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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  • Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.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.

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.

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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.

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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?

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How Long Does it Take to Become a Librarian?

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Where do Librarians Work?

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Below are examples of industries where Librarians work:

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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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