What Does it Take to Be a Librarian?
Job Description & Duties Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, educational institutions, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. Tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers’ advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalogue and access information.
A Day in the Life of a Librarian
- Negotiate contracts for library services, materials, and equipment.
- Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
- Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
- Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
- Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
- Check books in and out of the library.
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Librarian Required Skills
These are the skills Librarians say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Other Librarian Job Titles
- Access Services Librarian
- Library Services Coordinator
- Library Associate
- Instruction Librarian
- Library Supervisor
Librarian Job Outlook
There were about 138,200 jobs for Librarian in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,400 new jobs for Librarian by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Librarian are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Librarian Salary
Librarians make between $34,630 and $93,050 a year.
Librarians who work in District of Columbia, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Librarians make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $54,470 |
| Alaska | $71,180 |
| Arizona | $49,240 |
| Arkansas | $53,310 |
| California | $81,580 |
| Colorado | $63,960 |
| Connecticut | $70,710 |
| Delaware | $70,820 |
| District of Columbia | $85,330 |
| Florida | $57,340 |
| Georgia | $60,650 |
| Hawaii | $67,800 |
| Idaho | $44,630 |
| Illinois | $57,680 |
| Indiana | $47,870 |
| Iowa | $47,690 |
| Kansas | $45,580 |
| Kentucky | $58,440 |
| Louisiana | $52,540 |
| Maine | $51,010 |
| Maryland | $72,470 |
| Massachusetts | $70,860 |
| Michigan | $51,780 |
| Minnesota | $64,550 |
| Mississippi | $46,400 |
| Missouri | $53,450 |
| Montana | $50,870 |
| Nebraska | $51,070 |
| Nevada | $69,390 |
| New Hampshire | $56,360 |
| New Jersey | $67,700 |
| New Mexico | $51,650 |
| New York | $68,520 |
| North Carolina | $55,020 |
| North Dakota | $55,250 |
| Ohio | $55,090 |
| Oklahoma | $44,270 |
| Oregon | $63,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,530 |
| Rhode Island | $69,010 |
| South Carolina | $57,650 |
| South Dakota | $41,480 |
| Tennessee | $55,010 |
| Texas | $60,810 |
| Utah | $50,790 |
| Vermont | $48,370 |
| Virginia | $69,480 |
| Washington | $71,780 |
| West Virginia | $41,560 |
| Wisconsin | $57,330 |
| Wyoming | $55,100 |
What Tools do Librarians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Librarians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Database software
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- Extensible markup language XML
- PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- LexisNexis
Becoming a Librarian
What education is needed to be a Librarian?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Librarian?
Where do Librarians Work?
Below are examples of industries where Librarians work:
Related Careers
Are you already one of the many Librarian in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Diliff via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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