Librarian

Job Description:

Librarians run public and private libraries, managing access to books, multi-media resources and computers.

Job Category:

Government & Public Services

See Government & Public Services jobs

What you will do:

In your day-to-day tasks you could:

manage staff, budgets and statistical returns
use IT systems to catalogue, classify and index stock
deal with counter, phone and email enquiries
organise IT access and solve user problems
keep up to date with new publications and select stock
make sure staff follow Freedom of Information, Data Protection and Copyright laws
promote library services through displays, talks and community events like reading clubs
attend meetings and conferences

Skills:

You’ll need:

knowledge of English language
administration skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

As well as:

customer service skills
the ability to work well with others (teamwork skills)
to be flexible and open to change (adaptability skills)
the ability to use your initiative (ambition)
sensitivity and understanding
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations

Illustration of employee looking at workspace

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

a university course
working towards this role
a graduate training scheme

University

You can do a degree or postgraduate qualification in librarianship or information management.

You’ll need some practical experience, which you can get through an internship during your first degree or by volunteering at a library.

Work

You could start as a library assistant or data officer with an information service. With experience, you could apply for certification and study for further qualifications while you work.

Other Routes

You could join an employer’s graduate training scheme and apply for chartership.

Working Hours and Environment:

A typical week consists of 36-38 hours of work. You could be required to work evenings/weekends on shifts.

You could work at a library, at a school, at a university, at a college or in a prison.

Career Path & Progression:

You could move into a senior job as a manager. Another option is to take responsibility for a specialist service or collection.