Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
How to become a librarian
Keep the community informed and inspired by providing access to information.
What is a librarian?
Librarians manage a wide range of printed and digital resources and help people to find the information they need.
How do I become a librarian?
To become a librarian, you'll usually need a relevant first degree, or a degree in any subject with a postgraduate qualification in librarianship.
Useful first degrees could include:
- Information science / management
- Computer science
- Software engineering
If you have an HND or a foundation degree, you could start as a library assistant and work your way through extra qualifications, training, and experience.
It's worth noting that many libraries have suffered closure in recent years, meaning that opportunities are fewer and competition for jobs has increased.
What would I do as a librarian?
As a librarian, you'll be a gatekeeper for knowledge. You’ll direct readers and researchers to the resources they need.
You'll gather, organise, and make accessible a wide range of materials for study, interest, and information. While that covers printed material such as books, magazines, and reports, modern libraries are driven by IT and you'll need to be fluent in the use of online resources too.
Typically, your work will involve:
- Providing advice and information services for all library users
- Helping library users access information through IT and developing the use of IT to improve services
- Keeping library stock up to date
- Planning and organising library resources to suit the needs of users
- Promoting the use of the library – which may involve working out in the community
- Making library services available to community groups such as minority ethnic groups, schools, youth organisations, adult learners and pre-schools
- Working with other agencies such as museums and educational services to develop new programmes and initiatives
- Senior librarians may be responsible for managing a team of librarians and assistants as well as securing funding and managing budgets
Becoming a librarian could be for you if...
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There's no subject you're not interested in
You're passionate about knowledge in all its forms and making it accessible for people.
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You're uber organised
With so much information available, you'll need to know your way around a wide variety of sources.
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You want to make a difference
Knowledge changes lives. You'll be helping library users to enrich theirs through information, education or simply entertainment.
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You're a bit of a detective
Not all information is easy to find. You'll be determined and resourceful in tracking it down.
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You love books, and you love people
Especially in a public library, you'll be dealing directly with members of the public and conscious of the library's role in the community.
What are the typical working hours for a librarian?
You'll usually work a 35-hour week with some evening and weekend work. Part-time work and job share opportunities may also be an option.
Starting salaries can range from £25,000 to £29,000.
With experience, you can earn from £30,000 to £40,000. Senior roles and head or director library and information services could earn more.
