How do you become a librarian?

En mi caso, fue por un giro fortuito de la vida que terminé estudiando Ciencias de la Información en la universidad. A medida que profundizaba en la carrera, descubría su fascinante diversidad, abarcando áreas como bibliometría, estudios de usuarios, servicios bibliotecarios, gestión de bibliotecas y procesos bibliotecarios, entre otras. Explora todas estas dimensiones, pero especialízate en aquella que te gusta más.

I worked for my University's Library for 2 years as a Circulation Assistant. For me, interpersonal skills is very important as you will be accommodating the needs of patrons. This means great communication skills and the ability to do so effectively with people from all sorts of background. You also have to learn dispute resolutions in order to handle clients that are not compliant. Furthermore, it helps to be able to learn the library's system and learn it fast. Double check that your scanned items and information are correct before letting the patron leave the library. Stay organized! Learn where items are located in the library and what services the library provides. Most importantly, expand your network and love your job!

To formally be considered a librarian, you need to earn a Master of Library Science degree at university. However, it is possible to take courses at trade-related colleges to work there as an assistant.

become a librarian, one typically needs to obtain a Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an accredited institution, which provides essential knowledge of library management, cataloging, and information organization. Many programs also include coursework in technology, research methods, and user services. In addition to formal education, aspiring librarians often gain practical experience through internships, volunteer positions, or part-time work in libraries. Some regions or specific positions may require additional certifications or licenses. Strong communication, organizational, and technological skills are also crucial for success in this field.

I was working as a Librarian Assistant in 2004 that managed a branch, so I decided to enroll to get an MLIS from Wayne State University to make it official. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

In my case, it was by a fortuitous turn of life that I ended up studying Information Sciences at university. As I delved deeper into the career, I discovered its fascinating diversity, encompassing areas such as bibliometrics, user studies, library services, library management and library processes, among others. Explore all these dimensions, but specialize in the one you like the most.

I became a librarian by getting a bachelor's degree after previously doing an associate diploma in library studies. As a librarian you can work in so many areas of the library from systems, acquisitions, metadata management, customer service, data analytics, management and if you work at a University, mentoring and teaching new students. Some of these areas inspire you to get further qualifications. Most bachelor degrees in information science programs have transformed into master degrees in the Australian environment. Building further knowledge on the base of the persons undergraduate degree. It is possible to get a librarian position without qualifications but it is rare and you have to have the relevant experience and skills.

Librarians come from various backgrounds, with many holding bachelor's degrees in English and History. However, it's possible to pursue a career as a librarian with any bachelor's degree.

Librarians come from diverse backgrounds. From my experience, we often have bachelor's degrees in English and History. However, you can pursue a career as a Librarian with any bachelor's degree.

En Belgique, il s'agit d'un graduat (formation en 3 ans) en bibliothéconomie. Plusieurs Hautes Ecoles fournissent ce cursus. Les formations universitaires sont avant-tout pour les postes de conservateurs / dirigeants. Il existe des passerelles pour passer du graduat aux études universitaires en fin de cycle.

To add an Australian perspective, it's not necessary to have a Master's degree in library science to become a librarian. Some working librarians have completed a Bachelor of Information Studies. Others have an undergraduate degree in another discipline and qualify to become a librarian through completing a Graduate Diploma (this is what I did!). Others go on to complete a Master’s degree when they’ve gained some library experience.

Depending on which state you plan to exert yourself as a librarian, you will need a MLS/MLIS. Obviously, the MLIS is a more ample degree which also allows for IT jobs. But, what I think is even more important is your ability to relate and appeal to people. If you're getting into librarianship because you like to read you should really consider IT, but if you like people and you like talking to, dealing with, and sometimes being treated quite poorly by complete strangers then public librarianship might be for you.

In my case, it was by chance because I didn't know anything about this course but my maternal uncle was pursuing a master degree in Library and Information Science. So, he suggested that and I applied in this course and fortunately got the admission. I love this profession. So, yeah now I am a professional librarian having 7 years of experience.

In Nigeria, you don't necessarily have to earn a master's degree to become a librarian. A bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, along with professional membership in the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN), qualifies you to become a librarian professionally. However, the title of your role depends on your parent organization.

My interest in books from my high school days made me choose librarianship as a career. I started by getting a diploma in library science, a degree in library and information science, and a master's degree in information and library studies. Over the years, I have been able to be well grounded in my career as a certified librarian by constantly researching and learning new trends in librarianship. Here are some ways to become a librarian: 1. Be passionate 2. Get a degree in library and information studies 3. Do some volunteer jobs in any library near you to gain hands-on experience 4. Attend seminars, conferences, workshop and webinars on anything that is related to library science 5. Connect with professional librarians.

Any part-time job in any type of library will help you learn more about the field and what areas may interest you. There are many different kinds of libraries! Consider your interests, then look for a match.

I HIGHLY recommend getting some kind of library experience while you are in your masters program. If possible, seek student employment at your university library. Or get a position (circulation, aide, etc.) at your local public library. Or volunteer. It doesn't have to be much, and it doesn't have to be exactly the kind of work you hope to do after graduation; but every bit helps. Many of your classmates will leave their MLIS programs with some library experience. If you can get that experience, you'll be better positioned to compete with them.

First to become a librarian, you will need to obtain your educational credentials, either a Masters of Information Science or a Masters in Library Science from an accredited university. Before pursuing that path, determine if the job is for you by working or volunteering in a library. Ask yourself, do you enjoy the public, the work itself, and job growth you see others obtain. For an industry that is changing both in the public and academic arenas, ask yourself if this is the path you’d see yourself in for the next 20+ years.

A monthly internship was compulsory in order to graduate from my bachelor studies University in Greece. I was lucky enough to complete it by working at a museum's library. It was very beneficial for me because I learned a lot of things about history, archaeology and culture, while I obtained work experience

Actual library experience will go a long way here. Many of the upper level positions like librarian or director will require an MLIS or MLS, but surprisingly, many management positions, while preferring a master's, do not actually require it. If you have management or supervisory experience, you stand a good chance at management positions within libraries.

In North Carolina if you are the library director it is a requirement for the director to have a public librarian certification for their library to be eligible to receive State Aid to Public Libraries. There are also library systems in the state that require all of their librarians to have or be able to obtain the certification.

In the UK, it's not strictly necessary to hold a master's degree to work as a librarian but this would depend on the role you're applying for and the institution offering the role. You can work towards professional registration such as certification or chartership, and for those who have lots of experience working in the library sector but who don't hold a master's degree, this can be a useful way to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and continuing professional development.

In Nigeria, to practice as a professional librarian, certification by the Librarians' Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN) is required. The minimum qualification for this certification is a first degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science, which allows you to work in any type of library.

This isn't always mandatory for getting a job - but professional membership of your library association can help demonstrate your commitment to the professional field.

Ce n'est plus nécessaire, même si le poste de bibliothécaire est un grade qui s'obtient par un concours qui permet d'être titulaire de la fonction publique, on peut aussi s'en passer. Pour ma part, après 10 ans d'ancienneté, je suis passé en CDI sur le poste d'assistant de conservation que j'occupais jusque là.

I would always recommend visiting some congresses if possible. Or using any chance to come in touch with other library-people. There are so many other librarians around the world and we can always participate from another's experiences. I have met lots of nice people and some of them became not just colleagues but also close friends. It is really great to broaden the boundaries of your own library and have a look at how librarians around the globe are working.

What I found useful is, various professional groups, institutions of learning and also professionals and experts are active. I follow them and see the updates. As a School Librarian I check updates and see if I am using them in my work, personal growth. I write and post on my blog. Keep in touch with mentors. I try attend webinars and events. I attend literary festivals and meet authors and writers and take away learning to use the same for collection development. I do take sessions for the professional colleagues.

Maybe include how to find fun ideas on how to get to know a potential library community. Find out if there are any clubs or groups to join, that will give you standing, experience and contacts. Build trust. Remember your work-life-play balance. By getting involved you become part of the community. Be prepared for long-term librarian-patron relationships. Remember to believe in yourself, to believe in your community and remember to have fun.

The best opportunities for learning and growing comes from your peers. Especially the ones that you work with every day and who can sometimes have 25+ years experience over you. I'm very fortunate to work in a library team where we constantly collaborate with each other and have trust in each other's ideas. You also can't be afraid of change!

Depuis 18 ans que je suis bibliothécaire, je ne me suis jamais posé la question d'apprendre un nouveau domaine ou une compétence. Les bibliothèques bougent et doivent bouger, entre les évolutions du numérique et les rapports à l'accès à la culture. Nous sommes dans le "paradoxe de la reine rouge", d'après un biologiste évolutionniste. Pour être au même niveau ou progresser, il nous faut sans cesse évoluer nous-même : nouvelles connaissances, nouvelles pratiques, nouvelles collections, à installer au rythme le plus souhaitable aussi pour notre institution, ou à réfléchir en réseau

Be open to nontraditional paths. Library consortia provide a wide range of opportunities from customer service, technical services, ILS system administration, opportunities exist for folks with and without an MLS. I'm happy to talk with anyone interested in learning more about opportunities in library consortia.

I know it's common in the present day to complain about application requirements like cover letters. And it's true that in a lot of corporate hiring, cover letters aren't even read. But I still highly recommend a thoughtful cover letter for library positions. The hiring manager will probably receive lots of applications, and there will be others applying with credentials very similar to yours. Don't leave the recruiter looking at a list of 20+ people with MLIS degrees and no other info. Do what you can to present yourself as a great fit and someone they will want to work with.

Librarianship is not known for high salaries and glamourous positions. For me and many of my peers this a calling and something that we feel passionate about. I find this to be particularly true regarding public and school libraries. If you like helping people find what they are looking for then this may be the field for you. It can be very gratifying. Particularly in public libraries, being able to build a collection that speaks to a community is priceless. I am in the United States but I find this to be true elsewhere too.

As a hiring manager in a special library, I echo the call for a cover letter when applying for a position. It doesn't need to be long. It doesn't need to be overly formal. It's just something to show that you've given the role some thought and that you can express yourself in some way. I've hired more than one non-traditional candidate into a role, where they have flourished, due in part to a cover letter. I might not have considered their resume otherwise.

The path to becoming a librarian differs from country to country. In Australia, it's possible to qualify as a librarian with either an undergraduate (e.g. Bachelor of Information Studies) or a postgraduate (Graduate Diploma/Master of Information Studies) degree. It's important to make sure that the degree you choose is accredited by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA). Many people complete a more general undergraduate degree first (such as a Bachelor of Arts), and then choose to pursue library studies as a postgraduate.