Totaljobs.com > Career Advice > Careers in... > Careers in the Public sector > Librarian job description
Job description: Librarian
Home of the printed word, libraries are open to all members of the public. Your role as Librarian is to keep it well presented and running smoothly for all those who visit.
The day to day running of the library such as ensuring books are where they should be and users know where to go to find the book they want is your responsibilities.
Your daily activities would vary depending on the size and type of library. These could include many tasks from cataloging and indexing stock, organizing users' resources and dealing with enquiries to setting up activities (i.e. reading groups) and promotional displays.
As a librarian you could be working in a public library, where people can borrow books, music and multimedia. Alternatively, you can be librarian within an organisation, such as a university, college, school or hospital.
Teaching may come as part of the job. If you work as a librarian in a school, college or university you could be teaching research skills to students.
Hours/Environment
As a librarian, your usual hours would be from 9 to 5 and may include some evenings or weekends, with time off during the week. If you wish to work part-time or job-share, this is also available.
You will most likely be firmly rooted within a single library. However, some roles may mean you travel to different sites, or work within a mobile library. You may also need to travel to community events.
Skills and interests
To be a good librarian, you must have:
- customer service skills
- organisational skills
- good spoken and written communication skills
- computer skills, particularly in using databases and the internet
- the ability to supervise others
- good research skills
- good general knowledge, or an understanding of a particular field of knowledge if working in a specialist library
Entry
If you like the sound of being a librarian then there are typically two ways of entering the role. The first is through studying for a university qualification and the second is to work your way up from a Library Assistant (or similar) role.
University qualificationYou can qualify as a librarian by doing either:
- a degree in librarianship or information management that is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP); or
- a degree in any subject, followed by a postgraduate qualification in information management or similar accredited by CILIP.
Degree courses usually last three or four years full-time. You might be able to study part-time at some universities, but this will take longer. You can study postgraduate courses for one year full-time, two to three years part-time, or by distance learning.
Before you start a postgraduate course, most universities will expect you to have up to a year's library or information service experience, for example as a Library Assistant.
If you have a degree, you may be able to join a graduate training scheme.
See CILIP's website for a list of accredited courses and details of graduate training opportunities. You should check with universities for entry requirements.
Work-based routeAlternatively, you could work as an assistant in a library or information service and apply for CILIP Certification after you have gained some experience. To apply for Certification you must have one of the following:
- five years' full-time work experience in a library or information service
- two years' work experience and some relevant training, such as NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Information and Library Services, in-house training, external short courses or other self-development courses.
See CILIP's website for full details of the Certification process.
You may be able to get into library work through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
Training
Once you're working as a Librarian or studying on a relevant course, you can apply for membership of CILIP. There are five levels of membership, depending on your experience and qualifications. Membership will give you access to support and advice, and opportunities for professional development training.
You can develop your skills and knowledge by attending short courses organised by CILIP or the Association for Information Management (ASLIB).
You could also study for a relevant Masters degree. These are often available part-time or through distance learning.
To gain professional status, recognised by public and academic libraries, you would have to work towards chartered membership of CILIP. To apply for chartered status, you will need either:
- a Library and Information Studies degree or postgraduate qualification recognised by CILIP; or
- CILIP Certification plus evidence of further professional development.
You will need to submit a portfolio of evidence to show that you have taken part in further professional training and development after qualifying. See CILIP's website for full details of membership and training.
Opportunities
If your role as a Librarian is in a larger library, you could progress to a senior job with management responsibilities, or be given responsibility for a specialist service or collection.
Annual income
Salaries vary depending on the type of library. In a public Library as a new entrant, your salary would be between £18,500 and £22,500 a year. At Chartered level, this could rise to between £22,500 and £28,000. At the highest level you would start to earn up to £61,000 or above depending on your location and library.
Jobs in the Public Sector
Other Careers in Public Sector
