How to Start a Career as a Librarian

Have a love for books and want to share it with others? Becoming a librarian is a great way to turn your love of reading into a full-time profession. If you have the right attributes and earn the right college degree, you can find a fulfilling career in a library.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a love of reading
• a desire to serve the public
• good organizational skills
• interest in research
• an appropriate college degree

1. Consider Your Personal Attributes
   
   Being a librarian involves much more than reading. Librarians are usually people who are good at organization and research. Technology skills are also necessary. Most importantly, most types of librarians serve patrons, making it necessary to have good customer relations skills and an interest in serving the public.

2. Decide What Type of Librarianship Fits You Best
   
   There are many types of librarians, and the type of schooling required depends upon the type of the librarian you’d like to become. School librarians work in k-12 public or private schools. Their workday might involve teaching classes, in addition to running the library. Public librarians work in public libraries serving the general public, and they may find positions serving specific segments of the population (such as children, teens, etc.). University librarians work at colleges and universities, and these positions usually require more in-depth research abilities. Archives librarians help preserve special materials. Finally, there are specialized librarians who serve in law and medical libraries.

3. Find a Library School
   
   Most library programs are at the master level, meaning you must have a bachelor’s degree first. To become a public or university librarian, you will usually need to earn a Masters in Library Science (MLS). The American Library Association accredits programs in most states, so look for an accredited program. To become a school librarian, you will need to check the certification requirements in your states. Some states require you to be a classroom teacher before becoming a librarian, which means you would have to have a teaching degree first. Other states have more direct routes to k-12 library certification.

4. Work in a Library
   
   Before or during library school, a great way to gain experience is to work in a library. Public libraries and university libraries offer entry-level positions that will get you in the door. School libraries sometimes hire “clericals” or “paraprofessionals” as assistant librarians. If you don’t have time for a regular library job or can’t find employment, you should look into volunteering, even if it’s just a few days a month. This practical experience will come in handy.

5. Talk to an Advisor
   
   The best resource is a local librarian who has recently become employed in the type of library where you would want to work. A recent library school graduate could tell you about the library program and how to find a job in the area. Finally, a faculty member in a college with a library program can offer a lot of advice to get you on your way.

6. Read, Read, Read
   
   Stay up to date with books that would be found in the type of library you’d like to work in. When you apply for that library job, you’ll want to sound knowledgeable. You should also investigate professional journals in your area, as these are a great way to stay current in the field.

Resources

• American Library Association
• Quiet, Please: Dispatches from a Public Librarian

[nicolecox]

on 7/6/2009 I think I should be a librarian... it sounds great!

[edwarde]

on 7/6/2009 I think being a librarian would be a great job.