Librarian
Librarian Overview
Today, libraries are no longer simply a hub for books and print articles. With increasing technological advances, libraries are now home to electronic resources and digital libraries, and a librarian’s job has transitioned from a role of bookkeeper into a necessary resource students and professionals need in order to research fully and accurately.
Often referred to as information professionals, librarians are charged with aiding individuals find information while showing them how to use it effectively for professional or personal purposes. Therefore, they must have a very clear and up-to-date understanding of scholarly and public information sources, as well as an ability to follow the latest news trends in publishing, computers, and the media.
Librarian Education & Training
A master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) is the main degree required to be a professional librarian. This degree covers practical and theoretical aspects of working in libraries of all types. The requirements and electives vary among the graduate schools, though most offer courses in cataloging, management, research, reference, and technology-related courses. In some instances, the individual will have to take specialized literature courses covering areas related to the department or type of library in which one is interested such as legal, medical bibliography or children’s literature. This degree typically takes one to two years to complete.
Librarian Outlook & Salary Information
The employment for librarians is expected to grow a bit more slowly than other occupations through the year 2016. However, fewer people have been entering library science than in the past which makes it a more attractive field, as there will be less competition. Many of those currently acting in this role will be eligible for retirement within the next ten years and this will lead to an increase in job openings. The median annual wage for librarians vary between $48,000 and $55,000 per year with the highest bracket being in positions at colleges and universities while the lowest paid tend to be jobs in the local government such as public libraries.
Academic Librarians
Many academic and school librarians spend part of their time teaching classes. They teach students everything from book appreciation to research skills. They are typically employed at colleges and universities in a variety of positions. Some hold sessions to show college students how to use library resources. Their duties include working at the reference desk, bibliographic instruction, cataloging incoming materials, and serving as faculty and departmental liaisons. Quite often, they also ensure that the library’s web pages are kept up to date. This position focuses on research, publication, and community service.
Media Specialists for Schools
These types of librarians usually work in the educational system of the K-12 school libraries. Most who work in public schools are required to have state teacher certification in addition to an MLS (Master of Library Science) degree. Some of the most important duties include assisting students in finding critical information required for research projects and term papers. They are also responsible for running the school media center on a daily basis.Public Librarians
Public libraries employ a wide-range of people in a variety of positions. This includes technical service individuals who, among other things, enter information into databases, catalogue information onto compact discs, work at the reference desk answering questions, and provide assistance with research. One of the most understaffed positions is that of the children’s librarian who is responsible for providing reference and reading guidance to children and other library visitors. They also assist in the development and maintenance of the children’s collection, occasionally write book reviews, and establish and maintain a good working relationship with schools.
Specialized Librarians
These individuals normally work in corporate libraries and information centers in a non-library setting. Sometimes they work in legal settings such as law schools, private law firms, and government libraries. Music librarianship is a specialized area as well, and pertains to music collections that involve cataloging, preservation, and maintenance issues connected with musical works. These types of librarians usually have degrees in both music and librarianship. There are a variety of music libraries that include; production music libraries who license their copyrighted music for use in film, television, and radio productions. Performance libraries typically serve performing music groups, such as large orchestras. Digital music libraries preserve recordings and digitized scores or literature in a variety of electronic formats.
Article Resources:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics