How to become a supervisor librarian

If you love information, learning, books, and working with people, you may want to consider a career as a supervisor librarian. Maintaining the library budget, supervising librarians and clerical workers, and making sure the library is running smoothly are some of the many tasks of a supervisor librarian. With some hard work, a master's degree, and work experience, you can become a supervisor librarian.

Instructions

1. Get a master's degree in library science (MLS) or library information science (MLIS). According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, most states require an MLS or MLIS to work as a librarian. Check the American Library Association's (ALA) website to find accredited programs.

2. Work for several years as a librarian. No librarian becomes a supervisor overnight. Several years of work experience and good-to-excellent annual reviews are needed to become a supervisor librarian.

3. Attend the ALA's Supervisor's Academy or conferences on library management. According to the ALA, most library schools do not teach these skills effectively. If you attend one or more of these conferences, it will show your superiors that you are serious about becoming a librarian supervisor.

4. Get a doctorate in library science. Large public library systems and academic libraries require this degree for library director positions.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain a good grade point average (GPA) in college. Most library programs require at least a 3.0 to enter their programs.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, Librarians
• Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO: Library Workers, Facts and Figures
• American Library Association: A Supervisor's Academy: Essentials of Supervision for the Professional Librarian An ALCTS Workshop

Resources

• American Library Association