What is a Library Coordinator?
Explore the career requirements for a library coordinator. Get the facts about education needed, job duties and certification to determine if this is the right career for you.
What is a Library Coordinator?
Library coordinators generally oversee the day-to-day running of a library. Depending on the kind of library they work in, such as medical or children's, some of their tasks may fluctuate. They may teach informational resource classes, design programs, train and oversee staff, organize budgets and develop databases. They can also help select materials and equipment for the library, as well as provide assistance to those looking to utilize library resources. The following chart provides an overview of what you need to know about entering this field.
<table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Degree Required</b> </td><td> Master's degree</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Education Field of Study</b> </td><td> How to do research; information services; classification systems; library services</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Key Responsibilities</b> </td><td> Assist library users; acquire materials; manage equipment, employees and special events</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Certification</b> </td><td> Certification required in some states</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b> </td><td> 9%* (<i>all librarians</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> <b>Median Annual Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $60,820* (<i>all librarians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---LibraryCoordinatorJobDescription">Library Coordinator Job Description</h3><p>The primary duty of a library coordinator is to manage the daily operations at a library. Duties may include assisting patrons, cataloging books, giving library orientations to groups or new patrons and collecting new materials for the library. Additional responsibilities may include overseeing the acquisition of rare or special materials, managing the library equipment, maintaining the library files and compiling data about library activities.
</p><p>You may also supervise and manage employees or volunteers, as well as handle other human resources activities, such as payroll and employee records. Another part of your job may include keeping the library up-to-date, bringing in patrons through employing programs and holding special events.
</p><h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3><p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most employers expect applicants to have a master's degree in library science. A program in library science may include courses in research methods, information services, classification, records management and library services.
</p><p>Some library service programs may offer specializations. You may have the opportunity to focus your studies on preservation, school libraries or archiving. Most programs combine leadership education with courses on library procedures and library operation.
</p><h3 id="section---OtherRequirements">Other Requirements</h3><p>Employers may require experience working within a library and state librarian certification. In some states, anyone working in a library offering service to the public must hold a state librarian certification.
</p><p>For example, in New York, according to the state's Department of Education, if you are working in a public library you must hold a New York librarian certification (<i>www.nysed.gov</i>). In Washington, if you work at a state or public library you must hold a librarian's certificate, according to the Washington Secretary of State (<i>www.sos.wa.gov</i>). Similarly, in South Carolina, according to the State Library website, there is a certification program for public librarians (<i>www.publiclibrary.sc.gov</i>).
</p><p>To earn a librarian certification, states may require you to meet education and experience requirements. You may also have to pass a test and pay a fee.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h3><p>Related careers include archivists and middle and high school teachers. Archivists are responsible for the collection, cataloging and record preservation of historical materials. They may work for museums or government agencies. Middle and high school teachers develop and execute lesson plans in basic subjects, like English and math. They must also meet with guardians and enforce policies. Both fields necessitate a bachelor's degree.</p>