Q: Are librarians a dying profession?

No, librarians are not a dying profession. In fact, the need for qualified librarians has never been greater. Today's librarians need more than just book smarts; they need to be tech-savvy professionals, many with advanced degrees and a zest for lifelong learning.

Q: Do librarians make good money?

No, librarians do not make good money. They make decent money averaging $50,000 a year ($24.14 an hour). The range in how much a librarian can make starts from as low as $38,000 to as much as $60,000 a year. Factors such as location and type of librarian impact how much a librarian can make.

Q: How long does it take to become a librarian?

It takes about 4 to 6 years to become a librarian. This is the time it takes to complete either a bachelor's degree in information science, history, English, or other research-related areas - or a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) accredited by the American Library Association.

Q: How much do college librarians get paid?

College librarians get paid $61,100 a year, on average. There is some range, however, is how much a college librarian can make - starting from as little as $53,400 to as much as $84,000 a year.

Question 1

Are librarians a dying profession?

Accepted Answer

No, librarians are not a dying profession. In fact, the need for qualified librarians has never been greater. Today's librarians need more than just book smarts; they need to be tech-savvy professionals, many with advanced degrees and a zest for lifelong learning.

Question 2

Do librarians make good money?

Accepted Answer

No, librarians do not make good money. They make decent money averaging $50,000 a year ($24.14 an hour). The range in how much a librarian can make starts from as low as $38,000 to as much as $60,000 a year. Factors such as location and type of librarian impact how much a librarian can make.

Question 3

How long does it take to become a librarian?

Accepted Answer

It takes about 4 to 6 years to become a librarian. This is the time it takes to complete either a bachelor's degree in information science, history, English, or other research-related areas - or a master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) accredited by the American Library Association.

Question 4

How to get a library job with no experience

Accepted Answer

You get a library job with no experience by getting the proper education and becoming active in the library. Most librarian positions require a master's degree in library science, although you may find some positions accepting bachelor's degrees in combination with a teaching certification.

Question 5

What are careers in library science?

Accepted Answer

Information officers, archives librarians, and electronic resource librarians are careers in library science.

Information Officer

An information officer works with electronic information, especially online databases, content management systems, and open access and digital resources to manage and develop information.

Information officers will also typically work with traditional library materials. They will spend a great deal of their time working with internal and external databases. They will also be expected to work with the staff and provide access to resources and train them on how to find, use, and store information.

Typical duties for an information officer can include:

Selecting, managing, and distributing information resources in a range of formats
Classifying, collating, cataloging and storing information, usually using special computer applications, for easy access and retrieval
Creating and searching databases
Cataloging and indexing materials
Scanning materials
Conducting information audits
Developing and managing electronic resources using, for example, online databases and content management systems
Overseeing the development of new information systems
Helping assess proposed new subscription databases and make recommendations based on staff/client needs
Developing and managing information resources and networks via intranet sites
Writing reports, publications, and internet content
Responding to requests from staff and external clients
Promoting the information service to ensure staff and clients are aware of all relevant knowledge and information resources
Providing user education via leaflets, websites, and tours of the library or information room
Delivering services such as online resource housekeeping and training materials
Providing training and advice to colleagues, and sometimes clients, on the use of electronic information services and key research resources.

Archives Librarian

Another career option in library services is that of an archive librarian. While a librarian manages libraries or individual collections, the duties of an archive librarian include preserving, appraising, and organizing archives, as well as teaching others about historical documents and facilitating access to them.

They may help museum or library staff access these documents, write descriptions for specific documents and practice regular preservation techniques on entire collections. They may also create educational activities for staff and visitors about historical texts and archiving techniques.

Archive librarians often have hard skills relating to preservation, appraisals, and education. For instance, they may have specialized knowledge of preservation techniques that maintain the condition of documents of a certain type or from a specific era. They may also have soft skills relating to organization, analysis, and indexing.

Archive librarians may receive training that helps them identify historical documents, verify their authenticity, or preserve specific types of documents. They may also receive training that helps them conduct educational programs. For instance, they may get training on various chemicals that help in the preservation process.

Archive librarians can work in a variety of settings, but are typically found working in libraries or museums and they work in collaboration with educators, archivists, and historians. They commonly work in a specific section or exhibit that contains the historical materials that they specialize in.

Electronic Resource Librarian

As libraries become more and more digital, an electronic resource librarian is becoming a more common career path in library sciences. An electronic resource librarian is responsible for the electronic resources within their library. They can work in a local library or an academic or research library setting.

This position typically involves knowledge and use of an integrated library system, which keeps track of an item's lifecycle. An electronic resource librarian can have a variety of different areas that they specialize in including acquisitions or purchasing of materials.

An electronic resource librarian should also have the skills to troubleshoot online access issues for users, maintain content management systems, and work directly with library vendors to address any access issues or cancellation of resources.

Question 6

What are the pros and cons of being a librarian?

Accepted Answer

The pros and cons of being a librarian relate to a peaceful working environment, decent compensation, and decreasing job opportunities. Here are the top pros and cons of being a librarian:

Question 7

What qualifications do you need to be a librarian?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications needed to be a librarian include the right combination of educational experience and library or teaching experience. A master's degree in library science or information studies, for example, is necessary for most government or academic-based librarian jobs.

Question 8

What should I study to become a librarian?

Accepted Answer

You should study library or information sciences if you want to become a librarian. To be eligible for public librarian certification, you must first graduate with a bachelor's degree. Then, you must obtain a master's of librarian or information sciences (MLIS), preferably through an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.

Question 9

How much do college librarians get paid?

Accepted Answer

College librarians get paid $61,100 a year, on average. There is some range, however, is how much a college librarian can make - starting from as little as $53,400 to as much as $84,000 a year.

Question 10

How much does a professional librarian make?

Accepted Answer

A professional librarian makes an average salary of $55,283 per year in the United States. However, the top 10% in the field can earn as much as $80,000 per year.

How much a professional librarian earns depends on several different factors, including:

Question 11

Who is the highest-paid librarian?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid librarian works as a federal government librarian. A federal government librarian earns just over $70,000 a year. To work as a federal government librarian requires a master's degree in library science (MLS), preferably from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program.

Question 12

How do I get a job as a librarian?

Accepted Answer

To get a job as a librarian, you'll need the right combination of educational credentials and work experience. To become a librarian starts with a bachelor's degree; however, many librarians earn a master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).

Question 13

Is being a librarian a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a librarian is a good career. Librarians have a great work-life balance and work environment. Although typically considered a quiet job, working as a librarian can be an exciting way to get your hands on many different community-based projects.

Question 14

How long should a librarian's resume be?

Accepted Answer

A librarian's resume should be around one page long. The length of a resume typically depends on the level of experience a person has and the level of the position they hold but should be no more than two pages typically.

Question 15

What should a librarian put on a resume?

Accepted Answer

A librarian should put all education, certifications, and work experience in relevant roles on their resume in reverse chronological order. Additionally, it will be important to note any relevant hard and soft skills you have developed in sales roles and other work experiences.

Question 16

How many hours does a librarian work?

Accepted Answer

Most librarians work 40 hours a week. Typically, librarians work 5 shifts a week, with each shift containing 8 work hours. It is not uncommon for librarians to work 9-to-5, but some may work a bit later or earlier depending on the specific needs of the library.

Question 17

What are the qualifications of a librarian?

Accepted Answer

The qualifications of a librarian are a master's degree in library sciences or a related field and experience in a library setting. Most master's degree programs in library science can be completed in one to two years.

Question 18

What does a librarian do on a daily basis?

Accepted Answer

A librarian manages a library's collection, provides reference and assistance services to library patrons, and develops information literacy and programming on a daily basis. Here are some details on the common daily activities of a librarian:

Frequently asked questions about librarians

Questions about becoming a librarian