Librarian
What is the work like?
Librarians are responsible for the day-to-day running of library services. They work in public libraries, where people can borrow books, music and multimedia, or in libraries in organisations such as universities, colleges, schools and hospitals.
As a librarian your duties would vary depending on the size and function of the library, but could include:
- cataloguing, classifying and indexing stock
- organising resources so that they are easy for users to find
- dealing with enquiries
- helping library users to find resources
- keeping up to date with new publications and selecting stock
- organising library services for sections of the community such as pre-school groups, the housebound and ethnic minority groups
- managing information technology such as catalogues and indexes
- setting up activities such as reading groups
- promoting library services through displays, talks and community events.
As a librarian in a school, college or university you may also teach research skills to students.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You can begin in either of the following ways:
- study for a university qualification before starting work
- look for a job as a library assistant or similar (see Library Assistant profile) and qualify by gaining experience and work-based training.
University qualification route
Most librarians qualify by doing either:
- a degree in librarianship or information management that is recognised by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP); or
- a degree in any subject, followed by a postgraduate qualification in information management or similar accredited by CILIP.
Degree courses usually last three or four years full-time. You might be able to study part-time at some universities, but this will take longer. You can study postgraduate courses for one year full-time, two to three years part-time, or by distance learning.
Before you start a postgraduate course, most universities will expect you to have up to a year’s library or information service experience, for example as a library assistant.
If you have a degree you may be able to join a graduate training scheme.
See CILIP’s website for a list of accredited courses and details of graduate training opportunities. You should check with universities for entry requirements.
Work-based route
As an alternative to the university qualification route you may be able to find work as an assistant in a library or information service and apply for CILIP Certification after you have gained some experience. To apply for Certification you must have one of the following:
- five years’ full-time work experience in a library or information service
- two years’ work experience and some relevant training, such as NVQ Levels 2 and 3 in Information and Library Services, in-house training, external short courses or other self-development courses.
See CILIP’s website for full details of the Certification process.
You may be able to get into library work through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
If you are working as a librarian or studying on a relevant course, you can apply for membership of CILIP. There are five levels of membership, depending on your experience and qualifications. Membership will give you access to support and advice, and opportunities for professional development training.
You can develop your skills and knowledge by attending short courses organised by CILIP or the Association for Information Management ASLIB).
You could also study for a relevant Masters degree. These are often available part-time or through distance learning.
To gain professional status recognised by public and academic libraries, you will usually work towards chartered membership of CILIP. To apply for chartered status, you will need either:
- a Library and Information Studies degree or postgraduate qualification recognised by CILIP; or
- CILIP Certification plus evidence of further professional development.
You will need to submit a portfolio of evidence to show that you have taken part in further professional training and development after qualifying. See CILIP’s website for full details of membership and training.
Where can I go for more information?
5th FloorSt Andrew’s House
18-20 St Andrew Street
London
EC4A 3AY
Information and Advice Service: 020 7936 5798
Email: advice@lluk.org
London
WC1E 7AE
Tel: 020 7255 0500
1 Phipp Street
London
EC2A 4PS
Tel: 020 7613 3031
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
Salaries vary depending on the type of library. The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) produces salary scale guidelines which are updated each year. For public libraries these are:
- Newly qualified librarians £18,500 to £22,500 a year.
- Chartered librarians £22,500 to £28,000.
- Heads of service up to £61,000 or more.
See the CILIP website for salary guides for other types of library.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually work from around 9am to 5pm, but may also work some evenings, and on Saturdays with time off during the week. Part-time hours or job-share may be available.
You would normally be based at one library, but in some jobs you may travel between different sites, or in a mobile library, or be involved in community events.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- customer service skills
- organisational skills
- good spoken and written communication skills
- computer skills, particularly in using databases and the internet
- the ability to supervise others
- good research skills
- good general knowledge, or an understanding of a particular field of knowledge if working in a specialist library.
What opportunities are there?
Although most jobs are in public library services, opportunities in the private sector are increasing. You could also work in school, college or university libraries, or libraries for specialist areas, such as health care and law.
In larger libraries you could progress to a senior job with management responsibilities, or be given responsibility for a specialist service or collection.
CILIP publishes vacancy information for members, graduates and final year undergraduates. You may also find the following links useful for job vacancies and further reading (links open in new window):
lisjobnet.com
LGjobs
ASLIB Professional Recruitment
jobs.ac.uk
Times Higher Education
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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