Librarian

Librarians gather, organize, and preserve information. They work in various settings, including public libraries, academic libraries, special libraries, and government libraries. They may also work as information specialists in businesses or other organizations.

Educational Background

Librarians typically need a master's degree in library science (MLS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program. Some employers may also accept a master's degree in a related field, such as information science or archival studies.

Certifications and Licensing

Librarians may also choose to obtain professional certification. The ALA offers the Certified Public Librarian (CPL) credential, which is available to librarians who have a master's degree and at least three years of professional experience.

Skills

Librarians need strong research, organizational, and communication skills. They must also be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for librarians include:

• Cataloging and classification
• Reference and information services
• Collection development
• Instruction and outreach
• Technology

Career Growth

Librarians can advance their careers by taking on leadership roles, such as department head or director. They may also move into specialized areas, such as digital librarianship or preservation.

Transferable Skills

The skills that librarians develop are transferable to other careers, such as:

• Information management
• Research
• Communication
• Project management
• Customer service

Day-to-Day

The day-to-day work of a librarian varies depending on their role and the setting in which they work. However, some common tasks include:

• Answering reference questions
• Helping patrons find books and other resources
• Teaching information literacy classes
• Cataloging and classifying new materials
• Developing and maintaining collections
• Managing library budgets
• Supervising staff

Challenges

Librarians face a number of challenges, including:

• Budget cuts
• The increasing demand for digital resources
• The need to keep up with new technologies
• The changing role of libraries in the digital age

Projects

Librarians may work on a variety of projects, such as:

• Developing new library services
• Digitizing library collections
• Creating educational programs
• Conducting research
• Writing and publishing

Personal Growth

Librarianship offers a number of opportunities for personal growth. Librarians can develop their leadership skills, their research skills, and their communication skills. They can also learn about new technologies and new trends in the library field.

Personality Traits and Personal Interests

People who are well-suited to a career as a librarian are typically:

• Patient
• Organized
• Detail-oriented
• Good communicators
• Interested in learning
• Passionate about helping others

Self-Guided Projects

Students who are interested in a career as a librarian can complete a number of self-guided projects to better prepare themselves for this role. These projects include:

• Volunteering at a library
• Shadowing a librarian
• Taking online courses in library science
• Reading books and articles about librarianship
• Attending library conferences

Online Courses

Online courses can be a helpful way to learn about librarianship and to prepare for a career in this field. Online courses can provide students with the opportunity to learn from experienced librarians and to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in this role.

Online courses can help learners prepare for a career as a librarian by providing them with the opportunity to:

• Learn about the different roles and responsibilities of librarians
• Develop the skills needed to work in a library setting
• Gain knowledge of the latest trends and technologies in librarianship
• Network with other librarians and library professionals

Online courses alone are not enough to follow a path to this career. However, they can be a helpful learning tool to bolster the chances of success for entering this career.