A librarian can be found in a variety of settings, including universities and colleges, courthouses, public schools, law offices, museums, and local library buildings, to name a few. A librarian must have a strong interest in literature and education.
Let us know about Career as a Librarian!
About Librarian
Librarians choose, organize, and educate individuals how to use information resources efficiently. Many deal directly with the public, while others work in technical support or administration. Although librarians, also known as information professionals, have historically dealt with printed materials, they have adapted to changing technology by incorporating electronic resources such as online databases and e-books.
Roles and Responsibilities
A librarian is a friendly and personable role. Certified Librarians possess strong IT skills and familiarity with the use of databases. They must also have expertise in a resource ordering and excellent organisational and interpersonal skills. Their responsibilities include:
- Firstly, selecting, developing, cataloguing and classifying library resources
- Then, using library systems and specialist computer applications
- Further, order new inventory from book supply companies
- Also, they ensure that library services meet the needs of particular groups of users
- Moreover, they provide suggestions to library users about new books to try
- Finally, they should research new reading trends and popular genres to add to the library
Eligibility
A master’s in library science (MLS) from a program authorized by the body overseeing education is required for most librarian employment in public, academic, or special libraries. Federal government librarians are required to hold an MLS. To teach in a librarian education program or aspire to a senior management post in a college or university, a PhD in library science is necessary. Some librarians, particularly those who work in university environments, hold a second degree in their field of expertise.
Career Prospects
Academic librarians – In postsecondary institutions, help students, professors, and staff. They assist students in conducting research on issues relating to their education and instruct them on how to get information. They can also help academics and staff find resources for their research projects or studies. There are numerous libraries on certain campuses, and librarians may specialize in a specific field.
Administrative services librarians – Libraries are managed, budgets are prepared, and contracts for library items and equipment are negotiated. Some work for the library’s public relations or fundraising efforts.
Public librarians – endeavor to serve all members of the public in their communities They assist users with finding books to like, conducting research for academics, business, or personal interests, and learning how to use the library’s resources. Many public librarians provide events for their customers, such as children’s story times, book clubs, and educational activities.
School librarians, or school library media specialists, work in elementary, middle, and high school libraries. They show students how to use library resources, particularly technology. They also assist teachers with lesson planning and resource collection in the classroom.
Special librarians – Work somewhere other than a school or a public library. They’re also known as information professionals. Businesses, museums, government agencies, and a variety of other organizations employ special librarians in their libraries. The primary goal of these libraries and information centers is to meet the informational demands of the institution that houses them. As a result, dedicated librarians gather and arrange materials related to such topics. A second degree in the field of specialization may be required for special librarians.
Other Titles are –
- Library Assistant
- Information Assistant
- Library Attendant
- Deputy Librarian
- Senior Information Analyst
Scope
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this area will expand at a rate of roughly 9% from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Libraries are being used in new and inventive ways, resulting in an increase in staffing. While librarians may spend some time on the library floor and on their feet serving patrons, they spend the majority of their time in an office or at the circulation desk. Some people may go to different places on occasion.
Average Salary
In India, a librarian might earn anything from Rs. 2 to Rs. 4 lacs per year. A Librarian can expect to earn an average yearly income of $48 k in the United States. Salaries vary depending on the industry, education, experience, and a variety of other criteria. You may earn a very excellent compensation package if you have a master’s degree and a lot of experience as a librarian.
Resources offered by Vskills for Librarian
Vskills offer Librarian certification for all those interested in working in this field or in advancing their career. This certification course covers various objectives –
- Principles of Library Management
- Strategic Library Management
- Marketing and Promotion
- Information Resources Development
- Use and Maintenance of the Library
- Library Preservation
- Human Resources Development
- Library Finance and Budget
- Library Automation
Vskills also offers free practice tests and online tutorials to supplement the learning process. You can check them by clicking on the following links –
Other Resources for Librarian
Before you can become an expert in desired areas, you must first build a solid base. Before you can move on to practical teaching, you’ll need to have the right applied skills. To gain better understanding of the domain, you can use the following tools:
- Firstly, Online Tutorials for being Librarian
- Also, Certification Courses from verified sources such as Vskills, Coursera, Udemy and so on.
- In addition, Online communities
- Moreover, Blogs and study material from experts in this field and many more.
Here are some examples of how you can improve your abilities:
- Freelancing
- Internships
- Apprenticeship programs
The above steps will help you to get this domain started. It’s a long way to go, however. You can take an advanced course to reach a new level of skills.
Discover the career opportunities and other prospects of Career as Librarian. Hurry up and start preparing now with Vskills.in!