How to Become an Academic Librarian

Becoming an academic librarian takes hard work, attention to detail and willingness to keep up with new technology. Library science is an exciting field, and academic libraries offer the opportunity to work with students, scholars and experts in a variety of disciplines. Learn how to become an academic librarian and turn your love of learning into a career you can enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Bachelor's degree
• List of ALA accredited MLS programs
• Letters of reference

Instructions

1. Start early. Get a part-time library job while still in high school. Try to maintain library employment throughout your college career. Work hard and be open to new responsibilities in different departments of the library. Talk with staff librarians about their careers and what sorts of classes they took during their education. Learn as much as you can about every facet of library work.

2. Earn good grades and a bachelor's degree. A liberal arts degree with a focus on research and writing is always a good match with the library field, but other degrees can also be compatible. A degree in science or music or other disciplines can help you land a job in a specialized library, and is also desirable in cataloging library jobs where knowledge of the material helps with classification. Many job openings for academic librarians are seeking candidates with secondary specialties aside from library science.

3. Consider language courses in college. Knowing a second language can also help you find a job in an academic library setting. Choose a language according to what area of library science you hope to study and what community you hope to work in. Knowing the language of people in the community can help you with a public service job. Knowledge of a less common language will make you valuable in the cataloging field, for working with foreign language materials that others can not decipher.

4. Take technology courses, either at school or if your local library system offers them. Librarians have to keep up with technology trends and have extensive knowledge of and comfort with computers. The more skill you have with technology when you apply for librarian positions, the more desirable a candidate you will be.

5. Join groups and committees at school and at work. Extracurricular activities help you become a well-rounded academic, and looks good on a resume. These interactions also help improve your social skills, which will help with public service librarian jobs as well as management positions. Taking part in work functions, particularly interactions with other area libraries, can also give you valuable contacts for your future career. Getting to know your library colleagues will provide you with knowledge of other institutions and practices, possible job openings and respected sources of job references.

6. Plan ahead for your Masters in Library Science (MLS). Locate the available, ALA accredited universities that offer the program. MLS degree programs are not available in all areas, so you may have to commute a long distance or live on campus in another state to complete your degree. Discover the requirements and prerequisites to enter the program, and be sure you are able to meet them. Start thinking about what area of library science you want to focus on so you'll be prepared when you meet with an adviser.

7. Find out the application deadline dates for your school of choice. Apply early, particularly if you are hoping to get financial aid. Attention to detail is an important facet of library work, so be sure your application is filled out correctly, your reference letters are in order, and any other information required (test scores, transcripts) is submitted correctly.

8. Consider your objectives when choosing your elective courses for your MLS degree. Select all courses in the same discipline if you've decided on a specialty and hope to strengthen your knowledge in that area. Go with a variety of courses if you are open to different fields and want to be seen as a well-rounded candidate. This can also be a way to discover the areas of library science you truly enjoy and help you select the right job for you in the future. Be sure that whatever route you take, to include technology courses that will help you keep up in the library job market.

9. Keep an eye on the job market well before you've earned your degree. Look into internships at colleges and universities you hope to work for, and find out what their future hiring projections are. Visit library job boards and newsletters online to see what's available and what salaries are being offered. Let your contacts in the library field know that you're looking for full-time library work. If you see a job opening you would be well-suited for, phone and ask if you can apply. Let them know your prospective degree completion date and what grades you've been earning. Hiring procedures often take months and it's probable you will have earned your degree by the time interviews are scheduled.

10. In interviews, be sure to let prospective employers know about all that you have accomplished and all of the committees and events you've been a part of. Focus on your current knowledge as well as a strong willingness to learn and take on new challenges. The library field is constantly changing and it's important to let them know you can handle change and continuous education. Don't forget to mention your people skills, enjoyment of public service and attention to detail and accuracy.

Tips & Warnings

• A willingness to relocate can open up a lot more job opportunities for you. Work in large cities, suburbs or rural communities, at small liberal arts colleges, large medical schools or a variety of big state universities with thousands of students and professors.

• Don't make the mistake of thinking librarians sit around and read books all day. Library work in an academic setting is very demanding and requires constant learning. Public service reference positions can entail teaching library orientation courses to classes full of students, as well as offering individual help every minute of the work day. Cataloging skills must be constantly updated and incoming workloads can be heavy, while complete accuracy must be maintained. Academic library jobs can be exciting and rewarding endeavors, but be warned that there is also plenty of hard work to do.

Resources

• Explore the list of ALA accredited Master's programs
• Search for work at Library Job Postings
• Find books on library science at Amazon