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- What are the benefits of working in a library?
- How to get a job at a library
- Common library jobs
If you enjoy surrounding yourself with books and sharing your love of reading, consider working at a library. Working at a library comes with a wide variety of benefits including job stability and a competitive salary. Understanding the library positions you can pursue can help you make a more strategic career decision. In this article, we explain ...
Understanding the benefits that come from working in a library can help you determine whether or not you want to follow this career path. If you find the benefits worthwhile, you can start planning your future career with greater confidence. Here are some benefits of working in a library:
•Competitive salary: Working in a library offers a competitive salary—especially once you reach mid- to senior-level positions. However, even working at the entry-level allows you to make a sizable income.
•Employment benefits: Apart from salary, many library positions offer other benefits including health insurance and paid time off. Having these benefits can provide you with a greater quality of life and greater job satisfaction.
•Variety of positions: If you enjoy working in a library, you have a wide variety of positions to choose from. While you can always become a librarian, you can also pursue a career as an archivist or library director. Keep in mind that the size of the library often dictates the variety of positions available.
1. Explore different types of libraries
Before you pursue any type of library work, research the various types of libraries. Each type of library presents different benefits and available positions. Understanding the differences between each type of library can help you narrow down your job search. Here are some of the various types of libraries: •Academic library: Colleges and universities have academic libraries available for both staff members and students. Apart from supporting the staff's and student's needs, they also support the school's curriculum. Some larger campuses have multiple libraries, with each specializing in certain areas such as history or law. •Public library: A public library offers the general public access to its collection of books and resources. Often funded by public sources, many cities across the U.S. have this type of library. Public libraries house an organized collection of books and media for the community to use. They may also offer services to the public such as story time, a book club or various STEM activities for children. •School library: As part of a school system, school libraries serve students from kindergarten through grade 12. Many school libraries even offer media learning opportunities for students. •Special library: Special libraries provide guests with specialized resources on a certain topic. They also serve a specialized clientele with specialized services for that clientele. You can find a special library at a hospital, military base, government building or museum. •National library: Established by a government, a national library offers a complete source of information. Unlike a public library, they rarely allow the general public to borrow a book since they typically house rare and important works.
2. Research library positions
Once you know the type of library you want to work in, consider the jobs it tends to offer. Think of the capacity in which you want to work and research every job title you're interested in. Look into the common duties and qualifications for each role. Having a better understanding of the job positions available and the requirements for each can help you determine which position you want to pursue. It also helps you know how to pursue the specific position you're interested in.
3. Consider volunteer work
Gain experience and more knowledge about library work by spending time as a volunteer. Ask your local public library about their volunteering opportunities. As a volunteer, you may get to shelve books, help guests at the circulation desk or help repair old books. This experience lets you know what it's like to work in a library before you pursue a professional career in this field.Related: 7 Reasons To Consider Volunteering
1. Library assistant
National average salary: $25,274 per yearPrimary duties: Library assistants help a library staff organize resources and materials. They lend and collect books and help library patrons find the information they need. Library assistants also answer questions from patrons and help them meet their technical needs.
2. Library aide
National average salary: $29,272 per yearPrimary duties: Library aides ensure the organization and efficiency of a library. They help library guests find what they need, answer incoming library calls and catalog or reshelve books. Library aides also maintain circulation records, process new books and maintain the computer database.
3. Library technician
National average salary: $34,929 per yearPrimary duties: Library technicians perform tasks that help keep a library running. They assist librarians, help library guests find the information they're looking for and organize library resources and materials.
These days a librarian does a lot more than check out materials and shelve books. Technology expert, information detective, literacy expert, trainer, and community programming coordinator are just a few of the hats a public librarian wears.
People also ask
How long does it take to become a librarian?
How long does it take to study library science?
What are the job requirements for a librarian?
How much do librarians make a year?
I would estimate 6 weeks is about average where I work, but I have seen it take less and MUCH longer. At my institution, everything has to be done and signed in order. If someone is out, the queue sits and waits for them to come back - even if they're on a two week vacation.
Knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service. Ability to organize job duties and work independently. Demonstrated knowledge of library materials and resources. Creativity to develop and implement library programs and services. Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. Positive attitude toward library users with special ...
The Library Page positions are entry level hourly positions typically scheduled for 14-19 hours per week. Does the Library host internships? NYPL does host a limited number of internships each semester.
Feb 3, 2023 · Librarians can earn their undergraduate degree in any topic, but many choose literature, English, or a related major. Then, they can enroll in a master's program. These programs include the Master of Library and Information Science and Master of Library Science, which often take one to two years to finish.
To request a job kit for a particular Library of Congress vacancy, you may call the Library of Congress Customer Service Desk at (202) 707-5627 or email jobhelp@loc.gov or pick up a copy in person from the Library of Congress Customer Service Desk, located at 101 Independence Avenue, SE, LM-107, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
