6 Steps to Becoming a Librarian
Step 1: Conduct thorough research
Learn about library science, what being a librarian entails and all the potential career paths available to librarians. Some common options include k-12 school librarian, public librarian, law librarian, university librarian, digital librarian and branch management. Knowing this in advance can help determine what undergraduate degree and/or master's degree to pursue further down the line. A Master's in Library and Information Science (MLIS), also known as MLS, is a popular choice for aspiring librarians.
Step 2: Earn a bachelor's degree
This can be in any field but choosing an undergraduate degree that will complement a MLIS degree will only help down the road. For example, those interested in becoming a school librarian can get a bachelor's degree in education, along with teaching credentials. Undergraduate degrees in library science are available, but not required, so really, any bachelor's degree can provide a foundation for building a librarian career.
Step 3: Research MLIS programs diligently
Since programs may vary in focus, it's important to be sure the program aligns with your career goals. For instance, if a program focuses on youth services, but you want to be a librarian in a science library, you may want to keep looking. Some MLS programs don't have a special focus or may offer a general MLIS degree with specific areas of concentration, which may be the best choice for students who plan on specializing in one of the offered concentrations.
Step 4: Get a job in the public library
Many libraries have part-time positions and may also be willing to work around an employee's schedule. While this step isn't necessary, it's an excellent way to gain valuable work experience, network with other people in the field and possibly work up the ladder while earning a MLIS degree. If this isn't an option, volunteering is also a great way to get a foot in the door.
Step 5: Find out what certifications and credentials may be needed
In addition to the MLIS degree, as this may vary from state to state. Some states, like New York, require testing and certification after degree completion, while other states don't, or may only require certain types of librarians to be certified, such as k-12 librarians. Certification may be required for a variety of reasons, such as keeping public funding or working with children.
Step 6: Earn a MLIS or comparable degree from an ALA accredited college
This type of education is what many employers are looking for when hiring a librarian. Although there are other avenues to becoming a librarian, an MLIS degree is a direct path and will qualify graduates for many different types of librarian jobs.
FAQ on Earning Your Librarian Degree
Librarian Salary & Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the expected employment growth rate for the next few years (2016-2026) for librarian positions is at nine percent, which is close to the average growth rate for all occupations. The following section provides information on the average salaries for librarians by state, what the growth outlook is for the industry and what the job growth outlook looks like for librarians.
Salaries differ for librarians based on variables such as geographical location, years of experience, the type of librarian position and employer. For example, a reference librarian in a public library will most likely have a different salary than one working for a corporation. Salary.com has the median annual salary listed for librarians currently at 62,000, with a range of about 53,000-73,000. Librarian salary increases can be based on experience, automatic annual merit increases, job performance and promotions.
The job outlook for aspiring librarians is good, as cutting-edge technology is generally embraced in the field, and there is always a need for those who can research, organize, maintain and deliver information using this technology. While so much information nowadays is accessed online, there will still be a need for face-to-face interactions and physical participation in outreach events and programs for the community in local libraries. Many librarians are employed by public entities, such as the county, school district, colleges and government, and these types of jobs can be affected by budget cuts and increases over time. However, these jobs have highly skilled requirements and tend to be stable, with many opportunities for growth.
Finding a Librarian Program
Finding the right librarian program can be overwhelming, as there are so many choices, both on-campus and online. It's important to take into consideration basic factors such as location, cost of tuition and length of program along with the type of librarian training the program offers. The section below offers helpful information to take the stress out of finding the right library program at all degree levels.
With cost being a factor for many students, it pays to research tuition differences, scholarship opportunities, program length, transfer credit policies, part-time enrollment options and what professional testing and certifications are required, if any. Some students may be looking for library science and information programs at the associate and bachelor's degree levels, which can be earned prior to an MLIS degree, but not required. Other students with any type of bachelor's degree may be planning to become a librarian and can do so by earning a MLIS degree, either on-campus or online. Another thing to consider when finding the right program is what areas of concentration a program offers. For some, a general MLIS degree is fine, while others may be planning to specialize in an area such as law, youth services, archival or academic.
Professional Librarian Associations & Groups
Networking is welcome and quite common in world of librarians. Professional education and development, exchange of information, bouncing ideas off one another, sharing successes and failures, learning new ways to do things — these are all good reasons to network. It is also an excellent way to find out about new employment and career advancement opportunities in the librarian field. With modern technology, there are plenty of opportunities for online networking, plus there are several workshops and annual conferences librarians can attend at both the local and national level.
American Library Association(ALA): As the oldest and largest library association in the world, this organization is a wealth of information for all things library. Along with education and promotion of the field of library science and information, the ALA houses 11 membership divisions, for those interested in membership specific to their interests or areas of expertise, such as the Public Library Association and the Young Adult Library Association.
Knowledge QuestThis is a journal published by the American Association of School Librarians, which is a division of the ALA, with informational blog posts, articles, education opportunities and conference information.
Hiring LibrariansWhile this website was a blog-based project, it does have some great information on how to get hired as a librarian, with advice from those who actually do the hiring. If anything, it may help student librarians to read the bios section to get an idea of what kinds of management jobs are out there for librarians.
Online Computer Library Center(OCLC): OCLC is a global library cooperative that offers membership, services to libraries, resource sharing and relevant articles and support for librarians and the library community across the globe.
Association for Information Science and Technology(ASIS&T): This is a professional organization that offers membership benefits such as discounts on events, webinars and other resources, membership to regional chapters and access to special interest groups.
Special Libraries Association(SLA): is a non-profit organization designed to connect information professionals and provides education, networking and community building opportunities.
Resources for Librarians
The following list provides additional resources for aspiring librarians and those already in the field.
ONET OnLineThis is a career exploration site that provides an overview plus details about various jobs, including librarian.
College Scholarships.orgThis is a great search engine for scholarships and shows several that are geared towards library and information science students.
Sldirectory.comThere's a lot of great info here in a directory format regarding resources for librarians, compiled and maintained by a retired school librarian.
LibraryScienceList.comThis website is an online social community for librarians that also has job search info and helpful lists such as top apps for librarians, best groups to join on LinkedIn and free online courses.
