Becoming a Librarian: Tips & Career Guide

Librarians have a complex job managing information within libraries.

To become a librarian, you'll typically need at least a master's degree. Keep reading to learn more about what librarians do and how to become one.

What Does a Librarian Do?

A librarian is an information specialist who works in a library or research setting. The specific job duties of a librarian depend on the type of library they work in.

Common job duties include:

• assisting patrons with research and finding materials
• curating the library's collection
• creating and maintaining library databases
• organizing library materials
• planning library programs
• preparing library budgets
• repairing damaged books
• staying up-to-date on new books and materials
• train and supervise library staff and volunteers

In a smaller library setting, a librarian may do a wide variety of tasks. In a larger library, they may focus on one particular area, like administrative services, technical services, or user services.

When many people think of librarians, they think of those that work in public libraries. However, there are many other types of libraries that a librarian may work in.

Types of libraries include:

• academic libraries, also called university libraries
• K-12 school libraries
• law libraries
• medical libraries

Librarians who work in specialty libraries, like law and medical libraries, are often tasked with helping industry professionals research topics in their field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for librarians to grow by 3% by 2023, which is about the same as other professions.

Steps to Become a Librarian

The requirements to become a librarian vary between states and the type of library you work for. Typically, you'll need a master's degree.

Below, we've listed the general steps to becoming a librarian.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step to becoming a librarian is to earn a bachelor's degree. Bachelor's degrees are undergraduate degrees that usually take about four years to complete.

There is no specific undergraduate major required to go into a library sciences master's degree program.

Some colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in library science.

Other good options for majors include:

• communications
• education
• English
• information science

If you know that you want to work for a specialty library, you can also look at earning a degree in that specialty field.

In many states, those who want to work in K-12 school libraries need to hold a degree in education.

Step 2: Earn a Master's Degree in Library Science

Most states require that public librarians hold a master's degree in library or information science. Master's degree programs usually take around two years to complete.

These programs cover a broad range of interdisciplinary topics related to library and archival science, information management and policy, data analysis, and intelligence analysis.

Common concentrations include:

• archives
• corporate libraries
• digital libraries
• informatics
• health sciences libraries
• law libraries

These programs usually provide internship or mentorship opportunities to students so that students can get hands-on experience in a library setting.

Many master's degree programs in library science are available in an online or hybrid format, allowing you to choose from a greater variety of programs.

You can find a full list of accredited library programs, as well as search by state, format, and area of concentration, through the American Library Association.

Step 3: Gain Library Experience

Many employers prefer that librarians have experience working in a library setting. Some states also make this a requirement for certification or licensure.

Those who are in high school or their bachelor's degree program can look into volunteer opportunities with their local public library.

On-campus employment opportunities may also be available at your college or university's academic library.

You may also be able to get a job as a library assistant or library technician. These staff members do things like check out patrons, help patrons find materials, and reshelve materials.

Many library science degree programs offer internship experiences either as a requirement of the program or as an additional opportunity alongside the program.

Step 4: Obtain Librarian Credentials

The credentials needed to work as a librarian will depend heavily on the type of library you want to work in as well as the state you work in.

About a dozen states require certification for public librarians, and several require certification for library directors.

Some states don't require certification but offer additional financial aid to libraries with certified librarians.

Librarians in public schools generally need a teaching certification. They may also need to pass a standardized test, such as the Praxis Library Media Specialist exam.

American Library Association Certifications

The American Library Association also offers two voluntary certification programs: the Certified Public Library Administrator Program and the Library Support Staff Certification Program.

The Certified Public Library Administrator Program gives librarians with supervisory experience the training to advance their careers and improve the quality of library service.

The Library Support Staff Certification Program is for non-librarian library support staff members to demonstrate their competencies and gain an edge in their careers.

Become a Librarian

To become a librarian, you'll typically need a master's degree and library work experience. You may also need a certificate or license. By following the steps above, you can start working towards becoming a librarian today!