Become a Librarian

What is your passion? Are you fascinated by art, biology, business, technology? Combine your passion with a desire to help others and become a librarian!

Librarians work in various settings, including public libraries, colleges, universities, schools, museums, hospitals, and businesses. They research, instruct, and connect people to technology. They also build websites, digitize archives, and manage social media. Librarians work with people of all ages, connecting them to information, learning, and the community.

A librarian assists a patron at a computer

Public Library

These days a librarian does a lot more than check out materials and shelve books. Technology expert, information detective, literacy expert, trainer, and community programming coordinator are just a few of the hats a public librarian wears.

A librarian works with middle school kids in a library

School Library

As a collaborator, change agent, and leader, the school librarian develops, promotes and implements a program that will help prepare students to be effective users of ideas and information, a lifelong skill.

A university student working in the library

Academic Library

Academic librarianship is for those who are constantly intellectually curious and who can apply that curiosity to efforts that help increase the knowledge base of the institution for research, teaching, and learning.

Special Library

Special libraries offer unique opportunities to work in places such as corporations, hospitals, the military, museums, law firms, advertising agencies, professional associations, private businesses, and the government.

Earnings and Outlook

Librarians' and library workers' salaries vary according to the individual's qualifications and the type, size, and location of the library. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of librarians in 2023 was $64,370 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has also reported that librarian employment is expected to grow by 3 percent between 2022 and 2032. (This is as fast as the average growth rate for all occupations.)

Helpful Links

Visit Occupational Employment Statistics for librarians' latest national, state, and local earnings data.

Occupational Outlook Handbook for Librarians at the Bureau of Labor Statistics has more detailed information about educational requirements, work environment and job outlook for librarians and library workers.

For additional information and resources on salaries for library employees, visit the American Library Association-Allied Professional Association (ALA-APA).

Education

Requirements. A master's degree in library science (MLS), preferably from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program, is necessary for most librarian positions in most public, academic, and special libraries. School librarians may not need an MLS but must meet state teaching requirements.

Choosing an ALA-Accredited Program. Find additional information about how to select a library science program and more resources here: How to Choose a Library Science Program.

Books about Library Careers

A Day in the Life: Career Options in Library and Information Science

By Priscilla K Shontz & Richard A Murray. Presents descriptions of job responsibilities, education and training, and a typical workday for different types of librarians working in public, academic, school, and special libraries, as well as in jobs . . .

What's the Alternative? Career Options for Librarians and Info Pros

By Rachel Singer Gordon

Rethinking Information Work: A Career Guide for Librarians and Other Information Professionals

By G. Kim Dority. "This is a book you will turn to again and again throughout your career. With numerous tables, worksheets, lists, and extensive bibliographies . . . it gives you everything you need to begin this journey." --Jacket

Emerging Trends

San José State University School of Library & Information Science has prepared a report entitled “MLIS Skills at Work.” It is an annual snapshot analysis of the latest career trends for information professionals. This report explores the career opportunities for individuals who hold a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree. The report indicates that in addition to the title of Librarian, the following list of representative job titles is indicative of the diverse ways library information knowledge is being applied in various professional areas:

Application Developer
Archivist
Collection Care Technician
Communications Specialist/Writer
Conflicts Analyst
Curator of Oral History
Digital Initiatives
Program Manager
Document/Data Control Analyst
Emerging Technology Librarian
Information Technology Specialist
Knowledge Center Head of Operations
Library Product Manager
Litigation Intelligence Analyst
Production and Marketing Specialist
Technology Hub Administrator
Workflow Analyst/Programmer

Learn more about career options

Read interviews conducted by Caitlin Williams, Ph.D. with library workers in various specialty areas of the library profession.

Prison Library Project: Interview with Titus Moolathara, Branch Manager, Free Library of Philadelphia
Interview conducted by Caitlin Williams, Ph.D, published in the August 2018 issue of the Library Worklife Newsletter.
Just dive in and learn! Advice from a System Librarian with an enduring belief in lifelong learning, a commitment to serving others, and a willingness to look for opportunities to make a difference
Published in April 2018 issue of Library Worklife Newsletter. It is an interview conducted by Caitlin Williams, Ph.D. with Aidy Weeks, Systems Librarian in the Health Sciences Library, within the Library Services Department for Orlando Health.
You Work Where? Making a Difference for First Responders: Meet Ed Metz, Library Program Manager at the National Emergency Training Center Library
interview conducted by Caitlin Williams, Ph.D, published in February 2018 issue of Library Worklife Newsletter.
Meet a Library Professional Who Uses Her Passion, Creativity and a 32-Foot Truck to Accomplish Her Work (Along with Ukulele Jam Sessions for Her Patrons!)
Interview conducted by Caitlin Williams, Ph.D. with Bretagne Byrd, Bookmobile Librarian for Lewis & Clark Library, headquartered in Helena, Montana. Published in December 2017 issue of Library Worklife Newsletter.
"You Work Where? Combining a Love of Music with Some Great LIS Skills at an Awesome Workplace"
This article is from the October 2017 issue of the Library Worklife Newsletter. It's an interview conducted by Caitlin Williams, Ph.D. with two librarians who work at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Library in Ohio.
" The Bunheads are Dead," from American Libraries Magazine. Ken Haycock and Carla Garner discuss the high-tech, high-touch career opportunities in library and information science and how LIS programs are adapting to meet the changing needs of the industry .