Librarian

Position Description 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.

List of Librarian Job Duties

• Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
• Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams.
• Author or publish professional articles, internal documents, and instructional materials.
• Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
• Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
• Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.

Librarian Needed 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

• Electronic Resources Librarian
• Reference Librarian
• Library Media Specialist
• Outreach Librarian
• Visual Education Director

Job Outlook for Librarians

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. There will be an estimated 14,500 positions for Librarian per year.

What is the Average Salary of a Librarian

Librarians make between $34,630 and $93,050 a year.

How much do Librarians make in different U.S. states?

What Tools & Technology 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

How do I Become a Librarian?

Education needed to be a Librarian:

Where do Librarians Work?

Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those who work as a Librarian sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

• Archeologists

References:

• College Factual

Image Credit: Diliff via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

More about our data sources and methodologies.