How to Become an Reference Librarian

The reference librarian has many roles. S/he is a teacher first and foremost—but his or her job rarely stops there. Reference librarians participate in basically all aspects of librarianship: from reader advisory to collection development. If you are looking for a library career that changes each and every day, and provides the opportunity to participate in many aspects of librarianship, this might be just job for you.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a 4-year degree program. Librarians come from a variety of disciplines, so choose something you enjoy studying.

2. Plan to get good grades. To become a librarian, one must obtain a master’s degree in library (and information) science. Most master’s programs expect prospective graduate students to have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of no less than 3.5 on a 4.0 scale. While some schools make exceptions, this is the rule of thumb.

3. Begin researching graduate schools sophomore or junior year. The admission process for graduate school takes about one academic school year to complete. If you expect to enter a master’s program the fall after you graduate college, all application information is usually expected in admission offices before Christmas of the previous (senior) year. This is particularly important if you are expecting financial aid.

4. Note deadlines. All schools have different deadlines; however, the rule of thumb is to have all application material in the mail before the Christmas season, prior to the fall you wish to begin classes.

5. Take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE). The GRE is the standard admissions test to graduate schools in the United States. Different school have different score requirements. Some schools may wish for students to take specific subject tests in addition to the general test. Again, be sure to check the specific requirements of the school you plan to attend.

6. Enroll in an accredited library (and information) science program. You will notice that there are many areas you can choose to specialize in. Reference and instruction generally falls under the academic library specialization; however, most libraries have a reference department.

7. Take teaching classes. This is especially important for those that do not have an educational background. Reference librarians are first and foremost teachers, whether it be in the classroom or one-on-one instruction.

8. Obtain an internship or practicum in as a reference / instruction librarian. Customer service and teaching classes can be a bit intimidating to those with little or no experience. Get as much experience as you can.