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How to become a Librarian

Librarian

Career progression and salary expectations for a Librarian

1

Library Assistant

| Up to £20,000
2

Librarian

| Up to £25,000
3

Chartered Librarian

| Up to £30,000

The role of a Librarian

Looking to become a Librarian? Shh…

Librarians work in public libraries, schools, universities and larger archives or private collections, organising and categorising books for ease of use and assisting with research.

Without them, thousands of the book’s we take for granted to day may have been lost forever, including the works of classical writers such as Homer, English literary greats like Dickens and Shakespeare, and even more contemporary authors.

Although arguably, GCSE English lessons may have been made significantly shorter.Key duties for a Librarian include:

  • Ordering, categorising and cataloguing bodies of text
  • Issuing books and advising people on how to use the library
  • Managing budgets and ordering new publications
  • Replacing lost, stolen or damaged stock
  • Organising community events and leading group activities, such as reading groups
  • Updating online systems to help make referencing more efficient
To become a Librarian, being passionate about learning and literature is absolutely essential. If you’re the sort of person who prefers to wait for the movie to come version to come out, this might not be the right role for you.

You will also need to possess excellent organisation skills, and adopt a meticulous approach to your work at all times. Libraries run like well-oiled machines, and it only takes a few small cataloguing errors to send a whole system spiralling out of control.

The ability to ‘shhh’ people on demand may also be a distinct advantage.

Other key skills for a Librarian include:

  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Trustworthiness
  • Ability to work under your own initiative
  • Knowing the difference between an ‘inside’ voice, and an ‘outside’ voice
"I always wanted to be a Librarian. It’s pretty sad, I know, but I’ve been an avid reader ever since I can remember. I’m also quite introverted, and working in such a calm and tranquil place suits me to a tee. The best part of the job is being surrounded by so much knowledge, and it’s really rewarding making recommendations that might just inspire the next generation of readers. I just love books really. I’m not in love with them though…"

Get qualified as a Librarian

To become a Librarian, you typically need a bachelor's degree in library science, information management, or a related field, though some employers may accept degrees in other disciplines with relevant experience. Additionally, studying for a postgraduate qualification and gaining membership in a professional body like the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) could significantly enhance your job prospects.

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