What is a librarian?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a librarian’s role is to help people find data for personal or professional use. Most hold full-time positions at government, educational or public libraries. A librarian’s primary goal is to help people find the information they’re looking for, whether it’s in books, research journals, digital articles or media.
How to choose the right librarian
Before starting the search for a librarian, it’s important to identify the role they will play in your business. A public library will require strong customer service skills, while a private historical library may need specialization in a particular knowledge set. If you’re not sure what to look for, it may be a good idea to ask staff members who will work alongside the librarian what skills they think are essential for the role.
After identifying the needs of your library or business, it is much easier to write a clear job description that will attract candidates. Learning more about the skills and responsibilities a librarian should also help you select, interview and hire the right candidate.
Skills and responsibilities of a librarian
Librarians are often required to have a diverse set of skills and responsibilities. The American Library Association, otherwise known as the ALA, is the professional governing body that determines educational and professional requirements for librarians. Core competencies for a librarian include:
- Understanding best research practices
- Participating in, developing and leading continuing education
- Planning and managing departmental and communal projects
- Organizing and representing information across all cultures and identities
- Discovering, retrieving, evaluating and synthesizing information for patrons
- Ability to navigate a variety of technologies
- Employing professional ethics and values in line with the librarian profession
Being familiar with these core competencies is an important part of a librarian’s education. In the workplace, they translate into daily responsibilities such as:
- Providing customer service to library patrons
- Offering suggestions about books and media
- Assisting patrons in checking out library materials
- Maintaining budgets for library facilities and resources
- Managing and delegating daily tasks to team members
- Creating and updating virtual databases
- Cataloging and archiving information and materials
- Developing fun and educational programs for youth and adults
- Researching new reading trends and popular genres
- Ordering inventory from book supply companies
The skills and proficiencies of a librarian are wide-ranging. As a result, many librarians develop specific focuses or specialties to help improve a library’s efficiency in serving patrons.
Professional librarian qualifications
A strong educational background is essential to excel as a professional librarian. Practical experience, such as internships or volunteer work, is also important to show application of theoretical knowledge in real world experiences. Librarians typically have the following educational and professional background.
A bachelor’s degree
Librarians usually complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in library science or another area such as English, history or sociology. Librarians may opt for a degree in the area they hope to specialize in. For example, a pre-law degree could translate into working in a law library.
Relevant work experience
Many students of library sciences obtain valuable experience by working at their school library or research facility. Experience working as a library assistant or intern provides valuable insight into library operations. An entry-level librarian should have work experience that demonstrates familiarity with library processes and daily operations, such as cataloging literature or assisting patrons.
A master’s degree
After completing a bachelor’s degree, prospective librarians complete a two-year master’s degree program in library science or library and information studies. Students often opt to attend an ALA-accredited master’s program to be sufficiently prepared for a professional career as a librarian. Accreditation may also be required by state law for licensure.
Licensure or certification
Licensure or certification is often dependent on state regulations. State laws may require librarians to be certified by the ALA or require continuing education. Some states may require librarians to hold specific certifications for the library to receive state aid. The ALA’s Allied Professional Organization website keeps up-to-date information on local and national requirements for librarians.
Types of librarians
There are many specialties within library science. Types of librarians may be categorized by a specific field of research, such as law, medicine or psychology, or by different functions such as reference or technical services. Here are some examples of types of librarians and their typical job duties.
Youth and teen services librarian
Youth and teen services librarians plan and implement programs for the community’s youth. Under the supervision of a library director, they communicate with children, teens, parents, teachers and homeschoolers to improve their library experience. A successful youth and teen services librarian is cognizant of current educational trends and able to find resources for all reading levels.
Reference and research librarian
Reference and research librarians help library patrons conduct research and curate a wide range of resources. By navigating library systems, databases and reference materials, they help users find accurate and relevant information. Reference and research librarians promote knowledge acquisition and empower the community by acting as a concierge to a library’s extensive resources.
School librarian
School librarians create an engaging and supportive environment for students and teachers. They curate a collection of age-appropriate materials and resources that cater to the educational needs of the school. School librarians may also organize events, such as book fairs, to foster a lifelong love of reading within students.
Archives librarian
Archives librarians manage, repair and preserve historical documents and records. They organize and maintain historical collections, such as manuscripts, photographs and maps, ensuring long-term preservation and accessibility. Archives librarians provide guidance to researchers and library patrons, finding relevant materials for their projects or interests.
Frequently asked questions about professional librarians
What are three important traits for a librarian to have?
Professional librarians are known for having a wide variety of skills and aptitudes. Three traits commonly held by librarians are good communication skills, a strong attention to detail and a passion for learning. These traits help a librarian provide clear recommendations, organize materials and stay up to date on new resources and technology.
How do I interview a librarian?
Reviewing a candidate’s resume and cover letter beforehand can help develop questions and talking points to discuss during the interview. It’s important to create a list of questions that are relevant to the position to find the right candidate for the job. For example, a college or university hiring a librarian could ask a candidate about their experience helping college students find sources for their term papers.
What are library workers without a master’s degree called?
There is no universal terminology for library staff. They are often referred to as support staff, library technicians, library assistants or clerks. While there are a variety of titles available for support roles, they all play a vital part in helping librarians.
What kind of salary and benefits should a librarian receive?
According to the BLS, most librarians work full-time positions and likely receive benefits. Competitive salaries vary from state to state and are dependent on a librarian’s education and experience. Visit Indeed Salary to learn more about what kind of salary and benefits a librarian could receive.
