How to Become a Children's Librarian

Working as a children's librarian is a rewarding career that allows you to foster a love of reading and learning in each child that walks through the library's doors. If you love children's books, telling stories, singing songs, and working with kids of all ages, you should consider becoming a children's librarian. According to the job website indeed.com, the average salary of a children's librarian is $47,000 a year. A school librarian usually earns more, but you need to be a certified school teacher as well. Children's librarians use their creativity, knowledge of children's literature, and research skills to help children of all ages. Whether conducting a story time for preschoolers or helping a high school student find information on World War II, working as a children's librarian is a unique, fulfilling experience to any that choose this particular career path.

Instructions

1. Enroll in a university Library Science program accredited by the American Library Association. Most public and academic libraries only hire librarians if they graduated from a program accredited by this association.

2. Volunteer or work part time in the children's department of your local public library. This way you can gain practical experience conducting story times, creating fun programs, getting familiar with the books kids like to read, and working with kids of all ages.

3. Practice designing booklists and pathfinders for the library where you volunteer your time. As a children's librarian, it will be your responsibility to create signs, brochures, and fliers promoting children's books and library programs. Get familiar with desktop publishing software so that you'll feel comfortable making these various materials.

4. After graduating with a master's in Library Science, contact your university career center to see if any children's librarian positions are posted. Apply for any positions that seem like a good fit for you.

5. Visit the American Library Association website and click Education & Careers. You'll find librarian jobs posted from all over the United States. Another good website to visit is the Library Spot. It contains links to several library job search engines. Of course, you can always visit a general job search website like indeed.com and search for children's librarian jobs. You may have to apply for jobs outside of your city if children's librarian jobs are scarce in your neck of the woods. Don't overlook jobs in small towns which have a harder time finding qualified people to work in their library.

Resources

• Visit the Lisjobs website to search for more children's librarian jobs throughout the U.S.