Buzz
Library staff are organized into various roles, ranging from volunteer students who shelve books to highly qualified librarians managing specialized collections. To start working at a library, you can first sign up as a library collaborator, join library clubs, or apply for assistant positions at smaller libraries. Competition for these roles is often intense, so keep reading to learn more about them and how to increase your chances.
Steps
Explore different job types within the library
Learn about volunteer work at your local public library. Library staff at the information desk can provide you with more details about volunteer opportunities or direct you to someone in charge of these roles. Public libraries often offer positions for those with no prior experience or library-specific training. Your volunteer work might include shelving books, repairing damaged books, assisting patrons with borrowing and returning books, or helping library staff in the children's reading room. You might also be involved in recording 'talking books' for visually impaired readers....
Consider becoming a library collaborator. Library collaborators are usually compensated, but they may only be temporary or part-time staff. The role is similar to that of volunteers, such as shelving books. This could be the best opportunity for you to get hired and paid at the library if you're not a college student or do not hold a degree.
- Ask the librarian at the information desk for more details about this program.
Inquire about other job opportunities within the library. A key point to remember is that not all positions in the library are related to librarianship or require a library science degree. Most libraries need general staff, and larger libraries also require security personnel.
Search for job opportunities at your college or university. If you're a college or university student, visit your campus library. They may hire students as library assistants. These positions are often flexible and can be arranged around your class schedule, with or without being linked to financial aid packages (or contributing to volunteer hours or credit).
Compare the job requirements for library assistants. The library assistant position is a simple job, handling daily tasks within the library. Requirements may vary by library. Smaller libraries are more likely to have lower requirements and may even train high school students. Typically, you'll need a high school diploma, and sometimes a college-level course in library science.
- Some libraries use the term 'library technician,' which may be interchangeable with 'library assistant.' In other libraries, technicians hold higher ranks and have more advanced educational requirements.
Secured a job
Check the bulletin board or website. Most libraries have a bulletin board where they post announcements about special events and occasionally, available positions. Make it a habit to check for potential job openings that match your skills or interests. Libraries may also advertise job opportunities on their website or local government websites.
- As most libraries are non-profit organizations overseen by a board of directors, they tend to hire less on personal connections compared to other employers. Meeting the listed requirements is typically essential for being considered for a position.
Visit the library before applying. Once you find a job that fits your experience, visit the library in person. Assess the service you receive and the overall experience during your visit. Ask about the library staff, review the program schedule, available technologies, and other resources. All of this information will help you in the interview, showing that you've done your homework and also providing ideas about what you can contribute.
- For example, if you've visited the library's program, suggest ways to improve it. If a children's gardening program is popular, propose starting a seed library.
- Gather as much information as possible about the library you're applying to:
- Library's focus area (public library, specialized or multidisciplinary library)
- Classification system in use
- Databases utilized
- Whether the library has digitized its book collection
Submit your resume. Many public library jobs, especially in large cities, use computers to scan resumes instead of human reviewers. These resumes must contain specific keywords that describe the job, or your application might not be considered for an interview.
- In your application and interview, emphasize the qualities that make you a good librarian (organizational skills, attention to detail, social skills) and your interest in the library and its fields of focus.
Research local policies. Learn about any policies that could impact the library before going to the interview. Is funding at risk, or are there cuts in operating hours or services? Consider the role of an advocate or supporter for the library. Look into 'Friends of the Library' groups, which might be involved in this area of advocacy.
Network. If possible, try to get to know not only the librarians or staff but also members of the leadership team who are involved in hiring. If, after submitting your application, the library invites you to meet with the leadership team, library friends, or other citizen groups, treat it as an extension of the interview. Stay professional and engaged.
Practice to pursue a career as a librarian
Look for jobs that require an associate's degree. Some library positions in public libraries only require a bachelor's degree or an associate's degree. These positions are often for librarians working in youth or children's libraries.
Study to earn a Master's in Library Science. Most library jobs at intermediate and senior levels require a Master's in Library Science (MLIS). These professional librarians have more advanced responsibilities, such as supervising assistants or updating library collections.
Specialize. Librarians often take on various roles, including reference librarian, corporate librarian, cataloger, library manager, collection manager (deciding which books to add or remove), children's libraries, teen libraries, school librarians (K-12 systems), academic librarians, system librarians (IT-related work), or managing the book borrowing and return desk. Research the roles that interest you, and focus your studies to prepare for those positions.
- Many library science programs also offer specializations in archives. Archivists manage historical documents, store them, and provide access for research purposes.
Train for academic libraries. Many academic librarians also hold an additional master's degree in a specific subject. If you're passionate about a particular academic subject, such as art, law, music, business, or psychology, this path can combine your passion with an interest in libraries.
Consider working in a special library. Special libraries are often private libraries, owned by companies that manage collections focused on legal, business, healthcare, or government topics. Most librarian positions in special libraries require at least a master's degree in library science. A librarian may also need specific qualifications or experience related to the subject matter of the library. Example subjects include law, business, science, and government.
Advice
- Public and academic libraries often require employees to work flexible hours to accommodate evening and weekend shifts.
- Librarians must possess strong customer service skills to assist regular patrons effectively.
- If you're a newly graduated librarian with an MLS and limited or no library experience, consider seeking opportunities in less populated areas or applying to smaller libraries.
- Search for library jobs on public library or university websites, as well as library associations like the American Library Association and the Special Libraries Association.
