Library Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Different library jobs have varying qualifications. To become a librarian, you need a master’s degree in either library science or information studies. This is important if you work with students in an academic setting. You also need some research experience and a strong awareness of research procedures and tools. Library technicians and assistants need to have a high school diploma or a GED certificate and strong administrative skills. If you are seeking a job in library computer support, you need at least a bachelor’s degree in information technologies.

There are many positions in a library with a wide range of necessary experience and academic qualifications. As a librarian, you select the books and resources available in the library and oversee other library workers. Library technicians organize shelves, check out materials to patrons, and teach patrons about the library’s resources. If you are looking for an entry-level position, you can work as a library assistant. Library assistants answer phones, organize files, and help out with other clerical tasks. Just like other businesses, libraries also hire janitors, administrative assistants, and public relations support.

Librarians are responsible for everything that goes on at their library. Your duties in this career include selecting the library’s materials, maintaining an organizational system for these materials, and instructing the public on how to use the library. Your responsibilities also involve supervising other library workers, including the technicians and assistants. An academic librarian may have added responsibilities, including liaising with academic staff, assisting students with research projects, and making sure the library meets the needs of professors, postgraduates, and undergraduates. As a librarian, you may also act in a customer service capacity, but most larger facilities have a dedicated staff for this.

A library assistant helps the librarians and library technicians organize the library. You are responsible for making library materials available to patrons. You may cover the circulation desk and check out books, videos, periodicals, and other materials to customers. You may also help library patrons find what they are looking for, so you should have a strong knowledge of the libraries organizational system. A library assistant typically receives most of their training on the job, so you do not need a particular degree.