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Librarians act as guardians and distributors of knowledge. They structure and make information accessible to those who need it. Depending on their chosen field of expertise, their duties can range from overseeing public education programs, conducting research at prestigious universities, nurturing a love of reading in children, or managing library staff. Keep reading to explore the various aspects of library science, the educational journey librarians take, and the essential steps to officially earn the librarian title.
Stages
The Discipline of Library Science
Grasp the essence of library science. Library science is the study of managing libraries, preserving and sharing information, developing information technologies, and advancing research education. Librarians can specialize in one or more of these areas, often managing tasks that require expertise across all of them. Some duties of librarians may include:
- Cataloging materials in a library’s collection
- Creating systems to classify and organize data
- Adopting new technologies to modernize the organization of older collections
- Using research techniques to answer reference inquiries
- Facilitating educational programs for both students and the general public
- Managing a library branch, including supervising staff members
- Maintaining an up-to-date collection by ordering new books and materials
Explore various types of librarianship. You might be drawn to becoming a children’s librarian, or perhaps you're interested in archiving scientific data. With many different types of libraries, the role of a librarian can vary greatly across them.
- Public libraries are accessible to anyone who holds a library card and often offer literacy programs for both adults and children. These libraries play a crucial role in providing free public access to knowledge. Librarians here combine customer service duties with maintaining an updated collection, liaising with other libraries, and managing public programs.
- School libraries serve elementary and middle schools, ensuring children have the resources needed for a comprehensive education. School librarians teach research skills, foster a love for reading, and oversee the library’s daily operations.
- Academic libraries, located in universities and colleges, support students by offering expansive collections tailored to higher education needs. These libraries are often divided by specialty, with separate libraries for subjects like law, science, or art. Librarians at these institutions assist with complex research tasks, archive special materials, and keep the libraries at the forefront of knowledge. Specialized libraries may require additional qualifications such as a law or science degree.
Assess if librarianship is right for you. While a love for reading often motivates people to pursue librarianship, the profession involves much more than just an appreciation for books. A great librarian is passionate about organizing knowledge and ensuring it remains accessible. They are committed to preserving valuable information for future use.
- Many librarians consider their profession a calling, driven by the desire to share knowledge with others.
- In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, librarians must be adept with technology. Many library science programs now include coding classes as part of their curriculum.
- Not all librarians work directly with the public. Some focus more on archival work, cataloging, and other behind-the-scenes responsibilities. If you love information but prefer not to engage in educational roles, library science may still be the perfect fit.
- A strong understanding of library policies and procedures is essential to ensure equal access to resources. A librarian must help manage the rules surrounding the borrowing and returning of materials, making sure everyone can benefit from the library's offerings.
Arrange informational interviews for more insight. Reach out to librarians working in libraries that intrigue you, whether they are public, school, or academic libraries. Set up a meeting to discuss the librarian’s career and gain firsthand insight into their work.
- Ask the librarian about their specific responsibilities to understand the scope of the job.
- Learn about their personal journey to librarianship, including the skills and traits necessary for success in the field.
- Request recommendations for Master of Library Science (MLS) programs they consider top-notch.
Academic Prerequisites
Obtain an undergraduate degree. Before you can apply to an MLS program, you’ll need to have completed an undergraduate degree. While there’s no strict major requirement, popular fields include English, Art History, and Computer Science—areas that emphasize research and technology skills.
- If you aim to work in a specialized library, such as a law or science library, a secondary degree in a specific field may be necessary. In this case, select a major that provides the foundational knowledge for acceptance into a master's program in your desired specialty.
Earn a Masters of Library Science (MLS) accredited by the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA website, http://www.ala.org, is an excellent resource to explore MLS programs. It features a directory of accredited programs with detailed descriptions.
- Do extensive research before deciding where to apply. Each program offers unique focuses, such as technology, information access politics, and more.
- Some programs may require you to live on campus, while others can be completed fully online. Be sure to verify the program’s ALA accreditation if you find it through a source other than the ALA website, as many libraries will not hire candidates with degrees from non-accredited schools.
- While some prestigious institutions offer information technology programs not accredited by the ALA, if you’re more interested in IT than library management, these may be worth considering.
Becoming a Librarian
Get hands-on experience early. Don’t wait until your MLS is complete to gain library experience—start while you’re still an undergraduate. Look for opportunities at your university or local public library. Many institutions hire students to work at reference desks or assist with shelving books, offering a great way to explore whether librarianship is the right career for you.
- Consider applying for internships, whether paid or unpaid, as these offer valuable real-world experience. If your university doesn’t have an internship program, reach out to a librarian to see if there are opportunities to get involved.
- Join or start a Student Library Association (SLA) chapter, particularly if you’re interested in information technology. This is a great way to connect with peers who share your passion.
- Network with librarians. Your volunteer work, part-time job, internship, or SLA involvement provides an opportunity to build relationships with professionals who may help you secure a job in the future. Show your passion for librarianship, ask insightful questions, and maintain contact after your internship ends.
Make yourself stand out when applying for jobs. With reduced funding for public and academic libraries, competition in the library science field has intensified. Earning your MLS and gaining library experience won’t guarantee you a job.
- Rather than simply stating you “love books” on your resume and cover letter, focus on specific traits and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for the position. Hiring managers are looking for unique qualities that set you apart.
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each application. Show how your interests align with the particular library or institution you're applying to, and always send a thank-you email to express continued interest.
- Leverage your network of contacts from school, internships, part-time work, and SLA chapter involvement. Let others know you're job hunting, and be open to a variety of positions.
Be prepared to start from the bottom. Even if you're qualified for a professional role, you might need to begin in an entry-level position. Use this as an opportunity to learn more about how the library operates and to build connections with colleagues. As you prove your abilities, opportunities for advancement will naturally follow.
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Working in a public library requires a diverse set of skills. To stand out from other job applicants, it’s essential to develop both management and customer service expertise.
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If you have a local librarian in your network, approach them for advice. They can help you assess whether a career as a librarian is a suitable path for you.
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When job hunting, connect with alumni from your university who are working in library science. They can provide valuable guidance and might keep you in mind if any positions open at their library.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Reflect on whether you view librarianship through the concept of "vocational awe".
- As a service-oriented profession, librarianship often involves "emotional labor". Be sure to think about how you’ll manage the emotional demands of the job, especially once employed when your personal time might be more limited.
