Librarian

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:

• pass enhanced background checks

Related subjects

Most relevant

• English Literature - Librarians need a deep knowledge of books, authors, and literary genres to help readers find what they're looking for and to recommend new titles. They also select which new publications to buy, which requires an understanding of literary quality and what appeals to different audiences.
• English Language - Librarians deal with enquiries by phone, email, and in person, and need to communicate clearly with a wide range of people. They also catalogue resources, write promotional materials, and plan events – all of which require strong written and verbal communication skills.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Librarians manage digital cataloguing systems, online databases, and digital resource platforms that require an understanding of how information is structured and retrieved. Some librarians also work with data management systems and help configure library software to organise large collections effectively.
• Business - Librarians manage budgets, staff, and resources – deciding how to allocate funding across new purchases, subscriptions, and events. Understanding how to plan, organise, and manage a service effectively is a key part of running a library well.
• History - Librarians often support researchers with access to archives and historical document collections. Understanding how to work with primary sources and how historical records are organised helps them guide users through these materials.
• Sociology - Librarians build close links with community groups and design activities to promote library use among diverse populations. Understanding how different communities work and what barriers people face in accessing information helps them make library services inclusive and relevant.