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.
Life As a Librarian
- Collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in specific fields, such as rare books, genealogy, or music.
- Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
- Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audio-visual aids, and other reference materials for convenient access.
- Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
- Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
- Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams.
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Skills Needed to be a Librarian
Librarians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Research Librarian
- Special Collections Librarian
- Library Specialist
- Library Circulation Department Chief
- Bookmobile Librarian
Job Outlook for Librarians
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 138,200 jobs in the United States for Librarian. 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.
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.
Average Librarians Salary
The average yearly salary of a Librarian ranges between $34,630 and $93,050.
Librarians who work in District of Columbia, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Librarians make in different U.S. states?
| 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?
Individuals working as a Librarian have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Librarian?
Librarians Sector
The table below shows the approximate number of Librarians employed by various industries.
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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