in librarianship.
- Get Experience
To become a librarian, you will need to get experience working in a library. Most people do this by completing an internship or working as a library assistant.
Click link below to learn about libraries honored in the name of Black-Americans:
- Pass the Library and Information Science Licensing Exam
After you have completed your master’s degree, you will need to pass the library and information science licensing exam. This is a national exam that tests your knowledge of librarianship.
- Become a Certified Library Technician
To become a certified library technician, you will need to complete a certification program and pass an exam. This is a shorter program that will give you basic training in librarianship.
- Get a Job as a Librarian
Once you have completed all of the steps above, you can apply for jobs as a librarian. Most librarians start out their careers working in public libraries.
There are many different types of librarians, so there are also many different paths to becoming a librarian. If you want to become a school librarian, for example, you will need to complete a teacher training program in addition to the steps listed above. If you want to become a medical librarian, you will need to earn a degree in medical information science.
No matter which path you choose, the most important thing is to get experience working in a library and continue learning about librarianship.
How much do Librarians earn?
An average Librarian in the United States earns between $58,101 and $79,899 per year. However, the median annual salary of a librarian was recorded as $68,147 as of February 2022.
Do you know why there is so much difference in the salary range?
Well, like all professions, a lot of factors define how much a librarian earns. Some of these factors include education, additional skills, certifications, years of experience, and the organization you work for.
What is the Job Outlook of a Librarian?
The job outlook for librarians is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of librarians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is due to the increasing use of technology in libraries and the continued importance of libraries in our society.
So, if you want to become a librarian, there are many different paths to follow, and the job outlook is good. The most important thing is to continue learning about librarianship and experience working in a library.
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