How to Become a Chief Librarian

Chief librarians promote literacy and information-sharing through education and advocacy.

The title "chief librarian," used by some college and research libraries, describes a library director with advanced knowledge of library science and management. In addition to library staff management, the broad range of library chief responsibilities include facilities management, fund raising and library-collection development. Specific job requirements for chief librarian positions vary depending on the institution, but generally speaking, the expertise you need to qualify for a chief librarian position comes from years of progressive responsibility as a librarian, and post-master's degree education. Some chief librarians at colleges and universities have doctoral degrees and also serve as professors of library science.

Instructions

1. Graduate with a Master of Library Science from an American Library Association-approved program. You need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university to get accepted to an MLS program. Some MLS programs require their applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam. Specialize in academic and research librarianship during your MLS studies.

2. Join the American Library Association and the Association of College & Research Libraries division of the ALA. Network with other library science students and professionals in your field through the ALA, and participate in special panels. Get an internship in a college or research library while you work on your MLS. You can find out about internships from your graduate adviser, or, by using the career resources on the ALA website. Talk to your internship supervisors about your career goals, and ask them to write letters of recommendation on your behalf when you apply for librarian positions.

3. Get a job as an academic or research librarian in a medium- to large-sized library in your specialty area. Larger libraries can provide opportunities to learn the management skills you will need to qualify for a chief librarian position. Cross-train in as many library functions as you can. Volunteer to back up library managers as needed to build management skills.

4. Join and contribute to ALA and ACRL committees to develop subject-matter expertise in your areas of interest. Write and present papers at ACRL and ALA conferences to build your reputation as an expert.

5. Apply for management positions you qualify for in your library or at other libraries. Take continuing-education classes offered by ALA Online Learning education on the Management Issues for Library Leaders web page. Enroll in post-master's courses focused on library leadership courses at a college or university. Write a resume highlighting your accomplishments and certification to get the attention of hiring committees when you apply for chief librarian positions.

References

• ALA: ACRL Task Force Charge
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition -- Librarians
• ALA: What Is the Association of College & Research Libraries?
• Medgar Evers College; Chief Librarian (Associate or Full Professor); 2011
• ALA Emerging Leaders Program

Resources

• Directory of ALA-Accredited Master's Programs in Library and Information Studies
• University of Texas: Master of Library and Information Science -- Degrees Offered