Librarian
Librarians work in public and commercial libraries, managing access to books, digital resources, archives and computers.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As a librarian, you could:
- catalogue print and digital resources, like books, images and journals
- deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
- plan and host events and activities for library users
- manage staff, budgets and training
- support researchers and students with access to archives and document collections
- stock take and make sure resources are stored safely and correctly
- select which new publications and online subscriptions to buy
- build close links with community groups and promote services online
Working environment
You could work at a library, at a school, at a university, at a college or in a prison.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could move into a senior job as a library or area manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.
You could also apply for professional registration with the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP). Registration leads to chartership and is a way to have your skills and expertise recognised within the profession.
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- the ability to work well with others
- administration skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of English language
- the ability to use your initiative
- the ability to design activities to promote use of library resources
- excellent verbal communication skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- working towards this role
- a graduate training scheme
You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
Subjects include:
- library and information management
- information science
- library studies
You may need some practical experience to do a postgraduate course. You can get this through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering in a library or archive collection.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
More Information
You could start as a library assistant or data officer with an information service.
With experience, you could apply for Certification through the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals and study for further qualifications while you work.
If you have a first degree, you could join an employer's graduate training scheme in librarianship and information management.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals for training and development opportunities.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a librarian from the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals.
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This page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.