Being a librarian
could be your dream job... If you’re considering a job as a librarian, here are some facts from
the U.S. government about the profession.
http://publishing.about.com/od/LibrariesAndReferencePublish/a/Librarians-About-The-Librarian-Profession.htm
For those who love books and who love to read, being a librarian might be a good fit. If you’re considering a job as a librarian, here are some facts from the U.S. government about the profession.
Educational Requirements for Being a Librarian
A librarian needs master’s degree in library science (a bachelor’s degree in
any undergraduate subject is acceptable in order to enter a graduate program in
library science); the master’s degree usually takes 1 to 2 years to complete.
A librarian’s coursework usually covers:
• Selecting and processing library materials
• Organizing information
• Research methods and strategies
• Online reference systems
• Internet search methods.
Colleges and universities have different names for their library science
programs, like Master’s in Library Science (MLS) programs or Master of
Information Studies or Master of Library and Information Studies. Many colleges
offer library science programs, but, as of 2011, only 56 programs in the United
States were accredited by the American
Library Association. A degree from an accredited program may lead to better
job opportunities.
Librarians working in a special library, such as a law or corporate library,
usually supplement a master’s degree in library science with knowledge of their
specialized field.
Librarians
On the Job
On the job in a typical public or private lending library, librarians typically
perform some or all of the following duties:
• Help library patrons find the books or online reference information they need
• Organize materials according to the library’s system
• Plan library programs, such as storytelling for young children
• Develop and index databases of library materials
• Read book reviews, publishers' announcements, and catalogs to see what is
available
• Work with
the book publisher’s sales department or attend the ALA
conferences to help choose new books, audio books, videos, and other
materials for the library
• Research and buy equipment, such as computers or AV and equipment
• Manage and/or train and direct library technicians, assistants, library
volunteers and other support staff
• Prepare library budgets
• Conduct public outreach, such as public relations efforts or fundraising for
the library
In small libraries, librarians are often responsible for many—or even all
of—the aspects of library operations mentioned above.
In larger
libraries or library systems, librarians usually focus on a specific area, such
as user services, technical services, or administrative services, as described
below.
Typical Librarian Titles
User Services Librarians — help patrons find the information they
need. They listen to what patrons are looking for and help them research the
subject using both electronic and print resources. User services librarians
also teach patrons how to use library resources to find information on their
own. This may include familiarizing patrons with catalogs of print materials,
helping them access and search digital libraries, or educating them on Internet
search techniques.
Technical Services Librarians get, prepare, and classify library
materials. They organize materials to make it easy for patrons to find
information. These librarians are less likely to work directly with the public.
Administrative Services Librarians have managerial roles in libraries.
Librarians in Different Settings
Librarians
who work in different settings sometimes have different job duties. The
following are examples of types of librarians:
School Librarians, sometimes called school media
specialists, work in elementary, middle, and high school libraries and teach
students how to use library resources. They also help teachers develop lesson
plans and find materials for classroom instruction.
Special Librarians work in settings other than school or
public libraries. They are also sometimes called information professionals;
their jobs are to collect and organize materials focused on their specific
subjects. They include:
Government Librarians provide research services and access
to information for government staff and the public.
Law librarians help lawyers, law students, judges,
and law clerks locate and organize legal resources.
Medical librarians help health professionals, patients,
and researchers find health and science information.
