Notes

Administer libraries and perform related library services. Work in a variety of settings, including public libraries, educational institutions, museums, corporations, government agencies, law firms, non-profit organizations, and healthcare providers. Tasks may include selecting, acquiring, cataloguing, classifying, circulating, and maintaining library materials; and furnishing reference, bibliographical, and readers' advisory services. May perform in-depth, strategic research, and synthesize, analyze, edit, and filter information. May set up or work with databases and information systems to catalogue and access information.

Quick Facts
National Annual Salary Range $33,680 To $87,060
Entry-Level Education Master's degree
Number of Jobs in 2014 143,100
Expected Job Openings (2014-2024) 29,500
National Outlook (2014-2024) 1.8 % increase
Education & Experience

Working Conditions

Librarians spend a significant portion of time at their desks or in front of computer terminals; extended work at video display terminals can cause eyestrain and headaches. Assisting users in obtaining information or books for their jobs, homework, or recreational reading can be challenging and satisfying, but working with users under deadlines can be demanding and stressful. Some librarians lift and carry books, and some climb ladders to reach high stacks, although most modern libraries have readily accessible stacks. Librarians in small organizations sometimes shelve books themselves.

More than 2 out of 10 librarians work part time. Public and college librarians often work weekends and evenings, as well as some holidays. School librarians usually have the same workday and vacation schedules as classroom teachers. Special librarians usually work normal business hours, but in fast-paced industries—such as advertising or legal services—they can work longer hours when needed.

Tasks

Analyze patrons' requests to determine needed information and assist in furnishing or locating that information.
Search standard reference materials, including online sources and the Internet, to answer patrons' reference questions.
Code, classify, and catalog books, publications, films, audio-visual aids, and other library materials based on subject matter or standard library classification systems.
Teach library patrons basic computer skills, such as searching computerized databases.
Plan and teach classes on topics such as information literacy, library instruction, and technology use.
Review and evaluate materials, using book reviews, catalogs, faculty recommendations, and current holdings to select and order print, audio-visual, and electronic resources.
Develop and maintain databases that provide information for library users.
Design information storage and retrieval systems and develop procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and classifying information.
Locate unusual or unique information in response to specific requests.
Keep up-to-date records of circulation and materials, maintain inventory, and correct cataloging errors.
Explain use of library facilities, resources, equipment, and services and provide information about library policies.
Supervise daily library operations, budgeting, planning, and personnel activities, such as hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
Plan and deliver client-centered programs and services, such as special services for corporate clients, storytelling for children, newsletters, or programs for special groups.
Respond to customer complaints, taking action as necessary.
Negotiate contracts for library services, materials, and equipment.
Arrange for interlibrary loans of materials not available in a particular library.
Organize collections of books, publications, documents, audio-visual aids, and other reference materials for convenient access.
Develop library policies and procedures.
Confer with colleagues, faculty, and community members and organizations to conduct informational programs, make collection decisions, and determine library services to offer.
Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot information access aids, such as databases, annotated bibliographies, web pages, electronic pathfinders, software programs, and online tutorials.
Check books in and out of the library.
Collect and organize books, pamphlets, manuscripts, and other materials in specific fields, such as rare books, genealogy, or music.
Evaluate vendor products and performance, negotiate contracts, and place orders.
Direct and train library staff in duties, such as receiving, shelving, researching, cataloging, and equipment use.
Evaluate materials to determine outdated or unused items to be discarded.
Engage in professional development activities, such as taking continuing education classes and attending or participating in conferences, workshops, professional meetings, and associations.
Author or publish professional articles, internal documents, and instructional materials.
Compile lists of books, periodicals, articles, and audio-visual materials on particular subjects.
Represent library or institution on internal and external committees.
Write proposals for research or project grants.
Compile lists of overdue materials and notify borrowers that their materials are overdue.
Plan and participate in fundraising drives.
Assemble and arrange display materials.
Perform public relations work for the library, such as giving televised book reviews and community talks.
Provide input into the architectural planning of library facilities.
Complete minor repairs and cleaning of library resources, equipment, and facilities, such as dusting and fixing printer paper jams.

Salary & Outlook

State Selected: View By:
Yearly Salary Hourly Salary
Yearly Salary Statewide Nationwide
10th Percentile $36,630 $33,680
25th Percentile $43,960 $44,230
Median $54,920 $56,170
75th Percentile $70,140 $70,590
90th Percentile $86,890 $87,060
National Outlook
Number of Jobs in 2014 143,100
Expected Job Openings (2014-2024) 29,500
National Outlook (2014-2024) 1.8 % increase