What is a Librarian?
Librarian Definition Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, educational institutions, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. Tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers’ advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalogue and access information.
Life As a Librarian: What Do They Do?
- Design information storage and retrieval systems and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.
- Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons’ reference questions.
- Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services and provide information about library policies.
- Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
- Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities.
- Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
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Skills Needed to be a Librarian
Librarians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles
- Digital Librarian
- School Librarian
- Record Librarian
- Library Services Coordinator
- Catalogue Librarian
Job Demand for Librarians
In the United States, there were 138,200 jobs for Librarian in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,400 new jobs for Librarian by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,500 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Librarian are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, Maine, or Alaska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Librarian Average Salary
Librarians make between $34,630 and $93,050 a year.
Librarians who work in District of Columbia, California, or Washington, make the highest salaries.
How much do Librarians make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $54,470 |
| Alaska | $71,180 |
| Arizona | $49,240 |
| Arkansas | $53,310 |
| California | $81,580 |
| Colorado | $63,960 |
| Connecticut | $70,710 |
| Delaware | $70,820 |
| District of Columbia | $85,330 |
| Florida | $57,340 |
| Georgia | $60,650 |
| Hawaii | $67,800 |
| Idaho | $44,630 |
| Illinois | $57,680 |
| Indiana | $47,870 |
| Iowa | $47,690 |
| Kansas | $45,580 |
| Kentucky | $58,440 |
| Louisiana | $52,540 |
| Maine | $51,010 |
| Maryland | $72,470 |
| Massachusetts | $70,860 |
| Michigan | $51,780 |
| Minnesota | $64,550 |
| Mississippi | $46,400 |
| Missouri | $53,450 |
| Montana | $50,870 |
| Nebraska | $51,070 |
| Nevada | $69,390 |
| New Hampshire | $56,360 |
| New Jersey | $67,700 |
| New Mexico | $51,650 |
| New York | $68,520 |
| North Carolina | $55,020 |
| North Dakota | $55,250 |
| Ohio | $55,090 |
| Oklahoma | $44,270 |
| Oregon | $63,450 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,530 |
| Rhode Island | $69,010 |
| South Carolina | $57,650 |
| South Dakota | $41,480 |
| Tennessee | $55,010 |
| Texas | $60,810 |
| Utah | $50,790 |
| Vermont | $48,370 |
| Virginia | $69,480 |
| Washington | $71,780 |
| West Virginia | $41,560 |
| Wisconsin | $57,330 |
| Wyoming | $55,100 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Librarians
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Librarians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- JavaScript
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Structured query language SQL
- Database software
- Microsoft Publisher
- FileMaker Pro
- Extensible markup language XML
- PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
- Adobe Systems Adobe Dreamweaver
- LexisNexis
How do I Become a Librarian?
Education needed to be a Librarian:
What work experience do I need to become a Librarian?
Where Librarians Are Employed
Librarians work in the following industries:
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Career changers with experience as a Librarian sometimes find work in one of the following fields:
References:
Image Credit: Diliff via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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