Librarian

Introduction

Librarians select, purchase and organise library materials. The wide range of materials includes books, leaflets, CDs and audio cassettes, DVDs and video cassettes, computer software and newspaper cuttings. Librarians use information technology to find and organise information. They also manage budgets and supervise staff.

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Work Activities

Librarians select, purchase and organise library materials, encouraging their clients and customers to make the best use of them. Materials include books, leaflets, CDs and audio cassettes, DVDs and video cassettes, computer software, microfiche, photographs and newspaper cuttings.

Some librarians buy regularly through a supplier. As they buy, they may become aware of other relevant materials. Or they might spend a lot of time scanning publications and websites to identify appropriate material. In all cases, librarians must be aware of all the sources available and of their clients' needs. This involves close and regular liaison with library users to take full account of their views and requirements.

Librarians use information technology to organise and retrieve information, so good IT skills are needed. They are also responsible for classifying, indexing and arranging of materials.

Librarians are responsible for any antiquarian and valuable books and other publications, making sure that they are carefully stored and preserved and that they are used only under controlled circumstances. It may also be necessary to make arrangements for insurance cover for such materials.

Librarians make sure that information and materials are used fully and in the best way possible. This might include user-education programmes, publicity campaigns, or the distribution of information through bulletins, as well as dealing with enquiries. In public libraries, in particular, it may involve activities such as creative writing workshops, readings by prominent authors and school visits.

Librarians also manage the library, control the budget and supervise staff.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

As a librarian, it is helpful to have good general knowledge, and in some cases to have specialist knowledge in one or more fields. You should also have a natural curiosity and an interest in carrying out research into particular subjects.

You should have a logical and retentive mind, and be able to demonstrate initiative when handling enquiries. The ability to scan large amounts of text and extract the relevant information is extremely helpful. At the same time it is important to be accurate and attentive to detail.

You must be able to communicate at many levels - with your clients, colleagues and superiors. In dealing with clients and customers, you should be friendly, approachable and efficient.

You need to have skills in managing people and resources, and in organising and planning events and services. Good ICT skills are equally important, both for researching for clients and for managing the service.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for librarians vary depending on the sector they work in, the employer, and the level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Librarians' earn in the range of £18,000 - £22,000 a year, rising to £26,000 - £45,000 a year. Salaries of £50,000 - £70,000 are possible for senior posts in some sectors, eg law and government departments.

Librarians work 36-40 hours Monday to Friday. However, where offices are open longer, you may need to work evenings and weekends. Part-time work is also available.

Librarians are employed in towns and cities throughout the country. In the public sector, you may work in libraries, schools, National Health Service (NHS) and government departments. In the private sector, you may work for financial institutions, professional bodies, publishers and the media.

There is competition for posts.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Language skills, for example, community languages in public libraries and foreign languages in business libraries, are an advantage.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) course, a college or university Access course could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who haven't followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

They can lead to relevant degree and HND courses.

Graduate traineeships are available, normally on a salaried basis up to one year only.

ASLIB, the Association for Information Management offers a range of library-related courses by distance learning.

Funding is available for postgraduate study, through universities, in the form of professional awards from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

Consultancy and research work is possible after substantial work experience.

• 29% of librarians work part-time.
• 14% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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