Job Description of an Academic Librarian

Libraries are places that house books, periodicals, microfilm and electronic sources used for research, studying and reading for pleasure. Academic librarians are responsible for overseeing many of the daily activities of some libraries.

Function

An academic librarian is the individual in charge of both the materials and personnel of a library in a college or university.

Features

Librarians select books and electronic databases to add to the collection of an academic library. Librarians are also responsible for hiring and training library staff and helping students locate sources for research projects.

Skills

Successful academic librarians keep abreast of changes in technology used for researching and are familiar with common reference books for some of the academic areas of study at their respective schools. Leadership, organizational and communication skills are also necessary for academic librarians.

Education

Academic librarians typically hold a minimum of a master's degree in library science, explains the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Compensation

In December 2009, the average annual salary for an academic librarian was $53,000, according to Indeed.com.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Librarians
• Antioch University: Job Description: Academic Librarian
• Indeed.com: Academic Librarian Salaries