What Does it Take to Be a Librarian?
Librarian Definition 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.
Daily Life Of a Librarian
- Perform public relations work for the library, such as giving televised book reviews and community talks.
- Assemble and arrange display materials.
- Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities.
- Develop library policies and procedures.
- Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
- Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
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Librarian Skills
When polled, Librarians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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
- Library Associate
- Special Collections Librarian
- Film Librarian
- Classifier
- Catalog Librarian
Is There Job Demand for Librarians?
In the United States, there were 138,200 jobs for Librarian in 2016. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 14,500 job openings in this field each year.
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.
Do Librarians Make A Lot Of Money?
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Librarians
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
How do I Become a Librarian?
Learn what Librarian education requirements there are.
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where Librarians Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those who work as a Librarian sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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